NEED TO KNOW
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made a new announcement about their partnership with Netflix
- The news comes after it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wouldn’t renew their $100 million contract with Netflix after it expires in September
- The couple signed the reported multi-year deal with the streamer in 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship with Netflix will continue.
On August 11, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced with Netflix that they are extending their creative partnership through Archewell Productions with a multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects.
“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand,” Meghan said in a statement. “My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself — Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series. More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As ever line consistently selling out in record time. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”
Meghan’s brand, developed in partnership with Netflix, will continue expanding into new product categories.
The Duchess of Sussex also revealed that the second season of her show will premiere later this month, with a holiday special, With Love, Meghan: holiday Celebration, set to premiere in December.
“This December, join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration. Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs – with simple how-tos to follow at home. It’s a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy,” the release stated.
Another project, Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, was also announced, and will debut on Netflix later this year.
“In the heart of Uganda’s Masaka region, where the shadows of the HIV/AIDS crisis linger, a small orphanage becomes a beacon of hope. Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within goes beyond the viral videos to reveal a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community where orphaned children transform hardship into joy, dancing their way toward healing, belonging, and the promise of a brighter future,” the statement continued.
And despite reports to the contrary, the couple’s adaptation of the bestselling novel, Meet Me at the Lake, is still in the works.
“Archewell Productions is in active development on additional projects with Netflix that span a variety of content genres, including the feature adaptation of the bestselling novel by Carley Fortune, Meet Me At The Lake. This romantic drama follows a decade-spanning love story that begins with a chance encounter and a broken promise,” the release stated.
The update comes after it was widely reported last month that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s $100 deal with Netflix would not be renewed when it expires in September.
A Hollywood insider told PEOPLE at the time that the multi-year production agreement won’t be extended, reflecting a broader shift in Netflix’s business strategy. The streaming service has been moving away from multi-project agreements and similarly transitioned a deal with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company.
The couple’s 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan remains Netflix’s most-watched documentary debut to date. The pair also produced Live to Lead (2022), Heart of Invictus (2023) and Polo (2024).
Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex hosted and executive produced the first season of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. The solo show, filmed in their town of Montecito, California, featured Meghan hosting friends like Mindy Kaling as she shared her cooking, entertaining and lifestyle tips and tricks.
Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As ever, alongside the series, and Netflix is a partner in the brand.
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A second season of With Love, Meghan has already filmed and will feature new cameos from familiar faces, including previously announced guest stars Chrissy Teigen and José Andrés.
“We love José so much,” Meghan said as she revealed the upcoming appearance at the TIME100 Summit in April. “I’ve been fortunate to have the people that I want on the show… I’ve been really lucky. We have a great, great lineup.”
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