Prince Harry throws caution to the wind, brings ‘shame’ to America with ‘tacky and cringy’ way to survive

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-royal life has been filled with attempts to carve out their own path, but their latest venture—a six-part docuseries about the elite sport of polo—has been met with harsh criticism even before its release. The show is part of the couple’s $100 million Netflix deal but focuses on the polo players themselves, rather than Harry or Meghan. This choice is already sparking skepticism and negative feedback.

Despite the couple’s royal status providing a certain amount of buzz, it seems that the series, titled POLO, has missed the mark with audiences. A former friend of Harry, speaking to The Daily Beast, described the series as “tacky and cringey,” suggesting that it fails to present polo in a compelling or relatable way. Another critic pointed out that the show doesn’t capture the more inclusive side of the sport, missing an opportunity to showcase its evolution.

The show’s concept is also facing questions about its appeal. A Hollywood executive noted that Harry and Meghan are struggling to maintain public interest unless they are involved in royal drama. The show’s failure could potentially harm their careers even further, especially as they try to build a brand outside the monarchy.

After their highly publicized exit from the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan have been under constant scrutiny. Their Netflix deal initially seemed like a smart move, offering them an outlet to tell their stories and projects. But with growing criticism surrounding POLO and other aspects of their endeavors, their chances of success seem to be dwindling.

There’s also external pressure, including political factors. With the potential for a new administration in the U.S. (under President Donald Trump), the couple’s visa status is a topic of speculation. Some believe that a successful Netflix project could be the key to their continued stay in the U.S.

The backlash over POLO includes harsh comments about the portrayal of polo itself, with some viewers even threatening to cancel their Netflix subscriptions due to the perceived animal cruelty involved in the sport. The backlash is compounded by the feeling that Harry and Meghan are out of touch with the broader audience. A documentary about polo may seem niche and inaccessible to the general public, especially when considering their broader appeal is tied to their royal connection and personal drama.

While Harry and Meghan have attempted to reinvent themselves as more relatable, humble figures, this project might reveal that they still struggle to connect with the wider public. A six-part series on polo, a sport not typically in the public eye, could be seen as an example of being out of touch with what audiences actually want.

If POLO flops, it could lead to more difficulties for the couple as they attempt to secure their place in the entertainment industry and maintain their independence from the Royal Family. Right now, it seems that their next big project will need to be a success if they’re to secure their long-term future beyond the royals.