The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a new documentary programme on the streaming giant, after Meghan’s Christmas special received scathing reviews
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have quietly released a new documentary on Netflix, after they were inspired by a wholesome activity with their son, Prince Archie. The programme is the latest offering from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as a part of their “multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects” agreement with the streaming giant, which they signed in August.
The show – titled Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within – is described as “the story behind the Uganda-based YouTube dance sensations who have endured devastating personal loss from famine and war, and use the power of dance and song to overcome hardship.”
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Last month, it was confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who served as producers on the project, donated $50,000 to Masaka Kids Africana through their Archewell Foundation via GoFundMe. When the documentary was first announced, it was revealed that Harry and Meghan first discovered Masaka Kids by watching the group’s viral videos with their son, Prince Archie, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes previously told The Telegraph: “They would watch the videos regularly with Archie at home. So, they were already admirers of the organisation before the film project came to them in 2023.”
After just hours of its premiere, the documentary racked up positive reviews, with one viewer giving the programme 10/10 stars and writing on IMDB: “This documentary is lovely. It made me regain faith in humanity and the power of caring – doing anything one can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The kids are amazing – and as the gentleman with his wife who runs the centre, they are correct – there are ministers, entertainers, et al. in the group. Kudos to all.”
The release of the show comes after Meghan’s Christmas special on Netflix received scathing reviews by industry critics, who dubbed the hour-long festive programme as ‘unfathomable’ and ‘pointless’.
The Duchess of Sussex’s Christmas episode premiered on the streaming giant on December 3, in which she was joined by a range of celebrity guests to indulge in festive-themed crafts and cooking.
Within hours, the show was savaged by critics, as The Times’s Hilary Rose was highly critical of the episode, saying: “It’s unfathomable: four pointless crafts, three random ‘friends’, two unseen kids, one English prince and a duchess in a pear tree, or at least making pear syrup.”
The Telegraph gave it a one-star review, with its Arts and Entertainment Editor Anita Singh saying: “Meghan, as ever, tries way too hard. The programme is quite mad and a little bit sad.”
While Harry and Meghan’s Netflix endeavours continue to receive mixed reviews from the public, the Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly about their deal with the streaming service during Fortune’s Powerful Women Summit in Washington back in October.
She said: “My husband and I were in an overall deal with Netflix…and then the extension of it…was now being in a first look deal, which is also exciting because it gives us flexibility to go to our partners first, and then at the same time be able to shop content that might not be the right fit for Netflix but has a home somewhere else.”
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