Royal Flop: Netflix’s New Docuseries “Polo” Faces Backlash Before Its Debut

Netflix, the streaming giant known for hits like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game, has recently unveiled a new docuseries that many are already deeming a must-skip: Polo.

This latest venture is executive produced by none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

However, it appears that Netflix may have taken a misstep in its pursuit of royal relevance, as the initial response to the series has been overwhelmingly negative.

The trailer for Polo was released not long ago, promising an exclusive glimpse into the world of elite polo, showcasing some of the sport's top players.

However, viewers quickly noticed the conspicuous absence of its executive producers.

Yes, Harry and Meghan were nowhere to be found in the promotional material, leading some to wonder if they were too busy researching the basics of polo to make an appearance.

What was Netflix thinking?

In an attempt to leverage royal star power, Netflix seems to have stumbled instead.

The trailer managed to garner around 39,000 views on the platform's official YouTube page, but the like-to-dislike ratio tells a different story.

With only 500 likes compared to a staggering 3,900 dislikes, it's clear that audience sentiment is far from positive.

For those keeping track, that's a 10-to-1 dislike ratio—definitely not the kind of numbers Netflix was hoping for.

Commenters on social media were quick to express their disbelief and disappointment.

One user sarcastically asked, “Are Harry and Meghan even in this?” adding that the couple appears out of touch with reality.

Another pointed out the irony of a series centered on a niche sport, produced by individuals who seem to lack any connection to it.

Comparisons to David Beckham's documentary surfaced, with many declaring that Beckham's project was far more engaging and authentic.

The criticism didn't stop there.

Animal rights advocates also joined the chorus, condemning polo as an elitist and often brutal sport.

Some users referenced Harry's alleged past involving a pregnant horse named Drizzle, who tragically died after being ridden, questioning the couple's commitment to the values they often espouse.

In a time when many viewers are canceling their Netflix subscriptions due to rising costs, a show about wealthy aristocrats playing polo feels as relatable as a luxury yacht.

One critic succinctly captured the sentiment: “They really lost touch with reality.” Who, in this economic climate, is interested in watching affluent individuals engage in a sport that hardly anyone follows?

It seems Polo is less a heartfelt project and more a desperate bid to remind the public of Harry and Meghan's existence.

Unfortunately for them, viewers have labeled the couple as unlikable, suggesting that the series could be retitled “Everything They Touch Turns to Rubbish.”

As if the backlash wasn't enough, fingers are being pointed at Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos for approving this ill-fated project.

A social media user cleverly coined the phrase “Ted, you've been markled,” implying that Sarandos has fallen victim to the couple's tendency to turn promising ventures into failures.

Once celebrated for its innovative content strategy, Netflix now seems increasingly disconnected from audience preferences.

With whispers circulating that the Sussexes' contract with Netflix might not be renewed in 2025, Polo could very well mark their final chapter on the platform.

Or perhaps we should say, their horse's neigh?

If the trailer's performance is any indication, Polo is on track to be yet another blunder in Harry and Meghan's post-royal journey.

Between this new series and their Spotify misadventure, it appears the couple's media efforts have shifted focus from meaningful engagement to a troubling trend of audience disengagement.

As the dust settles from the trailer's release, one thing stands out: Netflix took a gamble on the Sussexes, and the house has lost big.