Netflix polo show was reportedly taken out of the couple’s control.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s latest Netflix project, Polo, has been met with harsh reviews and low ratings, leading to claims that the couple had little control over the direction of the show.

Despite being listed as executive producers, insiders suggest that Netflix pushed the series in a more reality-TV direction, a shift that did not resonate with audiences. The five-part docuseries, part of the Sussexes’ 80-million-pound deal with the streaming platform, has struggled to impress, with critics giving it two stars or less.

The series, which focuses on the lead-up to the polo World Cup in Florida, features prominent players like Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, Timmy Dutta, and Nacho Figueras, but not much of the Duke and Duchess themselves.

Prince Harry, 40, makes only brief appearances throughout, while Meghan, 43, is seen even less. According to a source close to the couple, they had little influence over the final product, with the network pushing for a broader appeal that deviated from their original vision.

“The bosses wanted the series to appeal to the masses and pushed this reality TV slant so it’s not entirely their fault,” A source told Closer magazine.

A changing media landscape

The negative reception of Polo comes amid growing criticism of the couple’s media ventures. The Sussexes, who have been outspoken about their dissatisfaction with the royal family and the media, are now facing backlash for producing content they once distanced themselves from.

“It’s pretty ironic because they’ve always acted so above this sort of thing, and now, here they are producing the exact type of content they’ve always looked down on,” the insider continued.

This shift in public perception is also reflected in The Cut, a magazine that has been sympathetic to Meghan in the past. A recent article titled “Harry and Meghan‘s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping” marked a departure from the magazine’s previous tone, which had supported the couple during Meghan‘s controversial 2022 cover interview.

While Harry had promised that Polo would showcase the “true depth and spirit of the sport,” the series has failed to deliver on that front, focusing more on lesser-known polo players than the Sussexes themselves. This, along with the show’s poor reception, has led some to question the future of the couple’s Netflix deal.

Experts have raised concerns that the underwhelming performance of Polo could threaten the Sussexes’ ongoing relationship with Netflix.

Media analyst Ede noted that while the series may have initially drawn attention due to the public’s curiosity about the couple, it could struggle to maintain momentum, particularly when competing against bigger shows. With Netflix relying on algorithms to gauge success, Polo’s poor reception could impact the couple’s future content on the platform.