Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are caught at a crossroads as the Sussexes are "on borrowed time", a source has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed their lucrative deal with Netflix in 2020, but industry insiders suggest the relationship is "on borrowed time".
Meghan's upcoming lifestyle show, "With Love, Meghan", could prove crucial in determining whether their contract will be renewed. The series launches on the platform on Tuesday.
Since signing with Netflix, the Sussexes have produced one major success and three less impressive offerings.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle caught at a crossroads as Sussexes 'on borrowed time'
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Their documentary, "Harry & Meghan", was the streaming service's biggest documentary debut, attracting nearly 29 million households in its first four days.
However, their other projects have failed to generate similar interest.
"Polo," a sports docuseries, "Live to Lead" about global justice activists, and "Heart of Invictus", about the prince's games for injured soldiers, all underperformed.
"There's a feeling that Netflix hasn't got great value for money [from the Sussexes]," a source told the Times.
Bela Bajaria - Netflix's chief content officer - has maintained the streaming platform is excited about Meghan's show
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The same source added that this was "because they were buying exclusivity but then the couple appeared in other places, like their podcasts, and because their popularity has nosedived."
Working relationships have reportedly been strained.
"The word bandied around internally is 'nightmare'", a company insider claimed when describing the experience of collaborating with the couple.
Despite reports of tension, Netflix's chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, publicly maintains enthusiasm for the partnership.
Meghan's Netflix show is titled 'With Love, Meghan'NetflixLast month, Bajaria insisted the company was "really excited" to continue working with the couple. She specifically praised Meghan's hospitality series as "such a great take on a lifestyle show".
Bajaria also highlighted the programme as "a showcase for California, Montecito and nature".
Netflix is planning to open physical stores in Dallas and Pennsylvania later this year.
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Shoppers will also be able to purchase merchandise related to Netflix content. A company insider expects Meghan's products to feature on the shelves.
"This might be a way to milk some value out of them," a source told the publication.
