AceShowbiz - When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, they promised content that "informs but also gives hope" through a "relatable lens." However, their latest project, "Polo," a five-part docuseries on the elite sport, has fallen flat with viewers and critics alike.

The series, which aims to delve into the lives of top polo players on and off the field, has been termed as "boring" and "tedious" by multiple reviewers. Critics like Stuart Heritage noted that "Polo" "looks destined to fall through the submenus into obscurity at the speed of light," likening it to a "spoof documentary designed to play on screens in the background of episodes of 'Succession.' "

Beyond the lukewarm reception of "Polo," Netflix's patience with the couple appears to be wearing thin. Netflix insiders revealed that Meghan Markle's upcoming cooking show, initially set to complement her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, might never see the light of day. "People say Netflix are exhausted. It's so much work with her and, bluntly, the 'deliverable' does not seem to be worth it," an insider told MailOnline.

The cooking series, rumored to celebrate "the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship," is now considered make-or-break for the couple. Both the show and their one-off projects under Archewell Productions are seemingly paramount to securing their future in the entertainment industry.

Adding to their woes, it has been reported that A-list celebrities are distancing themselves from the Sussexes. Meghan's conspicuous absence from Oprah Winfrey's surprise 70th birthday bash for Gayle King only fueled speculation. "A-listers are now actively keeping away from them," a source noted.

Despite Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria's assertion that Harry and Meghan have multiple projects in development, the couple's prospects appear precarious. Their five-year deal, set to expire next year, has yet to produce a major hit. Previous projects, including documentaries about the Invictus Games and leadership, have been described as "forgettable."

Looking ahead, the stakes are high. Meghan's cooking show, directed by Michael Steed, known for his work with Anthony Bourdain, is reportedly in production but faces an uncertain future. As insiders put it, this project must be "an enormous hit" to reinvigorate their deal and reputation. Given their lackluster output so far, the upcoming year may be their last chance to deliver content that matches Netflix's expectations.