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

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's much-debated Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan,” has been overlooked by the Critics' Choice Awards.

The six-part series, which delves into the couple's love story and their departure from royal duties, was submitted for documentary nominations by their agency, WME.

However, it failed to garner any recognition when nominations were announced on December 6, 2023.

The Critics' Choice Awards, known for celebrating excellence in film and television, saw heavyweights like “The Morning Show” and “Succession” lead the pack with eight nominations each.

In the film categories, “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” stood out, racking up 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.

Yet, “Harry and Meghan” was glaringly absent from the list, despite being one of the most discussed and polarizing shows of the year.

Sources indicate that critics dismissed the docuseries as a “shit show,” arguing it fell short of what constitutes a documentary film.

One critic described it to The Hollywood Reporter as a self-serving propaganda piece lacking journalistic integrity and artistic value.

Another labeled it a vanity project that exploited both the royal brand and Netflix's platform for personal gain.

Critics didn't hold back in their assessments.

They characterized the series as poorly constructed and edited, failing to present a coherent narrative.

Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the docuseries featured interviews with Harry, Meghan, and their close associates, alongside personal footage and archival materials.

While it aimed to provide an insider's perspective on their journey, many found it to be biased, sensationalized, and riddled with inaccuracies.

The series ignited controversy not only for its portrayal of the couple's experiences but also for its use of paparazzi footage and allegations against the monarchy.

A reenactment of Meghan's curtsy further fueled the debate over the docuseries' authenticity and intent.

Harry and Meghan, who inked a staggering $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, have faced significant backlash from royal enthusiasts and experts alike.

Critics and fans alike accused the couple of betraying their privacy, suggesting that the series tarnished the royal family's reputation.

The timing of the release also raised eyebrows, coinciding with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan's ongoing legal battles against the Mail on Sunday.

Despite the negative reception, Harry and Meghan previously defended their decision to produce the docuseries.

In their statement, they expressed a desire to share their unique journey and the challenges they faced.

They hoped to inspire others by highlighting themes of resilience, courage, and love.

However, the critical response suggests that the couple's intentions did not resonate with viewers.

Netflix's Global Top 10 rankings revealed that while the series peaked at number two in its debut week, it quickly fell off the charts after just four weeks.

Audience reactions mirrored this trend, with the docuseries earning a mere 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 5.8 out of 10 on IMDb.

“Harry and Meghan” isn't the only venture the couple has pursued with Netflix.

They've also produced “Heart of Invictus,” focusing on Harry's Invictus Games, and “Pearl,” an animated children's series that was ultimately canceled.

Additionally, they launched a podcasting company, Archewell Audio, in collaboration with Spotify, featuring notable guests like Elton John, James Corden, and Oprah Winfrey.