Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, seem to be facing a period of dwindling popularity and setbacks in their Hollywood endeavors. This comes after their Netflix docuseries, Polo, co-produced by Markle, failed to resonate with viewers and received harsh criticism.
Markle, once fawned over by media outlets, now finds herself on the receiving end of less favorable coverage.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Disastrous Downfall As Netflix’s ‘Polo’ A Massive Fail; Beginning of the End of the Sussexes In Hollywood?
This shift in tone is attributed to the perceived lack of quality in the projects undertaken by the Sussexes. A palace insider revealed Markle’s disappointment with the article, believing the writer to be a friend. However, the insider acknowledges the need for journalists to maintain credibility, which the Sussexes’ projects seem to be lacking in the eyes of some critics.
Polo: A Royal Misstep
Polo, the criticized docuseries, follows privileged players competing in the U.S. Open polo championship. Viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the minimal screen time featuring the royal producers themselves, especially considering their decision to step back from royal duties in pursuit of Hollywood success.
Cohen further criticizes Polo as another failed attempt by the Sussexes to establish themselves in the United States. She draws parallels between the docuseries and Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Orchard Riviera, which has also struggled to gain traction.
The negative reception surrounding Polo could have significant consequences for the Sussexes‘ Hollywood aspirations. An insider suggests this might be their “last chance” to secure a renewal of their Netflix deal. This comes after facing criticism as “grifters” from Spotify executive Bill Simmons, following the cancellation of their $20 million podcast deal in 2023.
Simmons’ frustration with the couple is evident in his statement about a meeting with Harry to discuss podcast ideas: “It’s one of my best stories… F**k them.”
Lost Allies and Dwindling Resources
The lack of promotion for Polo by Netflix is seen as an indicator of the streaming giant’s waning support for the Sussexes. This, coupled with the Spotify deal cancellation, suggests the couple might be losing allies and facing financial constraints.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Hollywood ventures seem to be encountering significant challenges. The negative reception of their projects, coupled with shifting media narratives and potential financial limitations, paints a picture of a couple struggling to establish themselves in the entertainment industry. Whether they can overcome these obstacles and achieve their Hollywood dreams remains to be seen.
