The Daily Mail’s claim that Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal is “dead” appears to contradict substantial evidence from multiple credible sources, raising serious questions about the accuracy and motivation behind such reporting.

The Problem with Anonymous Sources

The entire premise of the Daily Mail article rests on unnamed “insiders” making dramatic claims without any verifiable evidence. This stands in stark contrast to multiple on-the-record statements from Netflix executives and documented business actions that tell a completely different story.

What Netflix Has Actually Said and Done

Netflix has already renewed “With Love, Meghan” for a second season, with episodes set to debut later this year, hardly the actions of a company eager to sever ties. More tellingly, Netflix is a partner in Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever, hinting that the company’s relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is described as “a massive, massive fan of Meghan personally” by industry sources, with one well-placed insider stating: “He calls her ‘the rock star’. There is no way that her deal does not get renewed”. These aren’t the words of executives planning to dump a partnership.

The Viewership Numbers in Context

While critics seize on “With Love, Meghan” ranking #383 with 5.3 million views, they conveniently ignore crucial context. The series ranked among Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV shows in terms of viewership in 47 countries within a day after its release, and audience demand is 7.7 times higher than the average TV series in Britain, ranking it in the top 8.6% of all shows in the market.

Furthermore, the couple’s docuseries “Harry & Meghan” became the biggest debut for a Netflix documentary upon its release and is still the company’s second most popular documentary series. This hardly suggests a failed partnership.

Reports of New Deals, Not Terminations

Far from ending their relationship, Netflix is reportedly in talks to offer Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a fresh contract once their current £77 million deal comes to an end this year, with a documentary to mark the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death expected to air in 2027.

Industry insiders suggest that Netflix executives remain committed to working with Meghan despite some of the recent projects receiving lukewarm responses from both viewers and critics, with sources explaining the business logic: “The renewal will be crucial in saving face all round, not least for Netflix. It means that the executive who made the hire doesn’t look as if they made a mistake”.

A Pattern of Misrepresentation

The Daily Mail article follows a concerning pattern in British tabloid coverage of the Sussexes, where anonymous sources make dramatic claims that are later contradicted by verifiable facts. When similar claims were made about the couple’s Spotify deal, a Netflix spokesperson publicly stated: “We value our partnership with Archewell Productions. Harry & Meghan was Netflix’s biggest documentary debut ever, and we’ll continue to work together on a number of projects”.

The Real Story: Cultural Impact Beyond View Counts

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has defended Markle, saying she is “underestimated in terms of her influence on culture,” noting that when they dropped the trailer for the Harry & Meghan documentary, “everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere”.

After “With Love, Meghan” aired, UK supermarket Waitrose saw searches for edible flowers jump by 200%, and truffle salt shot up 3,200%. This kind of cultural influence translates to real business value for Netflix’s brand partnerships.

Conclusion: Facts vs. Fiction

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that reports of the “death” of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal are greatly exaggerated. Multiple credible sources, official Netflix actions, and on-the-record executive statements paint a picture of an ongoing, evolving partnership rather than an imminent termination.

While it’s certainly true that not every Sussex project has achieved blockbuster status, the same could be said for countless Netflix productions. The streaming giant’s continued investment in the couple—through show renewals, brand partnerships, and reported new deal negotiations—suggests they see value that goes beyond simple view counts.

Perhaps it’s time for media outlets to focus on verifiable facts rather than sensationalized claims from anonymous sources. The public deserves better than speculation masquerading as journalism.