Chanel Pysnik, the head of nonfiction TV and film at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's production company Archewell Productions, has left the business, marking a significant setback for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Pysnik's departure was announced on Wednesday, November 4, according to Deadline. She had served in the role since joining Archewell, which the couple founded in 2020 and which produced the Netflix documentary about the pair, Harry & Meghan.
A key figure in unscripted television
Pysnik is a former Disney+ and CNN executive who won an Emmy for her work on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and is regarded as one of Hollywood's top documentarians. Her exit is seen as a blow to Meghan and Harry's ambitions in the unscripted space.
In a statement, the Sussexes said: "Chanel was one of our very first hires at Archewell Productions and spearheaded the strategic framework for our unscripted endeavors."
Departure on good terms
The couple added: "She brought not only her expertise into the process, but also led with her heart in telling beautiful stories. Many successful productions later, her impact and legacy at Archewell is to be celebrated. We are both championing her as she embarks on this next chapter."
Pysnik appears to have left on good terms, with her own statement expressing pride in her tenure. She said: "It has been an honor to build Archewell Productions alongside Harry and Meghan for nearly six years. Together, we have produced work that has broken records, earned awards, and screened at prestigious film festivals, while reaching audiences around the world and contributing to important cultural conversations."
She added: "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, both creatively and commercially, and of the company we have built. I am grateful to Harry and Meghan for their trust and the opportunity to lead Archewell Productions through such a defining period."
Meghan's next steps
While Pysnik has not announced her next television move, Meghan has been confirmed as the new host of Junior MasterChef Australia. She is set to travel to Australia in 2027 for several weeks of filming, having made a guest appearance on the main MasterChef Australia show earlier this year.
