Partnership Overview
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 scripted and unscripted content, Archewell Productions has recently shifted its focus toward Meghan Markle's consumer products brand, As Ever.
Key Developments and Challenges
"The mood regarding Meghan and Harry within the company is one of completion."
As Ever Divestment: Netflix recently divested from the As Ever lifestyle venture, which it had helped fund. While a Netflix insider indicated growing weariness among leadership—including Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria—a Netflix spokesperson denied this, stating that Archewell has been a "thoughtful and collaborative partner."
Communication Issues: Sources cited "poor communication" from Archewell in its dealings with Netflix. Allegations emerged that Meghan and Harry directly texted Co-CEO Ted Sarandos about projects—a practice two sources noted as common among A-listers, though nonetheless a point of friction.
Oprah Interview: Netflix executives reportedly learned about the couple's March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey at the last minute, causing annoyance due to lack of advance notice. A Sussex spokesperson called this claim "categorically false," stating that legal counsel was involved in the process.
Prince Harry's Memoir: 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 the docuseries to air before the book's release, with the series ultimately debuting in December 2022 and the memoir following in January 2023.
Docuseries Production: 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. A Netflix spokesperson called this characterization "not accurate." Despite the turmoil, "Harry & Meghan" became Netflix's highest documentary debut.
Podcast Deal: The Sussexes ended their exclusive podcasting deal with Spotify after delivering just one series, Archetypes. Spotify's head of talk strategy, Bill Simmons, publicly criticized the couple.
Scripted Projects: Archewell has not produced a single scripted project in nearly six years. The animated series Pearl was scrapped, and other projects struggled to materialize.
Talent Hesitation: Sources indicate that A-list talent and directors have been hesitant to work with the couple, influenced by public comments from industry figures.
Strategic Shifts and Future Outlook
"Netflix and Archewell shifted strategy due to the lack of scripted projects."
WME Representation: Meghan Markle signed with WME in April 2023, primarily focusing on building the As Ever brand.
Archewell Creative Team: 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 such as Skywalkers: A Love Story and Super/Man.
Changed Direction: By March 2025, Netflix and Archewell had shifted strategy due to the absence of scripted projects. Prince Harry's visibility in projects decreased, and the focus moved squarely to Meghan's entrepreneurial ventures.
As Ever Reconfiguration: Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos affirmed the company's passive partnership in As Ever. In August, the Sussexes signed a new pact with Netflix, transitioning from an exclusive agreement to a first-look deal—a common practice for talent deals, according to sources. Meghan has indicated interest in exploring shorter content formats, such as two-minute recipe clips.
Additional Insights
Meghan's method of providing feedback—including disappearing from Zoom calls—was noted by sources. Her lawyer explained 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.