Netflix Reportedly Severs Ties with Harry and Meghan After Five-Year Partnership
Netflix is said to be "done" with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to multiple sources, marking a dramatic end to the high-profile partnership announced five and a half years ago. The streaming giant's collaboration with the Sussexes, which began amid great fanfare after their departure from royal life in England, now appears to be tapering off completely.
Mixed Results and Exhausted Narratives
The partnership, originally envisioned to produce both scripted and unscripted content for all ages, has yielded limited output. Meghan's show, With Love, which aired two seasons in March and August 2025 along with a Christmas special, received mixed reviews and ratings, with the second series performing poorly compared to the first. Sources indicate that Netflix executives have grown weary of the couple's focus on their royal exit story, which one report describes as having "exhausted" bosses at the company.
Variety magazine spoke with six well-placed individuals familiar with Netflix and the Sussexes, revealing that the union has been far from a fairy tale. One source claimed, "The mood in the building is 'We're done.'" Insiders suggest that Netflix chief Ted Sarandos is "fed up" with the pair, who have been known to text directly with the co-CEO about their projects, a practice common among A-listers working with the streamer. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria is also said to have grown tired of the Sussex pact.
Contradictory Statements and Brand Divestment
Despite these claims, Netflix has issued statements defending the partnership. A spokesperson called reports of lost faith "absolutely inaccurate," and Bajaria praised Archewell as a "thoughtful and collaborative partner." She added, "We've really enjoyed working with Harry and Meghan. They're deeply engaged in the storytelling process and bring a unique, global perspective." A spokesman for the Sussexes told the Mail they cooperated with Netflix throughout.
Suspicions of a tumultuous relationship intensified when Netflix de-invested in Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, although both sides insisted this was planned from the start. A Netflix spokesperson commented, "Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role. As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand independently." The Sussexes expressed gratitude for Netflix's support through the launch and first year, stating As Ever is now ready to stand on its own.
Historical Context and Cultural Influence
Last year, Ted Sarandos publicly supported the couple, arguing their influence is "overly dismissed." He highlighted Meghan's cultural impact, noting that when the trailer for their documentary series dropped in 2022, items like her shoes and an Hermès blanket sold out globally. "People are fascinated with Meghan Markle," he said. However, this endorsement has not prevented the apparent breakdown in relations.
The partnership's decline reflects broader challenges in Hollywood for the Sussexes, whose move to the U.S. was meant to forge a new path. With With Love continuing only through seasonal specials and no major new projects announced, the future of their entertainment ventures remains uncertain. This development underscores the volatile nature of celebrity partnerships in the streaming era, where initial hype can quickly give way to commercial realities and creative differences.
