Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos believes Meghan Markle is a force to be reckoned with in cultural influence. In a recent interview with Variety, Sarandos discussed Netflix’s partnership with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and acknowledged the impact Meghan has on global trends and public discourse.
Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, signed a reported $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020. Since then, they have produced several projects, including the record-breaking docuseries Harry & Meghan, which detailed their relationship and departure from royal duties.
Meghan’s Growing Impact on Netflix and Beyond
One of Meghan’s solo ventures, With Love, Meghan, debuted earlier this month and quickly secured a spot in Netflix’s global top 10. The show’s success has already led to the confirmation of a second season, set to premiere in the fall.
While other projects from their Archewell Productions—such as Polo and Heart of Invictus—did not attract as large an audience, Sarandos emphasized that Meghan and Harry’s influence goes beyond mere viewership numbers.
“I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture,” Sarandos noted. He pointed out how even small details from their content spark global trends. “When we dropped the trailer for the Harry & Meghan docuseries [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.”
The Public’s Fascination with Meghan Markle
Sarandos highlighted the ongoing public interest in Meghan, stating, “People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed.” Despite criticism, Meghan continues to command attention and influence consumer behavior.
Netflix has also extended its involvement in Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, As ever, marking the streaming giant’s entry into the e-commerce space. The brand, set to launch in the U.S. this spring, will offer products such as teas and jams. Sarandos clarified Netflix’s role in the venture, saying, “We’re a passive partner in Meghan’s company, and it’s a big discovery model for us right now.”
The Future of Meghan and Harry’s Netflix Deal
As the couple’s multi-million-dollar contract nears its end, there has been widespread speculation about whether Netflix will renew their deal. Sarandos remained tight-lipped about the renewal but compared their agreement to Netflix’s deal with Barack and Michelle Obama, emphasizing that these partnerships are structured around specific projects.
“In general, the ones that we’ve had are bespoke and rationalized around output. I think of them as ‘show-verall’ deals. We outline what we’re going to do together over the next five years and package it in a deal,” Sarandos explained.
Meghan’s Personal Life and Entertainment Choices
Beyond her professional projects, Meghan recently shared insights into her personal life during an interview with PEOPLE. She spoke about spending quality time with her children—5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet—and enjoying quiet moments at home with Prince Harry.
Like many families, they love watching TV together. Meghan revealed, “We love Shrinking; we just finished Black Doves, and we’re excited for the new season of The White Lotus.”
Meghan Markle’s journey from actress to royal and now cultural influencer continues to evolve. Despite facing criticism and skepticism, she remains a significant figure in global conversations. As Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos suggests, Meghan is more than just a celebrity—she is a trendsetter whose influence extends far beyond television screens.
The Information is Collected from Daily Mail and Yahoo.
