Netflix has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are broadening their influence in the streaming industry with two new nonfiction series via their Archewell Productions. The partnership with Netflix strengthens, reflecting their commitment to create content mirroring their values and diverse interests.
The initial series will feature Meghan Markle revisiting the screen to delve into her passions of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and creating friendships. The lifestyle-centric show will be headed by Michael Steed, renowned for his work on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” with production by Leah Hariton. The show aspires to combine Meghan’s culinary interests with the warmth of communal living.
The series will be a joint venture with a subdivision of Sony Pictures Television, which has supported other successful endeavors such as “The D’Amelio Show” on Hulu and “Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath” on A&E. Meghan, known for her role in “Suits,” will contribute as one of the executive producers.
The succeeding series aims to offer audiences an insight into the competitive sphere of professional polo, with filming based around the US Open Polo Championship at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This docuseries intends to present an in-depth view of the sport, focusing on the commitment and passion needed to excel. Prince Harry, a keen polo player, will act as an executive producer and is likely to make appearances, offering a personal insight into the sport he cherishes. Milos Balac of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” will head the production as the showrunner, with Boardwalk Pictures, recognized for their work on “Chef’s Table,” supervising the project.
The new projects come as part of a larger $100 million deal with Netflix that the couple signed in 2020, soon after they relinquished their royal roles and relocated to the United States. They indicate a continuation of the couple’s work with Netflix, following the launch of their revealing documentary “Harry & Meghan” and other successful series like “Live To Lead” and “Heart of Invictus,” which have received positive feedback for their inspiring and informative content.
People within the industry have voiced excitement about the new endeavors. “These projects are very close to their hearts, combining personal interests with their ambitions to produce meaningful content,” a source close to the production revealed. Another insider emphasized the unique aspect of the polo series, stating, “It’s not just about the sport but the culture and community around it. There’s a lot to be told in the world of competitive polo that many aren’t aware of.”
Meghan has also recently ventured into podcasting, signing a deal with Lemonade Media to launch a new series while continuing to distribute her Spotify series “Archetypes.” The couple has also procured the screen rights to Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake,” which they aim to convert into a movie.
As fans and media observers alike await the titles and release dates for the new Netflix series, anticipation is increasing. With these projects, Meghan and Harry continue to carve a unique path in the media industry that reflects their journey and values, promising to deliver authentic and relatable content to their audience.