Netflix’s “Polo” Faces Backlash Before Premiere

Netflix's latest series, “Polo,” was set to be a glamorous glimpse into the high-stakes world of polo, particularly during the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida.

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the helm as executive producers, many anticipated a touch of royal elegance.

However, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment as the series has been met with a wave of criticism and ridicule.

Scheduled for a global release on December 10, “Polo” aimed to capture the thrill and intensity that comes with the sport.

Yet, when the trailer was unveiled, it ignited a firestorm of negative feedback.

Viewers were left unimpressed, taking to social media to express their disdain rather than marveling at the drama the series intended to portray.

In the trailer, professional polo players like Nacho Figueras are seen delivering lines about the adrenaline rush of galloping at 35 mph while dodging opponents.

Unfortunately, what was meant to be exhilarating came off as cringe-worthy.

Comments flooded in, with one user remarking on an attempt to make polo sound “sy” by describing it as a sport filled with “dirty sweaty boys riding.”

This effort to add spice only resulted in mockery.

The most scathing critiques were directed at Prince Harry himself.

A blind item from Sten suggested that his acting was so poorly received that many of his scenes were ultimately cut from the final edit.

Those familiar with his previous appearances, such as his awkward juggling in Meghan's birthday video, noted that “Polo” was even worse.

Critics had a field day with Harry's performance, with one quipping that they thought no one could act worse than Meghan, only to be proven wrong by Harry.

The comparison to Nazari's infamous Jelly Roll commercial further underscored the lack of on-screen charisma that viewers have come to expect from the couple.

Within the polo community, reactions have been equally harsh.

One source described the trailer as “hilarious” but not in a good way, while others labeled it “tacky” and “cringey.”

This sentiment resonated widely among viewers who felt the series leaned heavily into stereotypes of wealth and privilege rather than showcasing the sport's growing inclusivity.

Ironically, what was intended to elevate the image of polo has instead reinforced perceptions of it being a playground for the rich and famous.

Observers pointed out that the show does little to bridge the gap between the royals and the general public, a goal that seemed to be part of its original mission.

Of course, Meghan Markle's presence in the conversation was inevitable.

Speculation arose about her role in the series being minimized, with some jesting that she would find a way to appear in any shot available, reminiscent of a character from “Pretty Woman.”

Others wondered if her scenes were cut due to her well-known desire for the limelight.

The backlash against “Polo” raises questions about whether the criticism is rooted in the series itself or if it's a reflection of broader public fatigue with the Sussexes.

One frustrated viewer voiced a common sentiment, stating that the couple constantly dominates headlines, leading to a sense of oversaturation.

What was supposed to be a polished look at polo has instead become a target for ridicule.

With allegations of Harry's acting mishaps and the overall cringe-inducing nature of the trailer, it seems clear that “Polo” has missed its intended mark.

Far from adding credibility to the project, the Sussexes' involvement appears to have transformed it into a laughingstock.