Netflix Disappointed by Prince Harry’s Polo Documentary Focused on Nacho Figueras

The anticipation surrounding Prince Harry’s latest documentary venture, “POLO,” has been tinged with disappointment on the part of Netflix executives. Set for a December release, the series promises to delve into the high-paced world of polo—a sport close to Harry’s heart since childhood. However, insiders suggest that the documentary diverges from audience expectations, focusing more on Harry’s friend, Argentine professional polo player Nacho Figueras, than on the Duke himself.

According to reports, Netflix anticipated that Harry would take a prominent role in the series, leveraging his royal status to draw viewers into the niche world of polo. A Hollywood producer commented, “Any reasonable person tuning into a show about polo made by Prince Harry would expect Harry to take a starring role.” Yet, the final edit reportedly presents a different narrative—one that has been humorously dubbed “the Nacho Show” behind the scenes. This shift in focus has left Netflix feeling underwhelmed, especially given the substantial $100 million agreement the Sussexes signed with the platform in 2020.

The heart of the matter lies in the fact that polo, while often celebrated as a “sport of kings,” lacks the mainstream appeal necessary to attract a wide audience without the allure of its royal connection. An insider lamented, “Let’s face it, polo isn’t exactly a mainstream sport, so the attraction would have been watching Harry. Without him, it’s marginal at best.” This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the Sussexes’ creative endeavors since they stepped back from royal duties. Despite the initial excitement surrounding their partnership with Netflix, their subsequent projects have been met with mixed reviews, with one producer noting that aside from their documentary detailing their exit from royal life, “everything else they’ve produced has been underwhelming.”

In a world where personal stories are increasingly valued by audiences, the lack of intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses into Harry’s life within “POLO” has raised eyebrows. Sources indicate that Netflix executives were hoping for more engagement with Harry’s personal journey and experiences in the sport, which could have provided a compelling entry point for viewers unfamiliar with polo. Instead, the final product appears to prioritize Figueras’ narrative, which could risk alienating those tuning in primarily for Harry’s perspective.

The documentary is positioned to offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the professional polo circuit, with footage primarily shot at the US Open Polo Championship in Florida earlier this year. Netflix’s promotional materials have emphasized this focus, stating the series will provide “unprecedented access to the world of professional polo.” However, as excitement builds, it remains to be seen whether the absence of significant royal presence will deter viewers or if the series can stand on its own merit.

With the Sussexes’ Netflix deal set to expire next year, the stakes are high for “POLO” to deliver a hit that reinvigorates their standing within the streaming landscape. As the December premiere approaches, the question remains: can a documentary about polo, even one associated with a Duke, capture the audience’s imagination without its royal star at the forefront? The potential for disappointment looms large, and only time will tell if “POLO” can rise to the occasion or if it will simply become another footnote in the Sussexes’ evolving narrative.