Harry and Meghan’s Netflix Docuseries Snubbed by Critics’ Choice Awards

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's highly talked-about Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan,” has faced a setback as it was not selected for nominations by the Critics' Choice Awards.

The six-part series, which delved into the couple's love story and their departure from the royal family, was put forward for consideration in the documentary categories by their agency WME but did not meet the criteria for a movie, according to the critics.

The Critics' Choice Awards, known for recognizing excellence in both film and television, unveiled their nominations on December 6, 2023.

Notably, the morning show and succession led the TV categories with eight nominations each, while “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” dominated the film categories with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.

Surprisingly, “Harry and Meghan” failed to secure a spot on the list despite generating significant buzz and sparking debates throughout the year.

Sources revealed that the docuseries was dismissed by critics who deemed it more of a self-serving spectacle rather than a genuine documentary film.

One critic, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, criticized the series as a biased propaganda piece lacking journalistic integrity or artistic value.

Another critic labeled it a vanity project exploiting the royal brand and Netflix's platform for personal gain, while a third reviewer described it as a poorly crafted narrative lacking coherence or engagement.

Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the docuseries featured exclusive interviews with Harry and Meghan, offering insights from their inner circle alongside personal footage and archival material.

Despite claiming to present an authentic portrayal of the couple's journey, the series faced backlash for its alleged bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalized content.

Moreover, controversies arose over the use of paparazzi footage, accusations against the monarchy, and dramatizations within the series.

Following their $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, Harry and Meghan encountered criticism from royal enthusiasts and experts for their involvement in the docuseries.

Accusations of breaching privacy and tarnishing the royal family's image emerged, questioning the timing of the release amidst significant events like the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan's legal battle with the Mail-in-Sunday.

Despite the lack of response to the Critics' Choice Awards snub, the couple previously defended their decision to create the series, emphasizing their intent to share their journey and inspire global audiences with themes of resilience, courage, and love.

Despite the couple's aspirations, the docuseries failed to impress both critics and viewers alike.

Netflix's Global Top 10 rankings showed the series peaking at number two in its debut week but swiftly dropping out after four weeks.

Mixed reviews from critics and audiences reflected in the ratings, with a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.8 rating on IMDb.

Notably, “Harry and Meghan” is not the only project the couple has collaborated on with Netflix, having also produced “Heart of Invictus,” a docuseries centered on Harry's Invictus Games, and “Pearl,” an animated children's show that was later canceled.

In addition to their ventures with Netflix, the couple has expanded their media presence with Apple's podcasting company, Archewell Audio, in collaboration with Spotify.