Netflix CEO Praises Meghan Markle Harry First-Look Deal Success Amid Mixed Reviews

Netflix's Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has praised Meghan Markle's "remarkable influence" and highlighted the success of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's original Netflix documentary, describing it as "successful in every measure" and one of the most-watched documentaries on the platform. Despite mixed reviews and lower viewership for Meghan's second season of her cooking and lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan," Sarandos emphasized her significant commercial impact, noting that products featured in her shows, like $20 shoes and a $1,500 blanket, sold out globally. The streaming giant has renewed its partnership with the Sussexes, extending their deal beyond 2025 with a multi-year "first-look" agreement for film and television projects. The new deal, although reportedly on reduced terms compared to their initial $100 million contract, also includes expanding their collaboration to incorporate Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, in which Netflix holds equity. Sarandos underscored the synergy between a strong entertainment business and consumer products, reinforcing the strategic value of Meghan and Harry's content and related ventures for Netflix. Meghan and Harry expressed pride in extending their partnership, aiming to create thoughtful, globally resonant content through their Archewell Productions team.