Netflix revises Sussexes deal

Meghan Markle’s Netflix show returns for a second season as the Sussexes’ deal is described as a downgrade, signaling a tighter, more selective arrangement.

Netflix signs downgraded deal with Meghan and Harry after season two renewal

Netflix released the trailer for season two of Meghan Markle’s With Love, Meghan, just as reports spread of a new multi-year, first-look deal with the streamer. The show, filmed at a rented California estate near Meghan’s Montecito home for privacy, will return on August 26 with guests including Chrissy Teigen and Jamie Kern Lima. The teaser shows Meghan cooking, socializing with friends, and even sharing a quip about her husband’s tastes, including lobster.

Season two arrives amid chatter that Netflix is loosening its ties with the couple. The deal is described as a first-look arrangement rather than a full-budget partnership, with industry chatter suggesting the terms are smaller than the original $100 million deal inked in 2020. Critics note the show has struggled to break into Netflix’s top 300 programs, and insiders say the new output will include a Christmas special and other projects under a broader, curated slate. The timing also hints at potential clashes with other high-profile commitments, including a December carol event and a slate of documentary and adaptation projects under Archewell Productions.

The development underscores a wider shift in streaming economics, where high-profile partnerships are being recalibrated rather than abandoned. A first-look model preserves Netflix’s veto power while signaling a more selective approach to funding, especially after years of expansive spending on celebrity-led content. For Meghan and Harry, the downgrade may protect their brand value while limiting exposure to large, fixed budgets that markets now scrutinize.

Yet the move also heightens uncertainty for fans and investors who equate spectacle with value. If the couple can deliver strong, distinctive programming within tighter budgets, they may still attract loyal audiences. If not, the partnership could become a cautionary tale about chasing headlines rather than durable audience engagement. The broader implication is clear: in a crowded streaming landscape, visibility is not enough without measurable, lasting impact.

Highlights

The next chapter will reveal whether this slimmer approach can still captivate a global audience.