**Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos Accused of Praising Meghan Markle to Smooth Path for Prince Harry’s Controversial Diana Documentary**
*Published: September 24, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. ET*
Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos has been accused of showering praise on Meghan Markle as part of a strategy to pave the way for Prince Harry’s highly anticipated—and controversial—documentary marking the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, RadarOnline.com reveals.
### Sarandos Praises Meghan Despite Audience Flops
Sarandos recently described Markle as a “remarkable influence” and hailed the Sussexes’ projects on Netflix as “successful in every measure,” despite criticism and disappointing audience numbers for the ex-actress’s new lifestyle series, *With Love, Meghan*. The show has been widely panned by critics and failed to break into Netflix’s global top rankings.
These remarks came during an interview on the *Aspire with Emma Grede* podcast and mark Sarandos’s first public comments since the Sussexes signed a reduced “first-look” deal with Netflix in August.
### Insider Claims Praise Aimed at Locking in Diana Documentary
A senior industry insider told RadarOnline.com, “It’s no coincidence Sarandos is suddenly gushing about Meghan, given Harry’s secret plans for a Diana documentary. Netflix knows it will be ghoulish, but it will also be huge. The praise is about keeping the Sussexes onside and locking that project in.”
Another source added, “There’s no real appetite inside Netflix for Meghan’s jam and flower-selling shows. What they care about is the guaranteed global audience Harry brings with anything to do with Diana.”
### Sussexes’ Netflix Deal and New Projects
The couple’s original $100 million Netflix content deal, signed in 2020 after stepping down as working royals, produced projects including the 2022 series *Harry & Meghan*, *Heart of Invictus*, and *Live to Lead*. The new contract, described by analysts as a “downgrade,” still grants Netflix first refusal on the Sussexes’ film and TV pitches.
Alongside Markle’s lifestyle content, upcoming projects include a holiday special and a documentary focusing on orphaned children in Uganda.
Speaking about Markle, Sarandos said, “One thing we learned early with Meghan… she has remarkable influence—remarkable.” He also defended the *Harry & Meghan* documentary, calling it “one of the most watched documentaries we’ve ever had” and “successful in every measure.”
### Mixed Reception for Markle’s Latest Series
However, the reception for Markle’s latest series has been far less favorable. The second season of *With Love, Meghan*, featuring celebrity guests Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and Tan France, was described by critics as “a series in search of meaning,” and “so boring” and “so contrived” by others.
The duchess has even been dismissed by some commentators as a “Montecito Marie Antoinette,” reflecting ongoing skepticism around her foray into lifestyle programming.
### Meghan Hype Fuels Anticipation for Diana Anniversary Documentary
Despite criticism, Sarandos praised Markle’s ability to drive consumer interest, pointing to the sell-out success of products featured on her show. Yet industry insiders insist this upbeat framing serves to smooth the path for Harry’s much-rumored Diana documentary—a project RadarOnline.com exclusively reported earlier this year, ahead of the 28th anniversary of Diana’s death.
A source close to the negotiations revealed, “Harry’s Diana documentary is seen as morbid but massively marketable. It will mark 30 years since her death, and that milestone will ensure headlines worldwide. Netflix doesn’t want to lose that to another platform, so that’s the real reason Sarandos is going out of his way to flatter Meghan.”
### Harry’s Vision for Diana’s Story
Sources say Harry, 41, intends the film to tell his own version of his mother’s story, following years of tension with both the royal family and the media. Others speculate it will serve as a platform to criticize King Charles’s troubled marriage to Diana.
“It’s exactly the kind of explosive, emotive content Netflix wants,” one insider said. “That’s why you’re now hearing such effusive praise from Netflix, even when Meghan’s projects aren’t delivering the numbers.”
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*Stay tuned for further updates on the Sussexes’ Netflix projects and the upcoming Diana anniversary documentary.*
https://radaronline.com/p/netflix-boss-ted-sarandos-meghan-markle-harry-diana-documentary/