The highly anticipated docuseries, “Harry and Meghan,” produced by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has been met with disappointment as it failed to secure nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
The six-part series, which delved into the couple’s love story and their decision to step away from the royal family, was submitted for consideration in the documentary categories by their agency WME.
However, it did not meet the standards required for recognition.
On December 6, 2023, the Critics’ Choice Awards unveiled their nominations, with “The Morning Show” and “Succession” leading the TV categories with eight nods each.
In the film categories, “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” dominated with 11 and 10 nominations respectively.
Surprisingly, “Harry and Meghan” was nowhere to be found on the list, despite being one of the most talked-about and divisive shows of the year.
According to insiders, critics dismissed the docuseries as a subpar production that lacked the qualities of a true documentary film.
One critic, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, described it as a self-serving propaganda piece devoid of journalistic integrity or artistic merit.
Another critic labeled it a vanity project that exploited the royal brand and Netflix’s platform for personal gain.
A third critic criticized the series for its poor editing, claiming it failed to tell a coherent and compelling story.
Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the docuseries featured interviews with Harry and Meghan, as well as their inner circle.
It also incorporated personal footage and archival material, aiming to provide an intimate account of the couple’s journey.
However, it faced widespread criticism for its alleged bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalism.
The use of paparazzi footage, controversial allegations against the monarchy, and a reenactment of Meghan’s curtsy added fuel to the fire.
Since signing a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced considerable backlash from royal fans and experts for their involvement in the docuseries.
Accusations of betraying their privacy and tarnishing the reputation of the royal family have been leveled against them.
Additionally, questions were raised about the timing and motives behind the release, which coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan’s legal battle with the Mail on Sunday.
Although the couple has remained silent regarding the Critics’ Choice Awards snub, they 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 hoped to inspire people worldwide by showcasing the power of resilience, courage, and love.
However, it appears that both critics and viewers were unimpressed by their efforts.
Netflix’s own Global Top 10 rankings revealed that “Harry and Meghan” peaked at number two during its first week but dropped off the chart after four weeks.
The series also received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, earning a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.8 out of 10 score on IMDb.
“Harry and Meghan” is not the only project released by the couple in collaboration with Netflix.
They have also produced “Heart of Invictus,” a docuseries centered around Harry’s Invictus Games, and “Pearl,” an animated children’s show that was later canceled.