The highly anticipated Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan,” has been left out of the nominations for the Critics’ Choice Awards.
The six-part series, which delved into the romantic relationship and subsequent split of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the royal family, was submitted by their agency WME for consideration in the documentary categories but failed to make the cut.
The Critics’ Choice Awards, known for honoring excellence in both film and television, announced their nominations on December 6, 2023.
While the TV categories were dominated by the morning show “Succession” with eight nods, the film categories saw “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” taking the lead with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.
Surprisingly, “Harry and Meghan” did not receive any recognition despite being one of the most talked-about and divisive shows of the year.
According to sources, the critics dismissed the docuseries as more of a show than a documentary film, failing to meet the standards required for consideration.
One critic, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, described the series as a self-serving propaganda piece lacking journalistic integrity or artistic merit.
Another critic criticized it as a vanity project that exploited the royal brand and Netflix’s platform for personal gain.
A third critic deemed it a poorly made and poorly edited mess, lacking coherence and a compelling narrative.
Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the docuseries featured interviews with Harry and Meghan, as well as their inner circle.
It also included personal footage and archival material, presenting itself as a firsthand account of the couple’s story.
However, it faced widespread criticism for its alleged bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalism.
The use of paparazzi footage, allegations against the monarchy, and a controversial reenactment of Meghan’s curtsy further fueled the controversy surrounding the series.
Since signing a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced significant backlash from royal fans and experts for their involvement in the docuseries.
Many accused the couple of betraying their privacy and tarnishing the reputation of the royal family.
Some also questioned the timing and motives behind the series, which coincided with Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan’s legal battle against the Mail-in-Sunday.
Despite the Critics’ Choice Awards snub, Harry and Meghan have chosen to remain silent on the matter.
However, they have previously defended their decision to produce and star in the docuseries.
In a statement, they expressed their desire to share their unique journey and the challenges they faced in their own words.
They also hoped to inspire audiences worldwide by showcasing the power of resilience, courage, and love.
Unfortunately, it appears that both critics and viewers were unimpressed by “Harry and Meghan.”
According to Netflix’s Global Top 10 rankings, the series initially peaked at number two during its first week but quickly dropped off the chart after just four weeks.
Mixed reviews from critics and audiences further contributed to its underwhelming performance, with a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.8 out of 10 score on IMDb.
The docuseries is not the only project released by the couple in collaboration with Netflix.