Meghan Markle, once championed by The Cut in a high-profile 2022 cover story, now finds the magazine questioning her endeavors.
The Cut's recent article titled ‘Harry and Meghan’s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping’ echoes a broader trend among US media outlets that have soured on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their string of high-profile yet underwhelming projects.
Written by pop culture journalist Danielle Cohen, the article critiques the couple’s latest Netflix venture, Polo, which explores the lives of wealthy athletes competing in the U.S. Open. Cohen, who admits she hasn’t watched the series, described it as part of the couple’s “tortured attempts to launch a successful Stateside endeavour.”
“Seems like this one is bound for the same fate as Markle’s beleaguered jam company,” she quipped.
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Polo has received scathing reviews, with critics branding it a tedious
The Guardian’s Stuart Heritage awarded the series two stars, stating, “Polo looks destined to fall through the submenus into obscurity at the speed of light.” Meanwhile, The Telegraph called it a “dull indulgence about a rich person’s pursuit.”
Expert predicts Polo series could end Sussexes' streaming deal
Nick Ede, a UK-based brand and culture expert, told Daily Mail, “This could potentially be a nail in the coffin for their deal with the streaming giant who now use algorithms to make sure their programming is perfect for their subscribers.”
{{/usCountry}}Nick Ede, a UK-based brand and culture expert, told Daily Mail, “This could potentially be a nail in the coffin for their deal with the streaming giant who now use algorithms to make sure their programming is perfect for their subscribers.”
{{/usCountry}}Ede noted that the series, which largely focuses on Argentinian polo star Nacho Figueras and other players, lacks the appeal necessary to compete with Netflix’s blockbuster offerings like Black Dove. “With very little airtime, we don't get to see the pair much and also hardly any PR around the series, this looks like it's Oh No! Rather than Polo!” he added.
Prince Harry, who promised the series would showcase the “true depth and spirit of the sport,” only appears briefly in the five-part documentary. Meghan’s presence is even more scarce, leading to the show being nicknamed “the Nacho show” behind the scenes.
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The criticism comes just two years after The Cut published an in-depth profile on Meghan, which made headlines for her controversial comments about the royal family. At the time, Meghan had claimed she and Harry were “happy” to leave Britain and criticized the monarchy’s hierarchical dynamics.