Everyone has an opinion on the Sussexes. You either love the Montecito rebrand or you find the whole thing a bit much, but if you’re looking at the raw data of the Meghan Markle and Netflix partnership, the story is way more complicated than just "success" or "failure."
It’s been over five years since that massive $100 million contract hit the headlines. Back in 2020, it felt like they were going to take over the world. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape looks very different. The big "overall deal" is technically a thing of the past, replaced by a much more surgical "first-look" agreement.
Is it a demotion? Kinda. But it’s also just how Hollywood works now.
The Pivot from Content Machine to "As Ever"
The biggest misconception about the Meghan Markle and Netflix deal is that they were just handed a check for a hundred million bucks.
That's not how it works.
That number represents a development pot. It covers staff, production costs, and overhead. If you don't make the shows, you don't get the money. And for a while, they weren't making much. We saw Pearl, the animated series, get axed before it even breathed. People started whispering that the deal was a "lemon."
Then came With Love, Meghan.
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This show basically became the face of the Duchess's pivot. Originally tied to the American Riviera Orchard brand—which later became As Ever due to some trademark headaches—the series wasn't a traditional documentary. It was a lifestyle play. Think Martha Stewart meets Montecito.
What the Numbers Actually Say
Honestly, the viewership data from early 2025 was a bit of a reality check. While their first docuseries, Harry & Meghan, smashed records, the lifestyle content had a harder time.
- With Love, Meghan Season 1 landed at No. 383 in Netflix’s engagement report.
- It pulled in about 5.3 million views.
- By comparison, Polo (Prince Harry’s passion project) struggled even more, failing to crack the top tiers of the zeitgeist.
Despite the "cancelation" rumors that circulate every six months, Netflix actually doubled down on the lifestyle angle. They saw the value in the As Ever brand integration. You could watch Meghan cook with José Andrés or discuss mindfulness with Radhi Devlukia, and then theoretically go buy the jam or the home goods.
It’s a business model, not just a TV show.
Why the $100 Million Deal Changed
In late 2025, the industry confirmed that the original five-year contract wouldn't be renewed in its "all-you-can-eat" format. Instead, they moved to a first-look deal.
Netflix is tightening its belt. Everyone is. They did the same thing with the Obamas and Higher Ground. The era of "here is a mountain of cash, just go find something to do" is dead. Now, it’s about specific projects.
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The Current Slate: 2026 and Beyond
So, what are they actually doing right now? If you’re keeping track, here’s the current status of the Archewell Productions roster:
- With Love, Meghan: The second season already dropped, and the "Holiday Celebration" special from late 2025 remains a staple in the lifestyle category.
- Meet Me at the Lake: This is the big one. They bought the rights to Carley Fortune’s bestseller. It’s a scripted feature, which is a huge shift from the "unscripted" documentary style they started with.
- Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within: A documentary short that highlights healing through dance. It’s smaller, more philanthropic, and very much in line with their original "inspiring" mission.
The "As Ever" Strategy
You've probably noticed that Meghan has been quieter lately. That's intentional. The "cloak and daggers" approach to the As Ever rollout was a direct response to the Spotify collapse. They realized that over-promising and under-delivering is a death sentence in the "attention economy."
The brand isn't just about products; it’s about a lifestyle that Netflix can film. By filming the show at a private residence in Montecito, they created a self-sustaining content loop.
It’s smart business.
But it's also risky. If the audience doesn't buy the products, the show loses its value as a marketing vehicle. Some critics argued the lifestyle series felt "tone-deaf" in a tough economy, but the sell-out rates of the early As Ever products suggested a very loyal, very affluent core fan base was still there.
The Reality of the Netflix Relationship
Is there "animosity"? Sources say no.
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Netflix got what they wanted: the highest-viewed documentary debut in their history with the 2022 series. Everything after that is basically a bonus. For Meghan, Netflix provided a global platform to transition from "ex-royal" to "lifestyle mogul."
The relationship has matured. It’s less about the drama of the "Megxit" years and more about the slow grind of building a media company. Archewell Productions is still a small team. They’ve had high turnover, sure, but they’ve also stayed in the game longer than most people predicted back in 2020.
Moving Forward with the Sussexes
If you want to track the success of Meghan Markle and Netflix in 2026, don't look at the tabloid headlines about family feuds. Look at the "First Look" announcements.
The move into scripted film with Meet Me at the Lake is the true test. Can they produce a hit where they aren't the main characters? That’s the difference between being a celebrity and being a producer.
Actionable Insights for the Viewer
- Check the Engagement Reports: Netflix now releases biannual data. If you want the truth about whether a show is a "flop," look for the "Views" column in the Netflix Engagement Report. Don't rely on social media noise.
- Watch the Brand Shifts: The transition from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever was a major legal lesson in trademarking. It's a reminder that even high-profile launches hit massive roadblocks.
- Focus on Scripted Content: The upcoming film projects will define the next three years of their Hollywood career. This is where the real money—and the real industry respect—will be made or lost.
The partnership isn't over; it's just evolved into something quieter and more corporate. Whether that's "boring" or "brilliant" depends entirely on who you ask.
The strategy now is clear: diversify, own the IP, and keep the products selling. As long as the As Ever items keep selling out, Netflix will likely keep the cameras rolling.
Next Steps for Following the Story:
Monitor the production updates for Meet Me at the Lake. This film represents the first time Archewell is producing a major scripted project without the Sussexes appearing on screen. Its success or failure at the box office (or streaming charts) will be the most significant indicator of their long-term viability as Hollywood power players.