Netflix: Harry & Meghan Deal – Ted Sarandos Ignored Executive Warnings

Netflix Executive’s Social Media Move Fuels Speculation Over Sussexes’ Future with Streamer

A subtle shift in social media activity by Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos – reportedly unfollowing Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on Instagram – has ignited renewed scrutiny over the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with the streaming giant. The move comes shortly after Netflix officially ended its partnership with the couple, nearly six years after they initially signed a reported $100 million deal in 2020. While the full implications remain unclear, the action has been interpreted by industry insiders as a sign of growing distance between Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, adding another layer to a complex and evolving situation.

The Unfollowing and What It Signals

According to reports from Page Six and Hola!, Sarandos, who was previously among the first to follow Markle upon her return to Instagram in early 2025, no longer follows either her personal account or her brand, As Ever. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, has reportedly mirrored this action. While Sarandos’ wife, Nicole Avant, maintains a following of Markle, she does not follow As Ever, suggesting a deliberate separation within the couple’s social circles. Sources speaking to Page Six indicated conflicting accounts, with some claiming Sarandos never followed Markle or As Ever in the first place, while others confirm the unfollowing occurred sometime last month. This discrepancy highlights the sensitivity surrounding the situation and the limited official information available.

A $100 Million Deal That Didn’t Fully Deliver

The initial deal between Netflix and the Sussexes, announced in 2020, was hailed as a landmark agreement. It positioned Harry and Meghan as major players in Hollywood content production, following their decision to step back from royal duties. The agreement encompassed a wide range of projects, including documentaries, feature films, and children’s programming. The partnership initially saw success with the 2022 documentary “Harry & Meghan,” which garnered significant global attention and became Netflix’s most-watched documentary ever. Yet, subsequent projects reportedly struggled to replicate that momentum, leading to questions about the overall return on investment for the streaming service. As Page Six reported, the “mood in the building is ‘We’re done.’”

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Separating Fact from Speculation

It’s crucial to distinguish between confirmed details and ongoing speculation. Confirmed: Netflix has officially cut ties with Meghan Markle and her As Ever lifestyle brand. Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria have reportedly unfollowed Markle and As Ever on Instagram. The initial deal was valued at approximately $100 million over five years. Unclear: The exact reasons for the unfollowing remain unconfirmed. The extent to which the decision was influenced by the performance of the Sussexes’ projects is not fully known. The nature of ongoing conversations between Netflix and the Sussexes, if any, has not been publicly disclosed. The specific financial terms of the deal’s termination are also undisclosed.

Background: The Sussexes’ Move to Content Creation

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s foray into content creation followed their decision to step down as senior members of the British Royal Family in January 2020. Seeking financial independence, they pursued various ventures, including public speaking engagements, podcasting, and, crucially, a deal with Netflix. This move was intended to allow them to tell their own stories and produce content aligned with their values. The initial documentary, “Harry & Meghan,” provided an intimate look into their decision to leave royal life and the challenges they faced, resonating with a global audience. However, the subsequent lack of consistently high-performing projects raised concerns within Netflix about the long-term viability of the partnership. The couple also has a deal with Spotify, which has also faced scrutiny regarding content output.

What Happens Next for the Sussexes and Netflix?

With the official partnership concluded, the immediate future remains uncertain. For Netflix, the focus will likely shift to developing new content and securing other high-profile deals. The streaming service is facing increasing competition in the entertainment landscape and will need to continue innovating to maintain its subscriber base. For the Sussexes, the termination of the Netflix deal presents both challenges, and opportunities. They will need to explore alternative avenues for content creation and distribution, potentially seeking partnerships with other streaming services or production companies. They may also focus on expanding their existing ventures, such as their Archewell Foundation. It remains unclear whether they will pursue further projects independently or seek new collaborative opportunities.

The Internal Warnings Sarandos Received

Recent reports suggest that Ted Sarandos faced internal resistance when initially pursuing the deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to a report on the NewsNationNow, ten of Sarandos’s chiefs of staff advised him against the investment. Despite these warnings, Sarandos reportedly believed in the potential of the partnership, particularly given the couple’s global profile and the potential for compelling storytelling. This internal disagreement underscores the high stakes involved in such large-scale deals and the challenges of predicting their ultimate success. The initial success of “Harry & Meghan” seemingly validated Sarandos’s decision, but the subsequent lack of consistent hits ultimately led to the termination of the agreement.