‘It’s a save face mechanism’: Meghan Markle’s Netflix is an enormous downgrade for the Sussexes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have renegotiated their partnership with Netflix, and the new deal is a big change from their original agreement. The new contract is a real hit from what was initially given to the couple. This may be due to lower viewership than Netflix expected.

The initial agreement, signed in 2020, was a massive deal that gave them a guaranteed payout, per Express. However, this new arrangement, which is through their company Archewell Productions, is what’s known as a “first-look deal.” Essentially, it gives Netflix the first right of refusal on any of their proposed shows. If Netflix passes, they’re free to shop the project to other platforms.

This is a huge change from the guaranteed money they were getting before. A lot of commentators are looking at this as a sign that their partnership isn’t as solid as it once was. For example, Sky News Australia host Paul Murray said, “… They have re-done a deal but it’s a really ‘p— weak version’ of the first deal, they don’t get the automatic money and then you have to make something, you basically have to make something and then will decide whether they going to show it or not to get the money, how do you make of that negotiation went?”

Meghan and Harry took a much worse deal after their shows aired on Netflix

US television commentator Megyn Kelly offered a pretty blunt take on the situation, suggesting that Netflix might have been on the verge of canceling the Sussexes altogether. She said, “To me it sounds like they Netflix while to cancel and someone representing Meghan and Harry begged them to at least say that it’s a first look, in a way to say we don’t think you’re losers, you’re not cut off, we think you’re winners, such winners that we want to get the first look to see what you’re doing later down the line because they might want to buy it.”

She continued, “But really, it’s just a save face mechanism, Netflix has these two under contract. If it wanted to have an exclusive deal with them, it would have, it has more money than God, it’s not hurting for cash.”

It gives the impression of a continued partnership without the heavy financial burden of the original contract. This is a bit of an awful situation to be in when it comes to business deals, and it sounds like Meghan and Harry have lost a lot of power in this relationship.

Despite all the speculation and criticism, Meghan has expressed her enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration. She released a statement saying, “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand. 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.”

It’s a classic case of saying one thing while the actions of the company say something completely different. One project that is confirmed to be moving forward is the second season of With Love, Meghan, where she will be seen cooking with celebrities. This at least points to some guaranteed content and a continued working relationship, but it’s not the same as a guaranteed payday.