Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have secured a new Netflix deal described as a ‘first-look’ agreement, signaling a strategic shift from their initial $100 million contract. While experts debate whether this represents a downgrade or a pragmatic evolution, the deal includes upcoming projects like a second season of Meghan’s cooking show and a documentary about Ugandan orphans.
The central figures are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle through their production company Archewell Productions. Industry analysts like brand expert Nick Ede and PR specialist Mark Borkowski provide contrasting interpretations of the deal’s implications.
The new multi-year agreement replaces the couple’s original 2020 contract, transitioning from comprehensive coverage to a project-specific model where Netflix gets first refusal rights. Announced on August 12, 2025, it includes Season 2 of ‘With Love, Meghan’ (late August 2025), a December holiday special, and the documentary ‘Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within’ about a Ugandan orphanage.
The restructuring responds to the uneven performance of previous projects. While their 2022 documentary broke records, subsequent content underperformed, leading Netflix to seek reduced financial exposure. The renegotiation allows both parties to avoid reputational damage while requiring the Sussexes to develop commercially viable non-royal content.
The deal operates through a performance-based framework where Netflix funds approved projects individually, contrasting with the previous upfront payment structure. Notably, Netflix acquired equity in Meghan’s lifestyle brand ‘As Ever,’ creating new commercial linkages beyond content production.
Industry reactions reveal sharp divisions: PR expert Mark Borkowski calls it a ‘downgrade’ reflecting diminished leverage, while brand strategist Nick Ede views it as a ‘win’ maintaining the partnership. Satirical program ‘Have I Got News for You’ mocked the arrangement on social media as giving rivals ‘the rights to say no first.’
Future success requires Archewell to emulate the Obamas’ pivot to broader programming, with immediate pressure on upcoming releases. Netflix’s equity stake in Meghan’s lifestyle business adds complexity, tying the platform’s financial interests directly to her commercial ventures beyond film production.
The Sussexes must now demonstrate their ability to develop compelling content unrelated to royal experiences, with Season 2 of Meghan’s cooking show serving as an immediate test of audience appetite for their reinvented brand.