Common Sense Media Review
Revealing docu discusses media, racism, and bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Harry & Meghan
What's the Story?
HARRY & MEGHAN is a Netflix limited documentary series that tells the early story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from their point of view. From the beginning of their relationship in 2016 to what life is like after stepping down from royal life and moving to the United States in 2020, (former) Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle talk about what it was like to date, get married, and live as senior working royals in the United Kingdom. They also discuss the many challenges they faced during that time, including systemic racism, sexism, bullying, antiquated traditions, contending with a zealous media, and trying to carve out a life that met their family's needs while serving the public. Interviews with some of the couple's friends and some of Meghan's relatives, including her mother, Doria Ragland, offer some additional insights. A collection of the couple's personal photographs and vlogs, along with archive footage, round out the narrative.
Is It Any Good?
This revealing docuseries serves as a public platform from which the couple takes back control of a story originally created and exploited by others. While discussing how they unexpectedly fell in love, their wedding, and how they hoped to help modernize the British monarchy, Harry & Meghan carefully, but pointedly, deconstructs many of the stories concocted about them. The tabloid press and targeted social disinformation campaigns, which were eventually traced back to specific external sources, are blamed for much of what happened during their courtship and during the Duchess's short stint as working senior royal, and for many of the challenges they faced once they stepped back from their duties. Much of what they share isn't a surprise, but these details are contextualized within broader conversations about antiquated royal traditions, misogyny, exploitation, bullying, and systemic racism -- the latter further fueled by a wave of public nationalism that led to Brexit. The impact that all of this has had on the now former royals' physical and mental well-being is highlighted. So are the damaged relationships of once close members of their respective families.
Not surprisingly, parallels are drawn between their journey and the experiences of the late Princess Diana, who was also accused of destabilizing the royal establishment. Some of this is delivered in a moralizing tone, which viewers may find annoying. Nonetheless, Harry & Meghan sends a very important message, which is that we live in a world dominated by media that is both manipulated and manipulative, and that the stories it chooses to tell have very real consequences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like living under constant media scrutiny. What would your concerns be? What would you do if media outlets told false stories about you?
Harry & Meghan highlights the transactional relationship between the British press and the British monarchy. How are viewers expected to feel about the royal family after hearing these details? What does it imply about what is reported about them in the media?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 8, 2022
- Cast : Prince Harry , Meghan Markle , Doria Ragland
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate
