Is Hollywood finally waking up to the overhyped allure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Reports suggest the couple, once celebrated as royal rebels, are losing their shine among Tinseltown’s elite. This isn’t just gossip—it’s a shift that could redefine their public narrative.
The story boils down to a dramatic fall from grace, with diminished goodwill, a downgraded Netflix deal, and whispers of professional missteps plaguing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Page Six reported that after stepping away from royal duties, Harry and Meghan inked a whopping $100 million multi-year deal with Netflix, promising blockbuster content. Their documentary “Harry & Meghan” was indeed a hit, but follow-ups like “Heart of Invictus” and “Polo” barely made a ripple.
Fast forward to today, and that lucrative Netflix contract has been quietly downgraded to a first-look deal. It’s a polite way of saying, “We’re not all in anymore,” though it mirrors arrangements like the Obamas’ with Higher Ground. Still, it’s a far cry from the original jackpot.
Meghan’s current Netflix offering, “With Love, Meghan,” is in its second season, featuring notable guests like José Andrés of World Central Kitchen. That’s a bright spot, but sources hint it’s not enough to salvage their fading star power. One wonders if the content matches the hype.
Elsewhere, Meghan’s podcast ventures tell a similar tale of unmet potential. Her Spotify show “Archetypes,” part of a $20 million three-year deal, fizzled out after just one season in 2023. A later podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder” with Lemonada Media, ran briefly from April to June 2025, but lacked lasting buzz.
Behind the scenes, whispers of discord paint a less flattering picture. A Hollywood source told Page Six, “There is not only no appetite left for them in LA, but they’ve also worn through any goodwill they had.” That’s a brutal assessment for a couple once seen as progressive icons.
Another insider didn’t hold back, stating, “They’re just hopeless in professional settings.” It’s a comment that stings, suggesting their charm can’t compensate for perceived incompetence. Could it be that Hollywood’s patience for royal drama has simply run out?
Even quirky anecdotes, like Harry’s reported love for hot chocolate, fail to soften the narrative. Sources claim he’s requested it in professional settings, including arriving late to a Netflix meeting with a cocoa craving. A pitch for a weekly hot chocolate review show with friends was floated but ultimately rejected—perhaps wisely.
Meghan, meanwhile, is pushing forward with her lifestyle brand As Ever, recently launching holiday items. It’s a pivot to entrepreneurship, but whether it resonates in a skeptical market remains to be seen. Hollywood isn’t known for forgiving missteps.
On the Netflix front, CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly remains a fan, dining regularly with the couple and backing their projects. A source in July noted they’re developing more TV shows, which could signal a comeback. But will audiences still care?
Criticism of their interpersonal dynamics isn’t fading, though. A September 2024 Hollywood Reporter piece claimed staffers are “terrified” of Meghan, while sources describe her as dismissive and unwilling to take advice. It’s a narrative that clashes with their public image of compassion.
Let’s be fair—Harry is often described as charming and approachable, a stark contrast to the critiques aimed at Meghan.
Yet, insiders suggest he enables poor decision-making, creating a duo that struggles to navigate professional waters. It’s a dynamic that’s tough to root for, even if one sympathizes with their intent.
Hollywood’s progressive bubble may have initially embraced Harry and Meghan as symbols of change, but the tide seems to be turning.
Their story raises questions about whether personal charisma can sustain a career when business savvy appears lacking. Perhaps it’s time for a serious recalibration.
In the end, while their Netflix partnership continues under a new framework, the loss of goodwill in LA is a hurdle they can’t ignore. For a couple who once captivated the world, the challenge now is proving they’re more than a fleeting trend. Will they adapt, or will Hollywood’s doors stay shut?
