'Keep selling themselves': Meghan Markle and Prince Harry draw criticism after announcing 2 new Netflix series

LONDON, UK: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expanding their footprint in the entertainment industry with two new nonfiction series announced under their Archewell Productions banner in collaboration with Netflix.

One of the upcoming series, curated by Meghan Markle herself, will focus on celebrating "the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship." Deadline was first to report the news.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce new Netflix series

With Meghan serving as an executive producer, the show aims to showcase her passion for culinary arts and sustainable living.

Directed by Michael Steed, known for his work on 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,' and with Leah Hariton, a producer on Selena Gomez's 'Selena +' Chef cooking show on HBO, as the showrunner, viewers can expect an intimate exploration of Meghan's love for food and community.

The second series will provide viewers with unparalleled access to the realm of professional polo, a sport deeply cherished by Prince Harry.

Given his passion for polo and frequent participation in charity matches, Prince Harry will assume the role of executive producer on the project. It aims to reveal the dedication and fervor underlying the sport's glamorous exterior.

Milos Balac, recognized for his work on 'Welcome to Wrexham,' will step into the role of showrunner, tasked with capturing the essence of polo competition at its pinnacle.

"Known primarily for its aesthetic and social scene, the series will pull the curtain back on the grit and passion of the sport, capturing players and all it takes to compete at the highest level," according to a statement.

The two shows are anticipated to be unveiled in the upcoming months, complete with titles and release dates.

According to Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, Meghan and Prince Harry are working on several projects.

"They have a couple of unscripted things they're working on with Brandon (Reigg)," Bajaria said, according to Hello! magazine. "And they actually have like a bunch of development. They have a movie in development, a (scripted) series that they're working on. So all very early development, with a movie, a TV show, and a couple of unscripted shows. But yeah, the movie's great."

After stepping back from their royal roles and relocating to California in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, secured a multiyear deal with Netflix.

As outlined in a report by The New York Times, this collaboration laid the groundwork for their production hub, Archewell Productions, to produce content exclusively for the streaming platform.

This content will encompass documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children's programming.

One of their notable projects for Netflix is the intimate docuseries 'Harry & Meghan,' which premiered in December 2022 and went on to become Netflix's most significant documentary debut ever.

Backlash erupts as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry unveil new Netflix projects

The unveiling of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new Netflix projects has ignited backlash on social media, with users expressing skepticism and criticism regarding the couple's ventures.

One user questioned the couple's decision, writing, "Thought they hated the press, why are they keep selling themselves?"

Another user commented, "Selling themselves down the river again."

A user expressed concerns about the couple's success, stating, "Think the level of paranoia is rising alarmingly, but with their track record the level of success is likely to remain grim."

Criticism was also directed at Meghan Markle, with one user labeling her as "She is a Ruthless talentless woman and needed to be a honey trap to catch her a Prince and he was thick enough to go along with it." 

Another user doubted the popularity of their projects, bluntly stating, "No one will watch it."

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