Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s highly controversial Netflix docuseries, titled “Harry and Meghan,” has faced a major setback as it was rejected by the Critics’ Choice Awards for not meeting the criteria of a qualified movie.
The six-part series, which delved into the couple’s love story and their departure from the royal family, was put forward for nominations in the documentary categories by their agency WME.
However, it failed to secure a spot among the nominees announced by the Critics’ Choice Awards on December 6, 2023.
While acclaimed shows like “The Morning Show” and “Succession” received eight nominations each in the TV categories, films such as “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” dominated with 11 and 10 nominations respectively.
Surprisingly, “Harry and Meghan” was conspicuously absent from the list, despite generating significant buzz and polarizing opinions throughout the year.
According to insiders, the docuseries was bluntly dismissed by critics as a “shit show” that fell short of the standards expected from a documentary film.
One critic, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, described the series as a self-indulgent piece of propaganda lacking journalistic integrity or artistic value.
Another critic labeled it as a vanity project that exploited the royal brand and Netflix’s platform for personal gain.
A third critic criticized the series for its poor craftsmanship and lack of a coherent or engaging narrative.
Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the docuseries featured exclusive interviews with Harry and Meghan, as well as insights from their inner circle, alongside personal footage and archival material.
Despite claiming to provide an authentic portrayal of the couple’s journey, the series faced widespread criticism for its alleged bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalized content.
Controversy surrounded the use of paparazzi footage, accusations against the monarchy, and a scene depicting Meghan curtsying, further fueling the backlash against the production.
Signed as part of a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, Harry and Meghan found themselves under fire from royal enthusiasts and experts who accused them of breaching their privacy and tarnishing the royal family’s image.
The timing of the series’ release, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan’s legal battle with a British tabloid, raised suspicions about the couple’s intentions and motives.
Despite the Critic’s Choice Awards snub, Harry and Meghan have refrained from commenting, having previously defended their decision to create and star in the docuseries.
In a statement, they expressed their desire to share their unique journey and inspire audiences worldwide through tales of resilience, courage, and love.
However, the lukewarm reception from both critics and viewers suggests that the docuseries failed to resonate as intended.
Netflix’s own Global Top 10 rankings revealed that while the series initially peaked at number two, it quickly dropped out after four weeks.
Mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.8 score on IMDb, further underscored the divisive nature of “Harry and Meghan.”
The docuseries is just one of several projects the couple has undertaken with Netflix, including “Heart of Invictus,” a series highlighting Harry’s Invictus Games, and “Pearl,” an animated children’s show that was later shelved.
