Meghan Markle's Netflix cooking show could be a 'make-or-break' project after Prince Harry's 'Polo' flop

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had entered their $100 million Netflix deal with great fanfare, but their five-part docuseries 'Polo', which takes an insider look at the lives of elite equestrian players, has left critics and audiences unimpressed.

Now, as per sources, Meghan's Netflix series centered around "cooking, gardening, and entertaining," set to launch in early 2025, could "make or break" the couple's Hollywood dreams.  

Doubts over Meghan Markle's Netflix cooking show

Meghan Markle's project is intended to complement her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which she debuted this year, as per Page Six. 

After the poor reception of 'Polo', a Netflix insider told the Daily Mail that the project may never see the light of day, especially as there are no signs of a release date. The insider also hinted that Netflix might be losing patience with the Sussexes, stating, "There won’t be another deal. There may be one-offs, but that’s it."

They also pointed out Meghan's absence from Oprah Winfrey’s surprise 70th birthday party for their mutual friend Gayle King.

"A-listers are now actively keeping away from them and events they are apparently going to attend. One told me, 'It’s not a good look to be around them,'" the mole shared.

Her absence raised eyebrows, with sources suggesting it was intentional.

However, some think Meghan's Netflix series will come, especially if it could move forward if it’s seen as a way to bolster her brand. According to them, it would be a "make or break" for the Sussexes, who have ambitions of building a TV empire.

Critics describe Prince Harry's 'Polo' docuseries as 'boring' and 'unrelatable'

Reviews for the 'Polo' have been harsh.

"Polo is a mostly boring look at a sport that very few people outside of elite circles have any particular interest in," one critic wrote.

Another critic, Joel Keller, said, "The first episode was tough to connect with, because it presents a world that not only isn’t very relatable to most people, but is boring to boot."

Even The Guardian's Stuart Heritage joined the chorus of disapproval, calling polo "the stupidest, most obnoxious sport known to humanity." He added, "It’s clattering and niche, and feels like a spoof documentary designed to play on screens in the background of episodes of 'Succession.'"

"Polo looks destined to fall through the submenus into obscurity at the speed of light. And rightly so," critic Stuart Heritage declared, as per the New York Post.

While Prince Harry made brief appearances in the series — including in the opening credits and an episode where he shared affectionate moments with Meghan — it wasn’t enough to salvage the show’s ratings.

Many reviewers felt the couple’s involvement failed to bring the excitement or depth viewers had hoped for.

In a review by Decider, viewers were advised to "skip" the new series. "'Polo' is a mostly boring look at a sport that very few people outside of elite circles have any particular interest in," the review stated.

However, the piece acknowledged that the series might appeal to those looking to learn more about the sport.