Sussexes land fresh Netflix deal, brushing off rumours and lacklustre viewing figures

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have silenced speculation about a split with Netflix by announcing a new multi-year partnership with the streaming giant.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed they had signed a “multi-year, first look deal” through their Archewell production company. The arrangement gives Netflix the first opportunity to pick up any new film or TV proposals from the couple — but unlike their 2020 agreement, the new deal is looser in scope.

While financial details remain undisclosed, their original deal was widely reported to be worth around $100 million (£75 million). The latest agreement underlines the Sussexes’ ongoing collaboration with Netflix, countering reports that the relationship was over.

In a statement, Meghan said she and Harry were “inspired by the partnership with Netflix” to keep producing “thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”

The announcement comes just weeks before the launch of the second season of With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle and cookery show that sees the Duchess cooking alongside celebrity guests. However, the show’s performance in Netflix’s own rankings paints a stark picture.

In the first half of 2025, With Love, Meghan failed to make Netflix’s top 300 most-watched shows, drawing just 5.3 million views. By contrast, the top-performing title in the same period, the drama Adolescence, attracted 145 million views.

It’s a sharp difference from the couple’s earlier Netflix project, Harry & Meghan. Released in December 2022, the docuseries chronicling their break from royal life pulled in 23.4 million views shortly after launch and quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched documentary series.

Despite the middling reception for With Love, Meghan, the couple is pressing ahead with spin-off projects. Later this year, Netflix will release a Christmas special of the cookery show, inviting viewers to “join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration.”

The show has also been tied to a lifestyle brand, As Ever, featuring a range of products including rosé wine and jams.

Beyond their own on-camera appearances, the Sussexes continue to work as producers. An upcoming Netflix feature, Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, will focus on a Ugandan orphanage described as a beacon of hope in the lingering shadow of the HIV/Aids crisis.

Netflix executives appear unfazed by the mixed ratings. Bela Bajaria, the company’s chief content officer, praised the Sussexes as “influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.” She pointed to the success of Harry & Meghan as evidence that their work connects with viewers: “The response to their work speaks for itself,” she said.

The fresh deal represents both continuity and reinvention for the Sussexes’ media ventures. The first-look agreement ensures Netflix remains their primary partner, while allowing more flexibility than their initial, high-profile contract.

The couple’s relationship with the streamer has been closely watched since they stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to California. Their high-profile media projects have been both celebrated and criticised, with every new announcement drawing intense scrutiny.

For Netflix, the renewed partnership keeps two of the world’s most talked-about public figures in their stable — a move that may prove valuable even if every show doesn’t break streaming records.

Whether With Love, Meghan can reverse its fortunes in season two remains to be seen, but the Sussexes have made one thing clear: they’re not leaving Netflix anytime soon.