Meghan Markle and Prince Harry raked a lucrative deal with Netflix to produce films and TV shows. But the arrangement with the streaming platform apparently received lukewarm interest from the people in Britain.
Netflix signed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, despite their lack of producing experience, because of their global appeal. The streaming platform's CEO, Ted Sarandos, said that the couple inspires millions of people because of "their authenticity, optimism and leadership."
But a survey conducted among 2,713 British adults showed that only 12 percent would watch a film or TV show produced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. About 64 percent said that they are "not interested" while three percent stated they were "very interested."
The survey also highlighted that the age group most likely keen on watching Prince Harry and Meghan's shows are those between 18 to 24 years old. Only five percent from the 25 to 49-year-old demographic said that they will subscribe to Prince Harry and Meghan's film and TV projects.
Prince Harry and Meghan's yet to be revealed production company has big plans to make an animated female-focused TV show, a nature documentary, a program about mental health and a show about community service. Sources said that the couple plan to do a program that will affect change.
The Sussex pair want to concentrate on documentaries and children's programs, not scripted series for entertainment. This means that their Netflix deal will not have Meghan return to acting but she and Prince Harry might still be in front of the cameras for their documentaries.
But insiders were said to have thumbed down Prince Harry and Meghan's deal because the former working royals have no experience in making a documentary or TV show. Their deal is similar Shonda Rhimes, who snapped up her slot with Netflix for $150 million as well.
However, Rhimes is the accomplished producer of Grey's Anatomy and a string of other hit series. She is a "proven Hollywood player" unlike the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Before signing with Netflix, Prince Harry and Meghan were also approached by Quibi and talked with NBC and Disney executives. But they decided to go to the platform that has 193 million subscribers around the world.
The couple said in a statement on New York Times that the streamer's "unprecedented reach" will help them "share impactful content that unlocks action." Their deal comes after announcing their plans to be financially independent from the royal family.
