A PR and crisis expert has suggested the streaming giant is “pivoting away” from the Sussexes as details of their new “multi-year, first-look” deal have come to light

An expert claims Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix deal is a “downgrade” from their previous five-year agreement(Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new “downgraded” Netflix deal suggests the streaming giant is “pivoting away” from the Sussexes, according to a PR and crisis expert.

Sparse details of Harry and Meghan’s “multi-year, first look” deal have come to light, after it was announced on Monday that the royal couple have renewed their agreement with Netflix following weeks of rumours that their lucrative five-year contract would officially be coming to an end in September.

After Meghan released a statement to share that she and Harry are “proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together”, an expert has revealed how the changing terms of their contract may signal a change of heart from the streaming service. It comes after ‘Fuming’ Prince Harry plots next move with ‘all options on table’ as bitter Sentebale row deepens.

A PR expert suggested that Netflix is “pivoting away” from Sussexes with new deal(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Their new deal, which has been signed for an undisclosed amount, guarantees Netflix first refusal on any new projects commissioned by the Sussexes , which is a far cry from the five-year deal they signed in 2020 which is thought to be worth more than $100 million (£74 million).

According to PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski, the “downgraded” deal suggests that Netflix are “pivoting away” from Harry and Meghan, after the shows they put out under their first deal failed to perform.

He said: “I think Netflix has done a very neat job of pivoting away from two very expensive people who didn’t deliver, and they’ve taken that deal off the table, and they’ve given them a modest one.”

He went on to explain that the signing of the new contract shows that the streaming giant still wants to have a solid relationship with the Sussexes, but is also cautious not to spend too much money on content that may not resonate with viewers.

Borkowski added: “It’s not like they’re gradually uncoupling. It’s a downgrade. Netflix are not going to expose themselves to those budgets again and it’s Netflix saying ‘Well, look, let’s have a look at your content, but we’ll pick and choose, mate’.”

Mark Borkowski suggested the new deal would be a “pay-as-you-go” agreement from Netflix(Image: Getty Images)

The PR expert also suggested that the Sussexes would be on a pay-as-you-go deal, where they are paid for productions selected by Netflix that make it to air, rather than receiving an overall fee, as he said: “I would be surprised if it’s not pay as you go and it’s well, well below that first mark (of an estimated 100 million dollars).” A representative for the Sussexes declined to comment on the financial arrangements of the deal.

The Sussexes’ new deal was announced on Monday, as Meghan issued a statement saying: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand.

“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, added: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself — Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series.
“More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As Ever line consistently selling out in record time. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”