Netflix CEO highlights Meghan Markle's 'underestimated influence' as he defends renewal of her show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently addressed the company’s ongoing investment in the Duchess of Sussex, confirming that her influence extends far beyond her latest lifestyle series, 'With Love, Meghan.'
In a new interview with Variety, Sarandos made it clear that Netflix sees Markle as a long-term partner. The platform isn’t just backing her TV projects, it has also taken a stake in As Ever, her recently launched lifestyle brand.
Netflix CEO confirms Meghan Markle’s growing role on the platform
“We’re a passive partner in Meghan’s company, and it’s a big discovery model for us right now,” Sarandos, 60, explained. When asked why Markle was "the right person to bet on," Sarandos shared his perspective, saying, "I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture."
He went on to elaborate, "When we dropped the trailer for the ‘Harry & Meghan’ doc series (in 2022), everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world. People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed."
When questioned about Netflix’s genuine commitment to the couple’s brand beyond just a “marketing play,” Sarandos responded, “It’s good for marketing and branding. This is all expressions of fandom.”
Markle and Prince Harry signed a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, promising exclusive content. While their projects have been a mix of hits and misses, Sarandos appears committed to their partnership.
Netflix has already renewed 'With Love, Meghan' for a second season, and production reportedly wrapped earlier this year. However, the show’s first season received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it “pointless” and “exhausting.”
Despite the backlash, the numbers tell a different story. According to Netflix, 'With Love, Meghan' landed in the platform’s global Top 10 with 12.6 million hours watched in six days.
Harry & Meghan docuseries racked up 81.5 million hours in its debut week, it still signals strong engagement. Beyond television, Netflix is also betting on As Ever, Markle’s lifestyle brand focused on “beautifully crafted essentials for the home.”
Meghan Markle’s Netflix future addressed by CEO, sparking online debate
Critics were quick to push back on the narrative, with one user stating, “Every basic blogger turned influencer had that blanket well before Meghan.”
Another user mocked the idea, writing, “Are we seriously supposed to believe the Hermes blanket ‘sold out’ because of Meghan? HAHAHA.”
“Does he not understand the concept of high-end designers always having pieces out of stock for exclusivity?” one commenter asked.
One quipped, “Netflix is waiting for the divorce,” while another speculated, “So the rumor of Netflix sticking around until the divorce of the Sussexes is true.”
Another commented, "Damage control."
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