Netflix has announced that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry are expanding their footprint in the streaming world with two new nonfiction series under their Archewell Productions banner. This project showcases the couple’s ongoing collaboration with the streaming giant and their commitment to producing content that reflects their values and diverse interests.
The first of the new series will see Meghan Markle return to the screen to explore her cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship passions. This lifestyle-focused show, set to be directed by Michael Steed, known for his work on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” and featuring Leah Hariton as the producer, aims to blend Meghan’s love of culinary arts with the nurturing spirit of communal living.
This series will be produced in collaboration with an arm of Sony Pictures Television, which has backed other successful projects like “The D’Amelio Show” on Hulu and “Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath” on A&E. Meghan, acclaimed for her role in “Suits,” will add a personal touch as one of the executive producers.
The second series promises to take viewers into the competitive world of professional polo, with filming centered around the US Open Polo Championship at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This docuseries aims to provide an unprecedented look at the sport, delving into the dedication and passion required to excel. Prince Harry, an avid polo enthusiast, will serve as an executive producer and is expected to appear, offering a personal perspective on the sport he loves. Milos Balac of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” will manage the production as the showrunner, with Boardwalk Pictures, known for their work on “Chef’s Table,” overseeing the project.
These new ventures are part of a broader $100 million deal signed with Netflix in 2020, shortly after the couple stepped down from their royal duties and moved to the United States. They mark a continuation of the couple’s work with Netflix, following the release of their revealing documentary “Harry & Meghan” and other successful series such as “Live To Lead” and “Heart of Invictus,” which have been well-received for their inspiring and educational content.
Industry insiders have expressed excitement about the new projects. “These projects are very close to their hearts, combining personal interests with their ambitions to produce meaningful content,” shared an unnamed source close to the production. Another insider highlighted the unique aspect of the polo series, noting, “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.”
Additionally, Meghan has recently ventured into the world of podcasts, signing a deal with Lemonade Media to launch a new series while continuing to distribute her Spotify series “Archetypes.” The couple has also acquired the screen rights to Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake,” which they plan to adapt into a film.
As the titles and release dates for the new Netflix series are awaited, the anticipation is building among fans and media observers alike. With these projects, Meghan and Harry continue to forge a distinctive path in the media landscape that mirrors their journey and values while promising to bring authentic and relatable content to their audience.
