In a surprising twist, the latest venture from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—a polo-themed show on Netflix—has drawn sharp criticism from both industry insiders and former friends.

The couple, who have long advocated for privacy, seem to have missed the mark with this new project, leaving many wondering if they truly understand their audience.

The trailer for the series has been available for just five days, yet it has only garnered a mere 120,000 views on Netflix’s channel.

To put it bluntly, that’s not exactly a roaring success.

This lack of interest raises questions about whether viewers are ready to engage with a sport often associated with wealth and privilege.

After all, polo isn’t exactly a game for the masses.

As the trailer dropped, reactions flooded in, with many labeling the show as “tacky” and “cringeworthy.” Former friends of Harry, who once played polo alongside him, expressed their disbelief at the direction the couple has taken.

One Hollywood executive even suggested that Harry and Meghan are running out of opportunities to create compelling content that resonates with audiences, hinting that their future may lie more in social media influencing than in traditional television.

While the trailer does feature Harry on horseback, it notably lacks direct appearances from either him or Meghan.

Critics have pointed out that the show seems to focus on lesser-known players, with one commentator humorously remarking that the cast is largely unknown outside the elite circles of polo.

Without recognizable figures to draw viewers in, the show risks being lost in obscurity.

Amidst the laughter and mockery, some observers noted that polo can actually be an inclusive sport, with talented riders from diverse backgrounds participating.

However, the show appears to overlook this aspect, missing an opportunity to highlight a more relatable side of the sport.

Instead, it seems to reinforce the elitist image that many associate with polo.

A senior Hollywood executive weighed in, stating that the trailer fails to capture the imagination and that there is little tolerance for projects that squander resources.

With Meghan’s cooking show still on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for the couple to prove they can deliver engaging content without relying solely on their royal connections.

Critics have also pointed out the irony of Harry and Meghan preaching about social issues while engaging in a sport that requires significant financial backing.

One columnist remarked on the absurdity of their lavish lifestyle juxtaposed against their calls for inclusion and diversity.

How can they advocate for global warming awareness when the show highlights players flying internationally just to compete?

The trailer itself has been a source of ridicule, with one commentator jokingly comparing it to a reality show about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Scenes of glamorous parties, expensive cars, and champagne-fueled celebrations paint a picture far removed from the realities faced by most viewers, making it hard to empathize with the subjects of the show.

As the couple continues to navigate their post-royal lives, many are left wondering if they can break free from the shadow of their past.

Their previous docuseries was criticized for being overly focused on their grievances with the royal family, and it seems that the same pattern may continue with this new endeavor.

Despite the backlash, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain determined to carve out their niche in the entertainment world.

Yet, the question lingers: will audiences embrace their attempts to blend glamour with heartfelt storytelling, or will they find themselves alienated by the couple’s apparent disconnect from everyday life?

As we await the show’s release, it’s clear that Harry and Meghan have a long road ahead if they hope to win over skeptics.

With so much riding on their ability to connect with viewers, the stakes have never been higher.

Will they rise to the occasion, or will this latest venture be yet another misstep in their quest for relevance?

Only time will tell.