Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the spotlight with their latest Netflix docuseries Polo, a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous and high-stakes world of the elite sport. The series, which premieres on December 10, has already sparked chatter, but not all of it is positive. While the trailer offers a glimpse into the grit and glamor of polo, critics and even some of Prince Harry’s former friends have branded the project “tacky” and “cringey.”
What Is Polo All About?
The five-episode series dives into the adrenaline-fueled world of professional polo, showcasing elite players competing in the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. Co-produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle under their Archewell Productions banner alongside Boardwalk Pictures, the series promises to uncover the dedication, passion, and intensity behind the sport.
In the trailer, polo is described as much more than just a game. One voiceover declares, “Polo is a lifestyle. We eat, we breathe, we sleep polo,” while another teases the sport’s adrenaline-pumping nature: “Imagine going on a horse at 35 miles an hour as someone is coming at you full speed.”
The docuseries also delves into the personal lives of the featured athletes, painting a vivid picture of the sacrifices, rivalries, and emotional stakes involved. Netflix describes the series as offering “an unprecedented glimpse into the dedication and skill required to compete at the sport’s highest level.”
Prince Harry’s Vision For Polo
Prince Harry has expressed pride in the project, stating in an interview with People: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamor. We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.”
Backlash From Former Friends
Despite Harry’s enthusiasm, the series has not been warmly received by everyone. Former friends of Prince Harry, many of whom played polo with him in his younger days, have criticized the trailer for being overly dramatic and failing to capture the inclusive nature of the sport.
One former friend told The Daily Beast, “It’s hilarious, but not in a good way. It’s so tacky and cringey. It’s literally all the worst things about polo. I watched it in appalled hysterics.”
Another former associate highlighted the show’s missed opportunity to spotlight polo’s increasing inclusivity. “The irony is that polo is actually a surprisingly inclusive sport these days. It doesn’t look like this show is going to foreground that, which is a real missed opportunity.”
Media Reactions And Waning Star Power
The trailer has either been ignored or ridiculed in global media, signaling that the Sussexes’ once-bright star power may be fading. A senior Hollywood executive, quoted by The Daily Beast, remarked, “This looks like it has failed to capture the imagination. They still have Meghan’s cooking show to screen next year, but there is very little tolerance for pissing money away these days.”
The same executive speculated about the couple’s future: “If they can’t prove themselves with meaningful content, they might need to consider monetizing their fame on social media. Plenty of people would still pay Harry a million bucks for a post.”
The Grit Behind The Glamor
While Polo has faced criticism, Netflix promises that the series will highlight the emotional and physical sacrifices of the players. The show will feature a diverse cast of characters, including:
- A young player pushed to his limits by a demanding father.
- A former golfer who has made significant sacrifices for his love of polo.
- A father-son duo widely regarded as some of the greatest polo players of all time.
The streaming giant emphasizes that the series will reveal “the dedication and skill required to compete at the sport’s highest level,” showcasing the personal and professional challenges the athletes face.
The Trailer’s Closing Words & What Lies Ahead For Harry And Meghan?
As the trailer concludes, it leaves viewers with a dramatic tagline: “For legacy. For courage. For glory.”
Polo marks yet another venture by Harry and Meghan to carve a niche in the entertainment world following their high-profile royal exit. However, with mixed reactions to their projects, the pressure is on for the Sussexes to prove their worth beyond their association with the British monarchy.
Will Polo resonate with audiences and offer a fresh perspective on the sport, or will it further fuel criticism of the couple’s creative ventures? Only time — and Netflix viewership metrics — will tell.