TIPSLIFEHACKS

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, have become synonymous with controversy and high-profile deals. Their partnership with Netflix, initially touted as a landmark moment in royal media, is now facing serious questions about its value and future. Fiona Sturges investigates whether Netflix is stubbornly clinging to a failing venture, or if there's still potential in the Sussex brand.

Since signing their multi-million dollar deal, Harry and Meghan's output for Netflix has been, to put it kindly, underwhelming. While the highly-anticipated docuseries Harry & Meghan garnered considerable initial attention, sparking global debate and record viewing figures, subsequent projects have struggled to capture the same audience. Heart of Invictus, while showcasing inspiring stories, failed to achieve widespread popularity, and other ventures have largely slipped under the radar.

The problem isn’t necessarily a lack of effort. The Sussexes have clearly invested time and resources into these projects. However, the content itself has been criticised for lacking a clear focus, feeling disjointed, and ultimately failing to deliver on the promise of compelling storytelling. Some critics argue that the couple’s attempts at documentary-making feel more like extended promotional pieces for their personal brand than genuinely insightful explorations of important themes.

Netflix, meanwhile, is facing increasing pressure to justify its spending. The streaming giant has been aggressively cutting costs and cancelling projects in a bid to appease shareholders and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Reports suggest that the company is considering whether to renew the Sussexes' deal, which is believed to be worth around $100 million. The question on everyone's mind is: is Netflix willing to continue pouring money into a partnership that hasn't yielded the expected returns?

One of the key challenges facing the Sussexes is navigating the delicate balance between leveraging their royal status and creating content that resonates with a broader audience. Viewers are increasingly discerning, and they’re not easily impressed by celebrity endorsements alone. To succeed, Harry and Meghan need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content that transcends their personal brand.

Furthermore, the constant scrutiny and media attention surrounding the couple doesn't help. Every project is viewed through the lens of their ongoing feud with the Royal Family and their decision to step down as senior royals. This can create a sense of fatigue and cynicism among viewers.

Ultimately, the future of Harry and Meghan's Netflix deal hinges on their ability to deliver. Can they reinvent themselves as successful content creators? Or will Netflix conclude that the Sussexes are simply not worth the investment? The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this partnership can be salvaged, or if it will become a cautionary tale of a deal gone wrong. The streaming landscape is fierce, and Netflix needs to make tough decisions to stay ahead of the competition. And right now, the evidence suggests that continuing to bankroll the Sussexes might be a gamble too far.