Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once hailed as the royal couple who would revolutionize the British monarchy, have faced several ups and downs since their high-profile departure from royal duties in 2020. While they've had successes like their groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey and their ongoing work with Archewell, they've also encountered significant setbacks. Arguably, their biggest flop has been "Harry & Meghan," their Netflix docuseries, which failed to live up to expectations both in terms of reception and impact.
In December 2022, the much-anticipated Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan" was released, intended to give audiences an unfiltered glimpse into their lives post-royalty. With Netflix paying an estimated $100 million for a multi-year deal, expectations were sky-high for the couple’s first major project under their content production umbrella.
However, the six-part series didn’t resonate with a significant portion of viewers. Critics and audiences alike felt it rehashed already public information, adding little new insight or depth into their lives. Rotten Tomatoes scores reflected this disparity, with the show landing a middling reception, hovering around 50% from both critics and viewers. Some felt it lacked substance and failed to break new ground in telling their story.
A major factor contributing to the docuseries’ lackluster performance was the growing public perception of overexposure. Following their candid Oprah interview and multiple high-profile media appearances, many felt they had heard the story before. Some critics described the series as self-indulgent, with repeated narratives about their struggles with the royal family and the British media, leaving audiences feeling fatigued.
Instead of garnering empathy, the show inadvertently fueled perceptions of the couple as being out of touch with the general public. In a world facing economic hardships and political turmoil, the focus on their personal grievances seemed out of sync with broader societal concerns.
Netflix, known for canceling shows that underperform, was likely expecting a much bigger cultural impact and return on investment from the docuseries. While viewership numbers were initially decent, they quickly tapered off, raising questions about the long-term viability of Harry and Meghan's multi-year deal with the streaming giant. Industry insiders began speculating whether the couple could pivot or diversify their content to stay relevant in the highly competitive media landscape.
Their other ventures, like the Spotify podcast "Archetypes" hosted by Meghan Markle, also faced challenges. Despite an initial buzz, the podcast was not renewed for a second season, and their deal with Spotify reportedly ended early, leading some to call their venture into the streaming and podcasting world a "misstep."
Beyond media reception, the couple has struggled with an evolving public perception. While they initially attracted a large, sympathetic audience when they stepped down from royal duties in 2020, public opinion has grown more divided. In the UK, polls suggest that their popularity has plummeted, with many viewing their consistent media appearances as contradictory to their expressed desire for privacy. In the US, while they still have a loyal fan base, many have become indifferent or critical of their constant presence in the public eye without delivering impactful results.
Despite the struggles of the Netflix docuseries, Harry and Meghan are far from done. Their production company, Archewell Productions, still has other projects in development, including Harry’s Heart of Invictus, a series focusing on the Invictus Games, which may align better with their philanthropic brand. Their content ventures are likely to evolve, especially as they seek to strike a balance between their public platform and their private lives.
In conclusion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s biggest flop so far has been their "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries, which failed to capture the public’s interest in the way it was anticipated. With underwhelming reviews and media scrutiny, it marked a misstep in their post-royal ventures. However, like any public figures, they have the opportunity to learn from these experiences and redefine their brand as they continue to navigate life outside the royal family.
