LOS ANGELES (AP) – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced an extension of their partnership with Netflix through a multiyear, first-look deal, effective immediately. This announcement was made on Monday, indicating the couple’s ongoing commitment to their media company, Archewell Productions. The collaboration with Netflix began in 2020 and has already led to the production of several documentary projects.
Among the highlights of their initial work with Netflix is the documentary series "Harry & Meghan," which garnered significant attention upon its release. Additionally, The Duchess of Sussex developed a lifestyle brand called As Ever in partnership with the streaming giant. The couple's collaboration has also resulted in other projects such as the documentary series "Polo," "Heart of Invictus," and "Live to Lead." Meghan expressed her enthusiasm about their ongoing partnership, stating, "My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally and celebrates our shared vision."
As part of their extended deal, Netflix has confirmed upcoming collaborations, including a second season of the lifestyle and cooking show "With Love, Meghan," which features the Duchess. The second season is expected to include a special holiday episode in December. Since its launch in March, the show has reportedly become Netflix’s most-watched culinary series, although it registered 5.3 million views, ranking lower compared to other releases in the first half of the year.
The couple's upcoming projects also include "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within," a documentary short film focusing on a small orphanage in the Masaka region of Uganda. Furthermore, Archewell is in production on a feature adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel "Meet Me at the Lake," a drama that follows a complex love story unfolding over a decade, initiated by a chance meeting and a broken promise.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, noted the couple's influence, stating, "Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself." This remark underscores the impact and reach of the couple's media endeavors.
The extended deal with Netflix forms part of Harry and Meghan’s broader strategy to develop various business ventures in the United States. In 2020, they had signed a multiyear agreement with Spotify to produce podcasts through Archewell Audio, which led to the creation of the "Archetypes" podcast. However, they severed ties with Spotify in 2023, marking a shift in their business relations.
Since relocating to California, the couple has continued to distance themselves from the British royal family while raising their two young children. This transition into independent business ventures illustrates their commitment to crafting a new narrative while leveraging their experiences and popularity cultivated during their time in the royal spotlight.
As they pursue new opportunities, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain focused on producing content that resonates with global audiences, reflecting their values and life experiences.
