The high-profile Netflix venture led by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and model Chrissy Teigen has been thrown into uncertainty following the financial collapse of a key production partner.
The project, a non-scripted series inspired by the format of the game show 'Deal or No Deal', was being co-produced by the now-defunct French company, Sépia. The Paris-based firm, which had a longstanding relationship with Netflix, has been placed into liquidation, dealing a significant blow to the show's development.
A Major Blow for Archewell Productions
This setback represents a significant challenge for Meghan and Prince Harry's Archewell Productions, which is under pressure to deliver successful content for the streaming giant following the mixed reception of their 'Harry & Meghan' docuseries and the cancellation of Meghan's animated series, 'Pearl'.
The series was intended to see Meghan return to her roots, having once been a briefcase model on the US version of 'Deal or No Deal'. Teigen, a long-time host of the show, was to serve as an executive producer alongside the Duchess.
Radio Silence and an Uncertain Future
Since the news of Sépia's liquidation broke, representatives for both Meghan and Teigen have remained conspicuously quiet, offering no public comment on the project's status. Industry insiders suggest that Netflix and Archewell will now be scrambling to find a new production partner to salvage the investment and get the show back on track.
The collapse raises serious questions about the future of the series and adds to the mounting scrutiny on Archewell's ability to consistently produce hit content for its lucrative deal with Netflix.
