Kristina
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle secured their $100 million (£80m) deal with Netflix, they promised programming that would “inform but also give hope” through a “relatable lens.”
However, their latest venture, Polo, a five-part docuseries on one of the most elite sports in the world, has left Netflix unimpressed and viewers underwhelmed.
For nearly a year, rumors swirled about Meghan’s plans to create a show centered on “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.” This project, meant to complement her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, has yet to materialize.
A Netflix insider told MailOnline that Meghan’s cookery show might never see the light of day. “It’s make or break,” they said, highlighting how crucial this project is to their future with Netflix.
Following the lukewarm reception of Polo, the insider added, “There won’t be another deal. There may be one-offs, but that’s it.”
Adding to the uncertainty, Meghan reportedly skipped Oprah’s surprise party for their mutual friend Gayle King’s 70th birthday over the weekend. “A-listers are now actively keeping away from them and events they are attending,” said one source. “One told me, ‘It’s not a good look to be around them.’”
Netflix has yet to comment on the project’s status. Reports suggest Meghan started working on the show earlier this year, with sightings of her shopping at a grocery store and shooting photos in a Beverly Hills park in June.
Harsh Reviews for Polo
The reaction to Polo has been far from favorable. Described as “unintentionally hilarious,” “tedious,” and “tacky,” critics and viewers alike have found the series disappointing. Even The Guardian, which previously supported the couple, was scathing: “It’s a show about privileged people showing us exactly how privileged they are, which means there isn’t a lot of drama to be found.”
TV critic Stuart Heritage gave it two stars, summarizing, “They made one reality show about how hard they had it, and then they stuttered. The Harry & Meghan show was followed by two forgettable documentaries… At some point, there will be a Meghan cookery show that Netflix seems reluctant to show.”
Netflix didn’t invest in marketing for Polo, with no poster campaigns and only a brief two-line statement from Harry on the streaming platform’s website. The series, produced by Harry and Meghan, reflects their hands-on involvement in filming and editing but failed to resonate with audiences.
Future on the Line
The next year looks uncertain for the Sussexes. Meghan’s potential cookery show, set to launch alongside her American Riviera Orchard brand, is considered a “last chance” to salvage their Netflix partnership.
“It’s make or break,” said a source, highlighting how much pressure the project faces. Another entertainment executive added, “Her show will have to be an enormous hit to turn around their deal and their reputations in this town.”
Industry insiders expect the launch to occur in February or March, after Harry’s Invictus Games event in Canada. However, details remain tightly guarded, with Netflix executives sharing information with only a select few.
The couple’s five-year deal with Netflix is set to expire next autumn, and insiders say any renewal would likely be for a fraction of the original $100 million due to their limited content output.
Unlike the Obamas, who have delivered successful projects like Leave the World Behind and Rustin through their Higher Ground production company, Harry and Meghan have yet to produce a single drama or film under their Archewell Productions.
With public perception and professional credibility hanging in the balance, Meghan is reportedly determined to “own” this project, which insiders hope will revive their Hollywood standing.
As for Polo, the documentary, which largely focuses on Harry’s close friend Nacho Figueras and legendary polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, has earned the nickname “The Nacho Show” for its lack of focus on the royal couple.
Given their canceled Spotify deal last year, the stakes are higher than ever. Meghan’s cookery show isn’t just about recipes—it’s about redemption.
