‘No One Enjoys Working With Her’: Critics Say Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘Never Delivered’ for Netflix

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a blockbuster production deal with Netflix in 2020, the partnership was widely seen as one of the most ambitious celebrity media agreements of the streaming era. Estimated to be worth around $100 million, the deal promised documentaries, scripted series, children’s programming, and inspirational content through the couple’s Archewell Productions banner. At the time, the agreement positioned the Sussexes as powerful new players in Hollywood’s rapidly expanding streaming industry.

But several years later, the results of that high-profile partnership are now being intensely debated within entertainment circles. Critics and industry observers are increasingly questioning whether the couple truly delivered the volume and impact of content that Netflix had initially hoped for.

The Sussexes’ first major success came in 2022 with the documentary series “Harry & Meghan.” The show drew massive global attention upon release, quickly climbing Netflix’s charts and generating widespread discussion about the couple’s relationship with the British royal family. For Netflix, the series delivered a major surge in viewership and media buzz, demonstrating the enormous public fascination surrounding the pair.

However, the momentum from that early success has proven difficult to sustain. Subsequent projects tied to the Sussexes have generated far less excitement, prompting critics to question whether the partnership has lived up to its initial hype.

One project that drew particular scrutiny was Meghan’s lifestyle-themed program, “With Love, Meghan.” The show aimed to present a softer, more personal side of the Duchess of Sussex, focusing on lifestyle tips, personal reflections, and inspirational themes. While the program briefly appeared in Netflix’s Top 10 rankings in several markets during its launch period, it struggled to maintain long-term viewership momentum.

Reviews from critics were mixed, with some praising the show’s polished aesthetic while others described it as overly staged or lacking a clear narrative direction. In the highly competitive streaming landscape—where platforms rely on consistent hits to retain subscribers—such lukewarm reception can quickly raise questions about a project’s long-term value.

Industry insiders have also suggested that behind-the-scenes challenges may have complicated the Sussexes’ Hollywood ambitions. Some commentators in entertainment media have claimed that working relationships around certain projects became strained, and that production processes were sometimes slower or more complicated than expected. In particularly blunt commentary circulating in media discussions, critics have even suggested that “no one enjoys working with her,” a remark widely interpreted as referring to Meghan.

Such statements remain controversial and are often disputed by supporters of the Duchess, who argue that she has been unfairly targeted by criticism since stepping away from royal duties. They note that Meghan’s projects have consistently drawn significant public attention and media coverage, something that remains extremely valuable in the entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, questions about the long-term future of the Sussexes’ partnership with Netflix have begun circulating in industry discussions. Some analysts believe the streaming giant may be re-evaluating how it collaborates with high-profile celebrity producers, particularly as the broader streaming market becomes more competitive and cost-conscious.

Over the past two years, many streaming platforms—including Netflix—have shifted their strategies toward fewer but more reliably successful productions. In that environment, deals signed during the early streaming boom are now being reexamined to determine whether they are delivering sufficient return on investment.

Despite the criticism, the Sussexes remain influential figures in both media and public discourse. Their projects, interviews, and appearances continue to generate headlines around the world, reflecting the enduring fascination with their story and their complicated relationship with the British royal family.

Supporters of Harry and Meghan argue that the couple are still in the process of building their production brand and that the early years of any media venture often involve experimentation and adjustment. Archewell Productions, they note, was launched only a few years ago, and developing major entertainment franchises typically takes time.

For now, neither Netflix nor representatives for the Sussexes have publicly confirmed any dramatic change in their working relationship. Officially, the partnership still exists, and both sides continue to maintain a professional silence about the speculation circulating in entertainment media.

Yet the debate surrounding the deal illustrates a broader reality about modern celebrity ventures: enormous expectations often accompany headline-making partnerships. When those expectations collide with the unpredictable dynamics of the entertainment industry, even the most glamorous deals can become subjects of intense scrutiny.

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the ultimate legacy of the Sussexes’ partnership with Netflix may depend on what comes next—whether future projects can recapture the attention once generated by their explosive debut documentary.

For now, the conversation continues, and one question lingers in Hollywood circles: was the Sussexes’ Netflix era just beginning—or has the industry already begun to move on? 👀