In 2022, two years after stepping down from their official senior royal duties, Netflix released a two-volume docuseries about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aptly named Harry & Meghan.
Upon its release, Volume I instantly amassed impressive viewing statistics, with the first episode gaining 2.4 million views on its first day on the streaming service. It was the most successful documentary debut Netflix has ever seen, and critical opinion was rather positive, too. Volume II came a few months later, in December, although many critics found this second instalment drawn out and unnecessary.
The show was made as part of a contract with Netflix that expires in 2025, but with waning interest in the pair, there are questions as to whether their agreement with the streamer will be renewed.
In 2023, Harry & Meghan amassed lower viewing numbers than expected, with just 12.6million views between both volumes during the latter half of the year. A royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, told the Mirror why he thinks interest in the couple is declining: “Netflix are no longer producing the series of The Crown, as they previously were. They might therefore have less interest in the Sussexes.”
He added, “If they lost this contract, with Archewell, their business and charitable foundation, having so few donors, they might well be in financial trouble. Since their exposes of royal life have made megabucks, but little else has made money, the Royal Family better hope that this unpredictable and ruthlessly ambitious couple stays with Netflix.”
Another famous couple appear to have taken their crown – the Beckhams. People seem to have transferred their interest to former footballer David Beckham and Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham following the release of the docuseries Beckham. While it focuses more on the footballer’s career, his relationship and family life with Victoria also form a big part of the show. Between July and December 2023, David and Victoria racked up 43.9million views, compared to Harry and Meghan’s 12.6million views.
Still, the royal couple has two more projects under their wing as part of their contract, which could boost their popularity. One is produced by Meghan and explores cooking and gardening, while the other will take a deep dive into the world of polo.
