Netflix deal keeps Meghan Markle’s brand at the center of attention
Meghan Markle’s relationship with Netflix isn’t over—it’s evolving. Despite earlier reports that the couple’s $100 million contract had collapsed, the Duchess still has the backing of Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, a longtime supporter. The streamer has signed off on a new multi-year first-look deal, slimmer than the original, but still rich with potential. Insiders believe the rewards could grow larger by 2026 than they are now.
Several projects are already in motion. With Love, Meghan has returned for a second season, while a festive edition, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, will arrive in December. A Ugandan documentary titled Masaka Kids, a romantic adaptation of Carley Fortune’s Meet Me at the Lake, and other creative ventures are also on the slate.
Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, remains an essential piece of the puzzle. Netflix is believed to hold equity in it, making her personal brand and business ventures more intertwined with their partnership. Unlike the blanket financial terms of the first deal, this agreement is more selective, with each project approved individually. Still, Netflix’s willingness to invest signals a continued belief in the Sussex brand, especially given Meghan’s strong U.S. following.
The tighter budget may, however, put pressure on Archewell Productions. Industry estimates suggest the company costs about $3 million a year to run. Some scripted plans, such as the Meet Me at the Lake film and a reimagining of Dickens’s Great Expectations, could be shelved or delayed.
Critics have argued that past Sussex projects have been inconsistent, at times “contrived” or underwhelming. Yet Netflix appears prepared to keep betting on Meghan and Harry’s storytelling, perhaps anticipating stronger results in the years ahead.
