As speculation often swirls around anything involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, recent reports about their Netflix contract have caught attention. Their five-year deal, signed in 2020, is set to expire this September, with some sources suggesting a potential exit. However, insider knowledge indicates that the Sussexes may not be saying goodbye to Netflix just yet. Their ‘secret weapon’ in these negotiations? Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
The CEO Is Quietly Championing Meghan Markle & Prince Harry at Netflix
As the end of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s current Netflix contract approaches, industry insiders hint at the possibility of a new—and potentially even more lucrative—deal in the works. The couple initially signed a reported $100 million agreement with the streaming giant in 2020, though the exact amount remains unverified. According to Alison Boshoff from the Daily Mail, Sarandos continues to be a strong advocate for the couple, particularly for Meghan, which could significantly influence their future at Netflix.
“Netflix boss Ted Sarandos remains a huge fan of Meghan’s in particular, and his support is a powerful secret weapon,” Boshoff remarked. There’s talk of a potential “first look” deal on the table, reminiscent of Barack and Michelle Obama’s $65 million agreement with the platform.
Furthermore, Boshoff noted that a third season of “With Love, Meghan” is available if the Duchess decides to pursue it. She reported that Netflix is contemplating additional lifestyle content from Meghan, possibly including holiday-themed specials. Such announcements could coincide with the release of “With Love, Meghan” season two as early as September.
Ted Sarandos’s Public Praise Hints at Private Support
Speculation regarding a separation between Netflix and the Sussexes may have been overstated. Town & Country indicates that ongoing negotiations are taking place, suggesting that the current silence should not be interpreted as a breakup but rather as a cautious approach to talks.
Since 2020, Netflix has rolled out five projects related to the Sussexes, including “Harry & Meghan,” “Heart of Invictus,” “Live to Lead,” “Polo,” and “With Love, Meghan.” While the reception has varied, it’s worth noting that the “Harry & Meghan” docuseries set streaming records, and “With Love, Meghan” achieved solid viewership despite mixed reviews.
Moreover, Netflix remains connected to Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. In a February Instagram post, Meghan revealed that the platform is a business partner in her product line. “Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show but as my partner in my business, which was huge,” she stated.
Sarandos later confirmed this partnership to Variety, describing Netflix as a “passive partner” in As Ever and emphasizing the company’s long-term vision for the couple’s cultural impact. “I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture,” Sarandos noted. “The shoes she was wearing [in the Harry & Meghan trailer] sold out. The Hermès blanket on the chair sold out. People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed.”
