Netflix boss breaks silence on future of Harry and Meghan’s megadeal

An executive has gone on the record to shed light on the future of the couple’s multimillion-dollar deal amid reports it won’t be renewed.

IN LONDON

The multi-year Netflix megadeal signed by Prince Harry and Meghan shortly after they quit royal duties in 2020 has increasingly come under scrutiny as its expiry date fast approaches.

The rumoured $150 million contract is reportedly set to end this year. After a string of disappointing ratings and lacklustre reviews for their content, it’s been widely speculated that it won’t be renewed.

Adding fuel to the fire was a brutal swipe made at their expense by comedian John Mulaney while he was presenting at a recent high-profile Netflix preview event in LA.

“This is a really fun experiment. Not since Harry and Meghan has Netflix given more money to someone without a specific plan,” he joked to the crowd.

Meghan’s new Netflix series will premiere next month – but there’s been plenty of speculation about the future of their deal with the streaming giant. Picture: Netflix

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Despite the savage dig, and a string of shows from the Sussexes that have struggled to find an audience, Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria insisted that they are “excited” for their upcoming projects, including the duchess’ new lifestyle and cooking series, With Love, Meghan.

“We have Meghan’s new show coming out, which is great,” Ms Bajaria told the Daily Mail, in response to a question about the couple’s Netflix deal.

“It is such a great take on a lifestyle show and showcase for California, Montecito and nature. It really has great takeaways. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I want to really do that pasta.’

“There’s really easy great takeaways on life. I am really excited about that coming out.”

Her comments mark the first made on the record by a Netflix executive regarding the future of the couple’s contract.

Harry & Meghan was a ratings hit – but their other projects have failed to land with audiences. Picture: Netflix

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Ms Bajaria also pointed to the film adaptation of the best-selling romance novel, Meet Me At The Lake, by Carley Fortune, which was announced as one of Meghan’s new Netflix projects in 2023.

The project is in “development”, meaning it’s not yet been approved for production.

“It is in development. It is a great book, she had it and we are happy to do it,” Ms Bajaria said.

“And we have things in development. Everyone is excited about what is coming. I am really excited for her show.”

The duke and duchess have so far released four productions through Netflix, but apart from their explosive 2022 docu-series, Harry & Meghan, none have been deemed a ratings hit.

In fact, Harry’s most recent showing, Polo, was branded “boring” by many critics and viewers alike, and currently has just a 25 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Meghan’s long-awaited new solo show dropped its first trailer to plenty of fanfare last month – but she was forced to postpone the planned January premiere date until March 4 amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Originally published as Netflix boss breaks silence on future of Harry and Meghan’s megadeal