Netflix Downgrades Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to a First-Look Deal, Just Like the Obamas

Netflix has “extended its creative partnership” with Archewell Productions, Prince Harry and Meghan’s — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — media company, with a multiyear, first-look deal for all of Archewell’s film and television projects. In practice, it is a downgrade from the 2020 overall deal that birthed Harry & Meghan, Polo and With Love, Meghan, among other projects.

The overall-to-first-look extension mirrors the move Netflix made recently with the Obamas — as well as others — for their Higher Ground banner. In both cases, the exclusivity carried by their respective, splashy original deals has been removed.

As part of the new deal, Netflix is also now partnering with Markle’s “As ever” lifestyle brand.

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand,” Markle said in a statement. “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.“

“Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself — Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said. “More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As ever line consistently selling out in record time. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”

Harry & Meghan debuted on Netflix in December of 2022 with a total of 23.4 million views over just its first four days. It ranks as Netflix’s fifth most-popular documentary series of all time.

Season two of With Love, Meghan will premiere later this month, and a new holiday special will stream this December.

Archewell’s current projects set up at Netflix also include feature film Meet Me at the Lake, an adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name by Carley Fortune. Plus, there’s the documentary short Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within — a partnership between Archewell and Campfire Studios in association with Wontanara Productions.

“In the heart of Uganda’s Masaka region, where the shadows of the HIV/AIDS crisis linger, a small orphanage becomes a beacon of hope,” the logline reads. “Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within goes beyond the viral videos to reveal a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community where orphaned children transform hardship into joy, dancing their way toward healing, belonging, and the promise of a brighter future.”