Netflix’s chief executive has applauded Meghan Markle’s ‘remarkable influence’, stating that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s documentary was ‘successful in every measure’, even amidst a ‘downgrade’ in their new TV deal with the streaming service.

Ted Sarandos applauded Meghan on the second series of her cooking and lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, despite recent scathing reviews of the show. 

The eight-episode series, which was criticized as ‘staged, fake, and dull’ by reviewers upon its release last month, did not reach the top of Netflix’s global charts, nor those in the UK and US.

Mr. Sarandos’ remarks on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast mark the first comments since Harry and Meghan’s ‘first-look’ deal with Netflix, which experts have referred to as a ‘downgrade’ from their previous $100 million contract.

The CEO commended the Duchess’ skill in selling products featured in her shows—such as edible flowers and jam—which complements her online shop, As Ever.

‘One thing we learned early with Meghan… she has remarkable influence -remarkable,’ he said. 

Mr Sarandos referred to the original biopic Harry and Meghan, which launched in two parts in December 2022.

‘And by the way, the documentary itself,’ he added, ‘was also one of the most watched documentaries we’ve ever had. 

‘So it was […] successful in every measure. Now I don’t think that you can have a consumer products business if you don’t have a great entertainment business. So that’s got to come first.’

Meghan’s new series, With Love, Meghan, has seen less success in viewership, reaching 136 in the Netflix chart just under two weeks after its release last month.

The show was hit with a number of mixed reviews, some of which branded the Duchess ‘needy’ and ‘narcissistic’ in her second attempt at small-screen stardom.

The Mail’s Liz Jones dubbed the season ‘staged, fake and dull’ – but unlike other critics, commended Meghan for being ‘genuinely earnest’.

The Guardian dismissed the show as ‘so boring’ and ‘so contrived’, while The Telegraph described the Duchess as a ‘Montecito Marie Antoinette’.

The Times was equally cutting, calling the eight-part show ‘a series in search of a meaning, fronted by a woman in need of some cash’.

Even with celebrity guests including Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Tan France, critics argued the show lacks substance – and claimed Meghan failed to be authentic.    

In August, Harry and Meghan signed a new ‘multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects’ with Netflix – considered a downgrade on their previous contract.

As well as the second season of With Love, Meghan, the new output will also include a Christmas special in December.

The arrangement is a first-look deal, meaning Netflix can say yes or no to new film or TV projects before anyone else. 

The Sussexes were also working on ‘Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within’ – a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda, where the ‘shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger’.

There has also been ‘active development’ on other projects with Netflix which ‘span a variety of content genres’. 

Netflix had already released the first series of With Love, Meghan as well as Polo, Heart of Invictus, Live to Lead and the couple’s bombshell documentary Harry & Meghan as well as being a business partner on Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. 

Five years ago, Harry and Meghan secured a lucrative contract thought to be worth $100million (£74million) with Netflix after quitting as senior working royals in 2020.   

A Sussex source told Newsweek on Monday: ‘The company continues to go from strength to strength. The huge demand right from the outset maybe caught us a little off-guard, but it’s testament to the support she has and the quality of the product being made.

‘There’s still work to be done in ensuring the supply can meet the demand, but one thing the Duchess has been clear on since the very start, she won’t compromise on the quality, just to increase availability.’

The Mail has contacted Harry and Meghan’s representatives for comment.