5 Shocking Truths Behind Meghan Markle's 'Cancelled' Netflix Show And The $100 Million Deal's New Future

The narrative surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's monumental $100 million deal with Netflix has long been overshadowed by rumors of failure and cancellations, but the current reality, as of December 2025, is far more complex and successful than critics suggest. While one high-profile project was indeed scrapped, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not only managed to produce a slate of content but have also secured a highly significant renewal of their creative partnership with the streaming giant, cementing their future in Hollywood.

The core of the "cancelled" controversy centers on the animated series Pearl, a project close to the Duchess’s heart, which was quietly shelved in 2022. However, Archewell Productions has since pivoted, delivering successful documentaries and launching two major new non-fiction series, including a lifestyle show for Meghan and a sports docuseries for Prince Harry, all while navigating the intense global scrutiny that follows every move they make in the media landscape.

The Life and Career of Rachel Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (née Rachel Meghan Markle), has had a multifaceted career that spans acting, philanthropy, and media production. Her journey from a successful Hollywood actress to a senior member of the British Royal Family—and then to a global media executive—is one of the most documented in modern history.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
• Born: August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Education: Northwestern University (B.A. in Theater and International Relations)
• Pre-Royal Career Highlights:
  • Actress: Best known for her role as paralegal Rachel Zane on the USA Network legal drama Suits (2011–2018).
  • Blogger: Founder and editor-in-chief of the lifestyle blog The Tig (2014–2017).
• Royal Status: Married Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in May 2018. The couple stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020.
• Current Role: Co-founder of Archewell Inc. (Archewell Productions, Archewell Foundation), Media Executive, and Entrepreneur (American Riviera Orchard).

1. The True Story Behind the ‘Pearl’ Animated Series Cancellation

The single most cited example of a "cancelled" Meghan Markle project is the animated series Pearl. Announced in 2021, the show was intended to be a family-friendly series about a 12-year-old girl inspired by influential women throughout history. Meghan was slated to serve as an executive producer alongside David Furnish.

The cancellation, which occurred in May 2022, was not a personal failure of the Duchess but rather a casualty of a major corporate restructuring. Netflix, facing a slowdown in subscriber growth, initiated significant cost-cutting measures, particularly in its animation department. Pearl, which was still in the development stage, was one of several animated projects axed during this period.

However, the project has been thrust back into the spotlight by recent, highly publicized claims of plagiarism. A British author, Mel Elliott, has publicly stated that Pearl bore striking similarities to her own work, even sending a legal letter to the Duchess's team. These new allegations, though related to a scrapped show, have reignited the controversy and contributed to the persistent "cancelled" keyword in search results.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

2. The $100 Million Deal is Not Cancelled—It Was Renewed

Despite constant speculation that the original five-year, reported $100 million deal with Netflix would not be renewed upon its expiration, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have secured an extension. In a major win for Archewell Productions, the company confirmed a new multi-year, first-look creative partnership with the streamer.

This renewal is the definitive counter-argument to the "Netflix cancelled" narrative. It demonstrates a continued belief from the streaming giant in the couple's ability to produce high-quality, globally appealing content. While some reports suggest the new terms may be for a lesser overall value or include stricter performance clauses, the partnership itself is officially solidified for the foreseeable future, allowing them to continue developing films, scripted series, documentaries, and lifestyle programming.

3. The Success Stories: From 'Harry & Meghan' to 'Heart of Invictus'

Before the new deal, Archewell Productions delivered several high-profile projects that fulfilled their initial contractual obligations and generated significant buzz for Netflix:

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Harry & Meghan (2022): This six-part documentary series detailing their relationship and departure from the Royal Family was a massive success for the streamer. It became the most-watched documentary debut in Netflix history at the time, proving their star power could translate directly into viewing figures.
• Heart of Invictus (2023): A docuseries executive produced by Prince Harry, focusing on the competitors of the Invictus Games. The project was praised for its emotional depth and positive focus, demonstrating the range of Archewell’s content.
• Live to Lead (2022): A documentary series inspired by Nelson Mandela, featuring interviews with global leaders and activists.
• Polo (2025): A five-episode docuseries about the world of polo, a passion of Prince Harry's, which was released in late 2025.

These projects, particularly the record-breaking docuseries, provided the momentum and justification for the deal’s extension, shifting the focus from the cancellation of *Pearl* to a track record of successful releases.

4. Meghan’s New Lifestyle Show and the American Riviera Orchard Connection

One of the most anticipated new projects under the renewed deal is a non-fiction series curated and hosted by Meghan herself, focused on the world of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. This new venture perfectly aligns with the Duchess’s launch of her new lifestyle brand, *American Riviera Orchard*.

The series, which has been widely reported under the working title With Love, Meghan, is a direct return to the themes of her former popular blog, The Tig. The show is designed to be aspirational and authentic, giving viewers a glimpse into the lifestyle and passions of the Duchess from her home in Montecito, California. This project represents a strategic move by Meghan to build a global lifestyle empire that complements her media production work, ensuring she has multiple revenue streams and platforms for her brand.

5. The Future: Two New Non-Fiction Series in Production

Archewell Productions officially announced two new non-fiction series in production as part of the updated Netflix deal, marking a new phase of their creative output.

The first is the aforementioned lifestyle series, and the second is a docuseries centered on the world of professional polo. This second series, often simply referred to as Polo, will provide an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the sport's high-stakes world, showcasing the dedication and passion required for the game, a sport Prince Harry has played for decades.

These two projects, one led by Meghan and the other by Harry, showcase the couple’s commitment to diverse storytelling and their ability to leverage their personal interests—from wellness and food to elite sports—to create compelling, commercial content for a global audience. The narrative has shifted entirely: from a single cancelled animated show to a confirmed, multi-year partnership with multiple new series in active production.