What is the real story behind Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's Netflix reset?
Meghan and Harry trumpeted it as an extension, but watchers say the terms are a world away from their 2020 contract
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new, “watered-down” first-look deal with Netflix is being hailed as a savvy reset, for both sides.
The Sussexes trumpeted it as an extension, but industry watchers say the terms are a world away from their splashy 2020 mega-contract.
Broadcaster Esther Krakue called the agreement a retainer with right of first refusal.
This means Netflix isn’t fronting big cash unless a pitch screams hit.
“It’s a retainer in case they decide to accidentally do something entertaining again,” she told The Sun.
The streamer, she added, wants less world-saving sermonizing and more can’t-miss content.
“They’re annoying but they’re a household name. If they do anything interesting, we have to be first in the queue.”
Over in Australia, news.com.au royal reporter Bronte Coy labeled the move the “ideal outcome for both parties.”
With TV and streaming economics dramatically changed since 2020, Coy says a downgraded or expiring deal always looked likely.
“It was never going to be what it was before,” she said, arguing both camps still score a PR win: the rumoured cancellation didn’t happen, but Netflix retains flexibility, and leverage.
Harry and Meghan keep a premium platform without guaranteed spend, while Netflix gets first dibs if the couple deliver headline-grabbing projects.
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