Netflix chief gushes over 'remarkable' Meghan Markle amid her and Harry's partnership
The Netflix chief gushed over the Duchess of Sussex during a recent podcast appearance
Netflix’s Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has given a powerful vote of confidence to Meghan Markle, calling her “remarkable”.
It comes as the streaming giant renewed its partnership with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In a recent appearance on the Aspire podcast with Emma Grede, Sarandos praised the Duchess of Sussex, 44, for her unique star power and commercial impact.
Netflix chief gushes over ‘incredible’ Meghan Markle
“One thing we learned early with Meghan… she has remarkable influence, remarkable,” he gushed.
“So when we did the documentary on her and Harry, the trailer, when we ran the trailer announcing it, people… hundreds of people… broke down every frame of the trailer. The $20 shoes that she got from… a village that was making these shoes sold out all over the world. And the $1,500 blanket that was on the chair sold out all over the world. She has incredible power and influence.”
Sarandos went on to describe the Harry & Meghan series as “one of the most-watched documentaries we’ve ever had”. He called it a success “in every measure”.
The series saw Harry and Meghan detail their time in the monarchy and why they stepped back from royal duties.
“I don’t think that you can have a consumer products business if you don’t have a great entertainment business. So that’s got to come first,” Sarandos added.
Last month, Netflix confirmed that its deal with Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions will be extended beyond its expected 2025 expiration date.
The new agreement includes a “first-look” deal for film and television projects, cementing the Sussexes’ place within the streamer’s creative roster.
In a statement celebrating the renewed deal, Meghan said: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand.”
The couple first signed with Netflix in 2020 following their decision to step back from royal duties. The initial deal was estimated at around $100m (£80m) over five years. Meanwhile, the terms of the new agreement are reportedly scaled back but still significant.
Meghan and Harry’s new Netflix deal
Alongside their film and TV work, the renewed agreement also expands Netflix’s partnership with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The Sussexes are also continuing to build their media portfolio with a diverse slate of upcoming Netflix projects.
Meghan’s lifestyle and cooking series, With Love, Meghan, launched its second season last month. A holiday special is set to air in December.
They are also producing Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within. The documentary is centred on a Ugandan orphanage that uses music and dance to support children affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
In addition, production is moving forward on Meet Me at the Lake, a romantic film adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel. Despite earlier reports of delays, the project is said to be progressing behind the scenes.
Read more: Angelina Jolie’s bond with the royals doesn’t really involve Prince Harry or Meghan
So, what do you think of this story? Let us know by commenting on our Royal Insider Facebook page. We want to know your thoughts!
