The Netflix deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle represents one of the streaming giant’s most talked-about partnerships in recent years. While the exact figure hasn’t been officially disclosed, multiple reliable sources have reported the deal to be worth approximately $100 million.
Breaking Down the Netflix-Sussex Deal
When Harry and Meghan signed with Netflix in September 2020, they agreed to produce various content types through their production company, Archewell Productions. This multi-year deal encompasses documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming. Think of it as giving them a creative playground with Netflix’s resources at their disposal.
What They’ve Delivered So Far
Their most notable project has been the “Harry & Meghan” docuseries, which premiered in December 2022. The six-part series became Netflix’s biggest documentary debut, drawing 81.55 million viewing hours in its first four days of release. However, “Heart of Invictus,” their second project, didn’t generate the same level of viewer interest.
Payment Structure
It’s worth noting that the $100 million figure isn’t a straightforward payment. Like most Netflix deals with content creators, it’s structured more like a development deal where the money is tied to actual content delivery. Think of it as a budget allocation rather than a guaranteed paycheck – they need to produce content to access the funds.
Comparing to Other Netflix Deals
To put this in perspective, while $100 million sounds enormous, it’s actually in line with other high-profile Netflix partnerships. Ryan Murphy secured a $300 million deal, while Shonda Rhimes’ initial deal was worth $150 million (later expanded). The Sussexes’ deal falls into a similar category of Netflix betting on star power to drive subscriber engagement.
The Business Impact
From Netflix’s perspective, the investment has shown mixed results. While “Harry & Meghan” delivered impressive viewership numbers and generated massive media attention, subsequent projects haven’t matched that initial success. However, the global interest in the couple continues to make them valuable partners for the streaming platform.
Future Expectations
Looking ahead, the pressure is on for Harry and Meghan to deliver more content that justifies their deal’s value. They’re reportedly working on several projects, including “Bad Manners,” a children’s series, and other documentaries. The success of these upcoming ventures will likely determine whether Netflix considers the investment worthwhile when renewal discussions come around.
Remember, while $100 million grabs headlines, in the world of streaming content deals, it’s really about the long-term value creation through multiple projects rather than the initial number. The true test will be how effectively they can leverage this opportunity to create compelling content that resonates with Netflix’s global audience.
