Where is Meghan Markle's cookery show? Duchess' Netflix project could face the axe as £80m streaming deal hangs in the balance, insiders claim after couple's Polo flopped

Meghan's Cooking Show – A Make-or-Break Moment

Meghan Markle announced her new business venture, American Riviera Orchard, with a clip which showed the Duchess cooking in a stunning kitchen, with copper pans hanging over her head as she whisked. A Tv cookery show with Netflix, which will also have lifestyle features, is also in the pipeline but with no release date

Rumored for nearly a year, Meghan’s lifestyle show—focused on cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship—was intended to align with her American Riviera Orchard brand.
Despite reports of filming, including appearances in grocery stores and Beverly Hills parks, no release date has been confirmed.
A Netflix insider told MailOnline there’s growing doubt the show will "see the light of day." However, others believe it could still launch, particularly if it helps boost her brand.

Why This Project Matters

The cooking show is being called "make or break" for Meghan and Harry’s Netflix future.
Success would reestablish their value to Netflix and Hollywood, while failure could jeopardize future opportunities.

Netflix's Growing Frustration

Insiders claim the "deliverables" from the Sussexes have not justified their massive deal.
Their inability to deliver drama, scripted content, or consistent hits contrasts sharply with other high-profile Netflix partnerships, such as the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions.
After their $15 million Spotify deal ended early in 2023, Netflix is seen as their last major platform.

The pressure is now on Meghan to deliver a hit. If her cooking show fails to land with audiences, it could spell the end of the couple’s TV ambitions—and potentially their lucrative partnership with Netflix.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was spotted in a park in Beverly Hills and appeared to be taking part in a photoshoot in June

The fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Polo docuseries appears significant, with sources suggesting the underwhelming reception may spell the end of their lucrative Netflix deal. According to insiders, Netflix is unlikely to renew their $100 million contract when it ends next year, though they may consider one-off projects if the Sussexes deliver something impactful.

The Declining Hollywood Support

The couple's struggles seem to extend beyond Netflix:

Meghan's absence from Oprah Winfrey’s surprise party for Gayle King’s 70th birthday has fueled rumors of A-listers distancing themselves.
A source told MailOnline that celebrities now actively avoid events the Sussexes are expected to attend, saying it’s "not a good look to be around them."

Brutal Reception of Polo

The critical response to Polo has been particularly harsh:

Described as “tedious” and “tacky”, some even labeled it “unintentionally hilarious”.
The show was mocked for its niche focus on an elite sport and its failure to deliver drama or broader appeal.
A Guardian review scathingly observed it showcased "privileged people showing us exactly how privileged they are".

Meghan's Cookery Show Uncertainty

While there were reports of production activity earlier this year—including Meghan's grocery store and Beverly Hills park sightings—there’s still no confirmed release date for her cooking and lifestyle show.

Her American Riviera Orchard jam (pictured) is linked to a cooking show that Netflix appears to be in no hurry to show

The show was positioned as a vehicle to complement her American Riviera Orchard brand.
Now, insiders are questioning whether it will ever see the light of day, with some calling it “make or break” for the couple’s Netflix partnership.

What It Means

With their Polo series underperforming and no clear successes on the horizon, Meghan and Harry’s future in Hollywood appears increasingly uncertain. If Meghan's cooking show fails to connect with audiences or impress Netflix executives, the couple could lose their last major media platform, further isolating them in the entertainment industry.

The reception of Polo appears to have further damaged Harry and Meghan's standing with Netflix and critics alike. Once praised for their Megxit narrative, even sympathetic outlets like The Guardian were scathing. The review encapsulated the core criticism:

“It’s a show about privileged people showing us exactly how privileged they are, which means there isn’t a lot of drama to be found.”

Netflix's Minimal Support

A notable sign of Netflix's diminishing confidence is their lack of promotion for Polo. The absence of:

Poster campaigns
Traditional marketing efforts
Widespread hype generation

Instead, promotion was limited to a brief, two-line statement from Prince Harry on Netflix’s website.

Critics' Harsh Verdict

TV critic Stuart Heritage, in a two-star review, highlighted the Sussexes' lack of momentum after their initial success with the Harry & Meghan docuseries:

"They made one reality show about how hard they had it, and then they stuttered."
He criticized the lack of substance in subsequent projects, like the Invictus Games documentary and the "nebulous" leadership series.

Heritage also touched on the elephant in the room—Meghan's long-rumored cooking show, suggesting Netflix appears “reluctant to show” it.

What This Means for the Sussexes

No Marketing = No Confidence: Netflix's minimal effort to promote Polo signals little faith in its appeal.
Reputation Damage: Criticisms of elitism and lack of creativity are undermining their image as relatable storytellers.
Make-or-Break Moment: With Polo flopping and Netflix allegedly growing "exhausted," Meghan's delayed cooking show now carries enormous pressure to succeed.

If future projects fail to resonate, the couple’s $100 million Netflix partnership may end with no renewal, marking a steep fall in Hollywood influence.

The Sussexes' heavy involvement in Polo—from filming to editing—highlights their commitment to the project, but unfortunately, it failed to strike a chord with critics or audiences. While Prince Harry’s enthusiasm for the elite sport was evident, the show’s niche focus on polo and its portrayal of privilege left little room for broader appeal.

Harry has played polo for years, but the sport is far from accessible for a person earning an average salary

Behind-the-Scenes Efforts

Meghan and Harry reportedly spent "many, many hours" reviewing footage and making editing decisions, demonstrating their hands-on approach.
Executive producer Milos Balac, who worked on Welcome to Wrexham, brought experience from a highly successful documentary format. However, Polo lacked the relatability and underdog appeal that made Wrexham resonate globally.

Uncertain Year Ahead

The mixed reception to Polo has added pressure to Meghan Markle’s upcoming solo projects:

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, to benefit Sentebale, at The USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida in April

Netflix Cookery Show: This series, celebrating cooking, gardening, and entertaining, is now positioned as Meghan's "make-or-break" moment. With Netflix reportedly reluctant to release it, the show must deliver a hit to turn around their streaming partnership.
American Riviera Orchard: The delayed launch of Meghan's lifestyle brand adds another layer of uncertainty, as its success is expected to align with her cooking series.

Meghan (pictured in the background in a striped top) was spotted picking up supplies at a farmer's marker in Montecito before heading into a car and driving off in June amid rumours she was shopping for her show

The year ahead will be pivotal for the Sussexes as they attempt to rebuild their reputation, justify their Netflix deal, and establish lasting relevance in the competitive entertainment and lifestyle markets.

Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix cookery show has now become a high-stakes project, described as her “last chance” to salvage the couple’s partnership with Netflix. After the underwhelming reception of Polo, which failed to meet expectations, the cookery show must be a significant success to justify their $100 million deal.

Key Challenges

Netflix’s Exhaustion:
- Insiders claim the streaming giant is “exhausted” by working with Meghan, with concerns about whether the “deliverable”—the end product—meets their investment.
- Netflix’s minimal promotional efforts for Polo reflect wavering confidence.
Timing and Pressure:
- The cookery show and Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard are expected to launch in Q1 2025—likely late February or March after Harry’s Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada.
- The delayed schedule means even more is riding on a successful launch.
Hollywood Skepticism:
- Entertainment insiders emphasize that the show must be an “enormous hit” to rebuild the Sussexes’ reputation in the industry.
- Without a strong reception, the likelihood of Netflix renewing their five-year deal (ending in autumn 2025) diminishes further.

Production Highlights

Director: Michael Steed, known for his work with the late Anthony Bourdain, lends credibility and experience to the show.
Location: Filmed at a nearby mansion, not at the couple’s Montecito home, reflecting a more polished and curated production style.
Confidentiality: Netflix is reportedly sharing details of Meghan’s project with only a “tiny audience of executives”, signaling caution about the rollout.

The Stakes for Meghan and Netflix

The success of Meghan’s cookery show could determine not just the future of their Netflix deal but also the broader public perception of Meghan’s personal brand. As Meghan attempts to align the show with her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, a misstep could have significant financial and reputational consequences.

Harry and Meghan’s $100 million Netflix deal faces uncertainty as it approaches its expiration in autumn 2025. With the disappointing reception of Polo and a lack of major scripted content, industry insiders suggest that any renewal will come with a significantly reduced value.

Key Developments

Struggles with Content Output
- Despite promising a diverse slate of content under Archewell Productions, the Sussexes have failed to produce any dramas or scripted movies—a benchmark set by their role models, Barack and Michelle Obama.
- The Obamas' Higher Ground delivered hits like Leave the World Behind and Rustin, whereas Harry and Meghan's projects have been limited to documentaries and reality-style productions.
Current Projects in Development
- Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria claimed in February that the couple has:
  - “A couple of unscripted things” (likely documentaries).
  - “A film and a series,” all reportedly in early development.
- The film is speculated to be the £3 million adaptation of Meet Me At The Lake—a romantic novel whose themes align with Meghan’s personal storytelling style.
Challenges with Polo
- Released globally last week, Polo was executive produced by Harry and Meghan but was criticized for lacking focus on them, earning the nickname “The Nacho Show” for its heavy emphasis on Argentinian star Nacho Figueras and Adolfo Cambiaso.
- Critics argue the series failed to connect with broader audiences due to its focus on such an “elitist” sport.
Meghan’s Cookery Show
- Directed by veteran Michael Steed and run by Leah Hariton (Selena + Chef), the project aims to combine cooking, entertaining, and lifestyle elements to complement Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand.
- However, given the stakes involved, the show will need to be a breakout success to restore Netflix’s confidence in their partnership.

Netflix’s Position

With the Sussexes’ lackluster track record—Spotify ended their £15 million deal early in June 2023—Netflix executives, including CEO Ted Sarandos, will expect significant results before considering a renewal.

While Netflix previously hinted at trust in Harry and Meghan’s “development slate,” skepticism is mounting, particularly as no release dates have been announced for their scripted content.

Outlook

Meghan’s Cookery Show (expected Q1 2025) will serve as a critical test.
The planned adaptation of Meet Me At The Lake and any unscripted projects must move swiftly into production to keep Netflix engaged.

Should these fail to resonate with audiences, the Sussexes’ Netflix deal—and their broader Hollywood ambitions—may struggle to recover.

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