Netflix and Archewell Productions: A Partnership Re-evaluation
After five and a half years, the partnership between Netflix and Archewell Productions, the company owned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is undergoing re-evaluation. Initially established in 2020 to produce a range of content, Archewell Productions has recently shifted its focus towards Meghan Markle's consumer products brand, As Ever.
The collaboration between Netflix and Archewell Productions, which began in 2020, is now being re-evaluated, following a period where Archewell's focus shifted towards Meghan Markle's As Ever brand.
Key Developments and Challenges
Netflix recently divested from the As Ever lifestyle venture, which it had helped fund. A Netflix insider indicated that the mood regarding Meghan and Harry within the company is one of completion. While Netflix leadership, including Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria, reportedly grew weary of the partnership, a Netflix spokesperson denied this, stating Archewell has been a thoughtful and collaborative partner.
Communication Breakdowns
Sources cited "poor communication" from Archewell in its dealings with Netflix. Allegations were made by two sources of Meghan and Harry directly texting Co-CEO Ted Sarandos about projects, a practice common among A-listers.
Netflix executives reportedly learned about the couple's March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey at the last minute, causing annoyance due to the perceived lack of communication. A Sussex spokesperson, however, stated this was "categorically false" and that legal counsel was involved.
Furthermore, Netflix was reportedly surprised by the announcement of Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," which was planned for release around the same time as their docuseries "Harry & Meghan." Netflix pushed for "Harry & Meghan" to air before the book's release, with the docuseries ultimately debuting in December 2022 and the memoir in January 2023.
Docuseries Production and Podcast Conclusion
The production of "Harry & Meghan" faced directorial changes. During post-production, sources say Meghan appealed to director Liz Garbus to remove elements from the final cut, citing concern for the royal family, especially after Queen Elizabeth II's death. This characterization was called "not accurate" by a Netflix spokesperson. Despite any challenges, "Harry & Meghan" became Netflix's highest documentary debut.
Separately, the Sussexes ended their exclusive podcasting deal with Spotify after delivering only one series, "Archetypes." Spotify's head of talk strategy, Bill Simmons, publicly criticized the couple following this decision.
Creative Struggles and Talent Hesitation
A significant challenge has been Archewell's output in scripted content, as the company has not produced a single scripted project in nearly six years. The animated series "Pearl" was scrapped, and other projects struggled to materialize.
Sources also indicate that A-list talent and directors have been hesitant to work with the couple, influenced by public comments from various industry figures.
Strategic Shifts and Future Outlook
In a notable strategic move, Meghan Markle signed with WME in April 2023, primarily focusing on building the As Ever brand. Netflix supported Archewell's new creative team in 2024, prioritizing acquisitions. However, sales agents and filmmakers at Sundance reportedly showed disinterest in Archewell involvement in projects like "Skywalkers: A Love Story" and "Super/Man."
By March 2025, Netflix and Archewell shifted strategy due to the persistent lack of scripted projects. Prince Harry's visibility in projects decreased, and the focus moved to Meghan's entrepreneurial ventures.
As Ever Reconfiguration and New Netflix Pact
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos affirmed the company's passive partnership in As Ever. In August, the Sussexes signed a new pact with Netflix.
This new agreement transitioned from an exclusive arrangement to a first-look deal, a common practice for talent deals, according to sources. Meghan has also indicated exploring shorter content formats, such as two-minute recipe clips.
Meghan's method of providing feedback, including disappearing from Zoom calls, was noted by sources, with her lawyer explaining these absences as due to managing young children and avoiding distractions. Consumer response to As Ever products has been mixed, with reports of unsold inventory despite initial sell-outs. Netflix's divestment in the brand was reportedly underway since last fall, preceding the hiring of an independent brand consultant for Meghan's venture.
Archewell currently has two scripted features in development at Netflix: adaptations of "The Wedding Date" and "Meet Me at the Lake."