Meghan Markle and Prince Harry remain in Netflix’s orbit, braving all the mixed reviews and some mighty mid moments. The royal couple’s multi-million streaming reign seems less about a dazzling content splash and more about Netflix holding onto a royal ace up its sleeve. Even with the initial glow fading, Netflix is keeping them on board, not just for the drama but to keep a finger on unique royal stories that only they can tell, it seems. 

Turns out, Netflix's royal flush is less about blockbuster hits and more about keeping the Sussexes in the game for the headline-worthy hands only they can play.

A fresh multi-year first-look deal signed by Archewell Productions and Netflix has turned the already turned tables for the Sussexes. This revamped pact means Netflix gets the first peek at all new Prince Harry and Meghan Markle projects but does not have to say yes to every pitch. It is a clear downgrade from the blockbuster $100 million contract inked in 2020, reflecting Netflix’s cautious take after lukewarm reception to hits like With Love, Meghan. 

Radar Online’s exclusive scoop adds some spice as well: Netflix’s main motivation for sticking with the currently royally relapsing Prince Harry and Suits actress Meghan Markle appears tied to exclusive access to high-profile royal content, including a documentary marking the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. This nugget of strategy highlights a savvy business move behind the scenes. The new deal is less about quantity, more about commanding unique stories, confirming the Sussexes’ continued Netflix presence has a very particular royal reason indeed.

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When your royal recipe for success turns out half-baked, even Netflix is bound to sip some cold reality tea.

Meghan Markle’s With Love, Meghan had become a linchpin in Netflix’s recalibration of its Sussex strategy. Despite a flashy launch and global top 10 appearances, the show only garnered modest viewership with 5.3 million views in the first half of 2025. Critics even dubbed it tone-deaf and joyless, and the lukewarm reception highlighted cracks in the Sussexes’ streaming appeal, prompting Netflix to rethink its expansive exclusive contract.

This underperformance, combined with mixed outcomes from other projects, pushed Netflix toward a cautious new arrangement: a first-look deal that curates Sussex content more selectively. While neither side shows animosity, Netflix’s pivot signals a pragmatic shift in the streamer's priorities. The Sussexes remain in the streaming game, but only so long as the crown of exclusivity fits snugly and selectively, anchored by unique tales of royalty.

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What do you think of the Sussex's consistently being plugged back onto Netflix for purely royal reasons? Let us know in the comments below!