As experts label their Netflix deal a ‘ticking time bomb,’ The Sussexes plan strategic moves to salvage their streaming contract

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly taking urgent measures to rescue their £80 million Netflix deal, which has been described as a ‘ticking time bomb’ by industry experts. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be launching ‘unscripted’ shows and a film as they face scrutiny over the performance of their content on the streaming platform.

Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, inked a significant deal with Netflix in 2020, rumoured to be worth £80 million. However, recent speculation has suggested that the couple’s projects may not be meeting expectations, raising concerns about the future of their lucrative deal.

In a bid to salvage their Netflix contract, the royal couple is reportedly focusing on ‘unscripted’ shows and a film. Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, revealed that the new projects are linked to the Sussexes’ Archewell foundation. Bajaria mentioned that Harry and Meghan have several developments in progress, including a film and a series, still in the early stages of development.

The couple’s Netflix documentary, ‘Harry & Meghan,’ released last year as part of the deal, garnered attention but faced criticism for its content and is rumoured to have fallen short of expectations. Additionally, their six-part soul-baring series did not rank among the top 200 most-watched Netflix shows from January to June. The Sussexes are believed to have received only half of their reported £78 million contract, with the remainder contingent on producing compelling content by the end of 2025.

Recent public appearances by Harry and Meghan, including attending a film premiere for Paramount Pictures, a competitor of Netflix, fueled speculation that the couple is actively seeking visibility and potential deals. However, the move also drew criticism, with experts suggesting the couple appeared ‘desperate to be seen’ amid challenges in their current ventures.

Jo Koy’s jest at the Golden Globes, where he humorously criticized the couple for ‘being paid millions by Netflix for doing nothing,’ echoed sentiments of scepticism about the value provided by their content. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams warned that failure to deliver engaging content could lead to potential losses, emphasizing the contractual obligation until 2025.

Concerns also extend to the couple’s foundation, Archewell, which operated at a £536,357 loss. The departure of Bennett Levine, a key member involved in the production of the Harry and Meghan docuseries, raised eyebrows. Archewell’s 2022 accounts revealed a substantial decrease in donations, prompting questions about the foundation’s financial health.

As the Sussexes navigate challenges in their media ventures, the industry and the public closely watch the fate of their Netflix deal and the strategic moves they employ to sustain their presence in the streaming landscape.