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Harry and Meghan’s Netflix Docuseries Fails to Impress Audience
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly anticipated Netflix docuseries has fallen short of expectations, receiving dismal ratings and reviews on both Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb following the release of its second part.
The six-part series delves into the couple's decision to step back from their roles as British royals and begin anew in the United States.
Initially, the focus was on the British media's portrayal of the couple in the first three episodes.
However, the narrative shifted in the final episodes, with Harry expressing his discontent towards his brother, Prince William, who is now next in line to the throne, and shedding light on the breakdown of his relationship with the royal family.
Critics and viewers alike have not been kind to the docuseries, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a meager 43% rating and an audience score of just 14%.
Similarly, as of December 16th, IMDb has rated the series at 3.6 out of 10.
The lukewarm reception sparked ridicule on social media platforms, with one Twitter user bluntly stating, “Because no one wants to see this crap.”
Another commenter expressed skepticism, saying, “I don't care.
They wanted privacy.
They lied.
They seek attention.
Move on.”
Netflix experienced a significant setback, with its stocks plummeting by 7% following the launch of Harry and Meghan's documentary series.
The streaming giant faced backlash when news of the couple's multi-year deal surfaced, leading to a wave of subscription cancellations.
In a single day, Netflix's stock value dropped by nearly 10%, causing a substantial loss in market value from $547 per share to $295, attributed to what some have dubbed the “Markle effect.”
Critics have not held back in their assessment of the docuseries, labeling it as cringeworthy, exhausting, and an endurance test.
Reviews have been overwhelmingly negative, with only 14% of the 4,000 posted reviews on the website offering praise.
Some speculate that the low ratings may be a result of deliberate review bombing, tarnishing the reputation of both Harry and Meghan and the director, Liz Garbus.
The Atlantic Magazine's review of the series' final episodes paints a bleak picture, describing them as a “cringeworthy end” for Harry and Meghan on Netflix.
Reporter Helen Lewis questions whether viewers are prepared for another three hours of what she deems as “expensively lit retribution.”
Forbes echoes similar sentiments, declaring that the docuseries is proving to be a disaster for the couple, contrasting it with the success of “The Crown” on Netflix.
Forbes notes that while the docuseries briefly claimed the top spot on Netflix, it quickly lost momentum, facing criticism from both critics and fans.
The publication suggests that the series offers little new information, instead rehashing old conflicts between the couple and the royal family, as well as their ongoing battles with the British tabloid press and paparazzi.
Despite the lackluster reception, Forbes humorously speculates that the fallout from the docuseries could potentially pave the way for a second season, hinting at the drama unfolding within the palace walls.