Meghan Markle Compares Herself to Obamas
The Duchess of Sussex visiting ActionAid South Africa during an official tour on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, 2019. Photo courtesy of eNCA - YouTube under CC BY 3.0.
Meghan Markle is rewriting the script on her media empire, and the stakes could not be higher. At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., the Duchess of Sussex dropped a bombshell comparison that sent ripples through Hollywood and beyond. She reportedly likened her and Prince Harry's freshly restructured Netflix deal to the Obamas' celebrated partnership with their production company, Higher Ground. This shift from an "overall deal" to a "first-look" agreement is not just a business move. It's a bold statement of ambition, flexibility, and resilience as Meghan pivots her media strategy while the future of her hit show hangs in the balance.
The Sussexes' Netflix journey began with a splashy $100 million, multi-year contract signed in 2020, shortly after they stepped back from royal duties. The deal promised a slate of documentaries, scripted shows, and family programming designed to inspire and inform. But as the years rolled on, the couple's output was leaner than expected, with only a handful of projects making it to the screen. The explosive "Harry & Meghan" docuseries dominated headlines and viewership, but other ventures, including Meghan's lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan," faced mixed reviews and fluctuating audience interest.
A Strategic Shift in Hollywood Power Plays
Meghan's recent remarks at the summit revealed a savvy recalibration. She explained that their original "overall deal" with Netflix, which granted the streamer exclusive rights to all Archewell Productions content, had reached its term, as reported by PEOPLE. The new "first-look" deal, she said, mirrors the Obamas' arrangement with Higher Ground, signaling a partnership that is both strong and adaptable. This model allows the Sussexes to pitch projects to Netflix first but also gives them the freedom to shop content elsewhere if it doesn't fit Netflix's evolving slate.
This pivot is more than semantics. It reflects the changing landscape of streaming giants who are moving away from all-encompassing contracts toward more flexible, project-by-project agreements. Netflix's decision to renew the Sussexes' deal on these terms reportedly comes with less financial commitment but opens doors for broader creative opportunities. The streamer also invested in Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, integrating product development with content creation, a move that blurs the lines between entertainment and entrepreneurship.
The High Stakes of 'With Love, Meghan'
The future of Meghan's Netflix show is a key piece of this puzzle. "With Love, Meghan" has been a passion project, blending lifestyle content with personal storytelling. Yet, its second season reportedly saw a dip in viewership, raising questions about its longevity. At the summit, Meghan teased a holiday special set to debut in November, signaling that the show is far from finished but also hinting at a willingness to experiment with format and content length.
She acknowledged the intense work behind producing eight episodes across two seasons, drawing on her experience from seven years on "Suits," as reported by PEOPLE. Meghan is exploring ways to deliver content in bite-sized formats, such as quick recipes and tips, to meet the demands of today's fast-paced audiences. This approach aligns with her broader brand strategy, which emphasizes authenticity, accessibility, and connection.
From Royalty to Media Mogul: Reinventing the Brand
Meghan's media ambitions extend beyond Netflix. Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, launched earlier this year, has quickly gained traction with products like jams, teas, and a Napa Valley rosé. Netflix's involvement in producing and marketing these products signals a new era where content and commerce intertwine. This synergy offers Meghan a diversified platform to build her legacy, blending storytelling with tangible consumer experiences.
Her comparison to the Obamas is telling. Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground has become a powerhouse in socially conscious media, producing acclaimed films and series that elevate diverse voices. By aligning Archewell Productions with this model, Meghan positions herself not just as a former royal but as a serious player in the cultural and business arenas. It's a move that commands respect and signals long-term vision.
The Drama Behind the Deal
The Netflix partnership has not been without drama. Rumors swirled earlier this year that the Sussexes' deal was ending, fueling speculation about their future in Hollywood. Yet, the August announcement of a renewed multi-year, first-look deal quashed those rumors, revealing a relationship that, while transformed, remains intact. The new contract includes exciting projects like a film adaptation of the bestseller "Meet Me at the Lake" and a documentary short about a Ugandan orphanage, showcasing the couple's commitment to meaningful storytelling.
This evolution reflects the realities of celebrity media deals in 2025. Streaming platforms are more cautious, audiences more fragmented, and content creators more entrepreneurial. Meghan and Harry's ability to adapt, diversify, and maintain relevance amid these shifts is a testament to their savvy and ambition.
This story is far from over. As Meghan and Harry continue to redefine what it means to be modern royalty, their Netflix deal is more than a contract. It's a symbol of reinvention, resilience, and relentless ambition.
References: Meghan Markle compares herself to Obamas as she details future of Netflix partnership | Meghan Markle Speaks Out for First Time About Netflix Deal, Season 3 of With Love | Netflix Re-Signs Prince Harry and Meghan Markle-But For Less Than Original Deal
