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5 Surprising New Netflix Projects That Saved Meghan Markle And Prince Harry's $100 Million Deal

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The speculation is finally over. After months of intense media scrutiny and rumors that their lucrative $100 million contract was on the chopping block, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s production company, Archewell Productions, has secured its future with the streaming giant. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially extended their creative partnership with Netflix, shifting from their original exclusive deal to a multi-year, first-look arrangement that confirms their continued presence in the Hollywood production landscape as of late December 2025.

This renewal is a major win for the couple, who have faced immense pressure to deliver high-performing content since stepping away from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. The new chapter with Netflix is not just a continuation; it’s a strategic pivot, focusing on a diverse slate of projects that blend their personal passions—from Prince Harry’s love for polo to Meghan’s interest in lifestyle and cooking—with a foray into scripted, feel-good entertainment.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Archewell Productions Profile

The partnership between Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Netflix is spearheaded by their content creation vehicle, Archewell Productions. Their mission is to produce programming that informs, elevates, and inspires, leveraging their global platform and unique life experiences. The following is a brief profile of the company's founders:

  • Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex (Rachel Meghan Markle):
    • Born: August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.
    • Career Pre-Royal Life: Successful American actress, best known for her role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama *Suits*.
    • Advocacy: Long-time advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment, previously working with organizations like UN Women and World Vision.
    • Role in Archewell: Co-founder and Executive Producer, focusing on scripted, docu-series, and lifestyle content.
  • Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex (Prince Henry Charles Albert David):
    • Born: September 15, 1984, in London, England.
    • Military Career: Served in the British Army for ten years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
    • Philanthropy: Founder of the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans.
    • Role in Archewell: Co-founder and Executive Producer, with a focus on sports, mental health, and environmental documentaries.
  • Archewell Productions Founding: Established in 2020 shortly after the couple’s move to Montecito, California, with a reported $100 million deal signed with Netflix.
  • Notable Past Projects: The highly successful docu-series *Harry & Meghan* and the documentary *Heart of Invictus*.

The High-Stakes Renewal: Why The Deal Was Extended

The original Netflix contract, which was signed in 2020, was set to expire, leading to widespread media speculation about its future. Reports were mixed, with some outlets suggesting Netflix was ready to sever ties due to a perceived lack of output, while others pointed to the global success of their existing projects. The truth, as is often the case in Hollywood, lies in the middle: a strategic re-negotiation.

The extension to a multi-year, first-look deal signifies a shift in the relationship. While the original contract was an exclusive, high-value arrangement, the new deal is structured to be performance-based, allowing Archewell Productions to pitch projects to other studios while giving Netflix the first option to buy. This gives the Duke and Duchess more creative freedom and allows Netflix to maintain a relationship with two of the world's most recognizable figures without the massive upfront cost of the original contract.

The success of their earlier work, particularly the six-part docu-series *Harry & Meghan*, which became Netflix's biggest documentary debut of all time, proved their undeniable audience draw. This global appeal, coupled with a promising new slate of projects, was the critical factor in the streaming service’s decision to continue the partnership and maintain their topical authority in the royal content space.

The New Era: 5 Major Projects Confirmed for Netflix

The renewed partnership is defined by a fresh slate of content that moves beyond the deeply personal royal narratives of their first phase. Archewell Productions is now diversifying its portfolio, with projects spanning scripted romance, lifestyle, and sports. These upcoming shows and films are set to redefine the public's perception of the couple's creative vision.

1. The Rom-Com Adaptation: The Wedding Date

In a surprising move toward scripted entertainment, Archewell Productions announced they are developing a feature film adaptation of Jasmine Guillory’s popular 2018 romance novel, *The Wedding Date*. This marks a significant departure from their previous documentary focus and taps into a highly lucrative market for feel-good content. The project is being produced by the couple alongside Tracy Ryerson, and critically, it has secured *Girls Trip* writer Tracy Oliver as a producer, signaling a serious commitment to high-quality screenwriting.

The novel follows the story of a successful food blogger and a political strategist who meet in an elevator and decide to attend a wedding together as a spontaneous, fake couple. The film is expected to be a major romantic comedy for the streaming platform, capitalizing on Meghan’s past experience as an actress in a scripted series like *Suits*.

2. The Lifestyle & Culinary Series

Tapping into Meghan's long-standing interest in wellness, cooking, and home life—an interest she previously explored on her former blog, *The Tig*—Archewell is producing a new nonfiction series centered on the "joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship".

This yet-to-be-titled series is expected to capture the Duchess's life in Montecito, offering a curated glimpse into her passions for home, health, and hospitality. It represents a soft-power move, allowing Meghan to build a brand around aspirational lifestyle content, similar to other major media personalities.

3. The Professional Polo Documentary

Prince Harry is set to executive produce a new nonfiction series that will focus on the world of professional polo. This project is deeply personal to the Duke, who has been an avid polo player for decades, following in the footsteps of his father, King Charles III.

The series will reportedly pull back the curtain on the passion, dedication, and high-stakes environment of the sport, which is often associated with royalty and the elite. This documentary is expected to give an intimate look at the players, the training, and the culture of polo, aligning with Harry's commitment to sports-related documentaries like *Heart of Invictus*.

4. The Unspecified Non-Fiction Series

In addition to the lifestyle and polo shows, Archewell Productions has confirmed that a second, as-yet-unspecified nonfiction series is in the early stages of production. Details are scarce, but this project is likely to align with the couple's core values, potentially focusing on humanitarian efforts, mental health, or environmental conservation, which are all key pillars of the Archewell Foundation.

5. The Rumored Princess Diana Documentary

Though not officially confirmed by Netflix, one of the most persistent rumors surrounding the deal's renewal was the potential for a deeply personal project tied to the late Princess Diana. Royal experts have suggested that a documentary focusing on Diana’s legacy, potentially from Prince Harry's unique perspective, could be the ultimate "tentpole" project that solidifies their long-term value to the streaming service. While this remains speculation, the continued exploration of the "Royal Family" narrative is a powerful draw that both the Sussexes and Netflix understand.

Topical Authority and The Future of Archewell

The extension of the Netflix partnership confirms that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are committed to their life as content creators in the United States. By diversifying their content—moving from explosive personal narratives to scripted rom-coms and aspirational lifestyle programming—Archewell Productions is building topical authority across multiple genres.

This strategic move not only secures their financial footing following their departure from the Royal Family but also allows them to control their narrative. The new slate of projects, from the romance of *The Wedding Date* to the intimate look at their Montecito lifestyle, is designed to appeal to a broad, global audience, proving that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain one of the most compelling and bankable forces in modern entertainment.

markle netflix
markle netflix

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