Since launching in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix production company, Archewell, has faced some stiff competition in the content creation game, especially from the Obama’s production company, Higher Ground. While the Sussexes' venture has struggled to leave a lasting impact, the Obamas’ Higher Ground has not only earned critical acclaim but also won an Oscar. This stark contrast has industry insiders suggesting that Archewell could benefit from taking a few notes from the Obama’s successful formula.
Higher Ground Productions, which was founded back in 2018, has made its mark with an impressive range of films and documentaries that are both thought-provoking and socially conscious. With projects like the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory and the inspiring biographical drama Rustin, the Obamas have shown remarkable success in capturing the public's interest while maintaining a level of social relevance. In comparison, Archewell has struggled to make a similarly strong impression since its inception.
One of the biggest points of difference is the scale and variety of content produced by each company. The Obamas’ Higher Ground has been able to produce a diverse portfolio of content that resonates with a wide range of audiences. This includes the heartwarming and insightful American Factory, which won an Academy Award, and Rustin, a drama about civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, which received critical praise for both its performances and its timely message. Archewell, on the other hand, has only produced a handful of Netflix documentaries, with their much-discussed series Harry & Meghan being the only production to capture significant viewership.
The lack of substantial output from Archewell has raised eyebrows, especially since it was launched with high expectations. With just four documentaries to its name, the company’s productions have been described as “unremarkable” by critics. Archewell’s latest release, Polo, failed to crack Netflix’s global top 10, underscoring the company's struggles in connecting with a broader audience. This has left fans and industry insiders wondering whether Archewell can find the same level of success that Higher Ground has been able to achieve, especially with its emphasis on content that goes beyond personal narratives.
Looking at Higher Ground’s successful strategy, one can see how they’ve managed to consistently produce content that both educates and entertains. One of the company's standout achievements was Barack Obama winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for his work on Working: What We Do All Day. This documentary series dives deep into the lives of everyday Americans and explores the relationship between work, identity, and community. The show was widely praised for its insightful storytelling and Obama’s charismatic narration, proving that Higher Ground is able to combine social issues with entertainment in a way that resonates with viewers on a personal level.
In contrast, Archewell’s efforts, while admirable, have not yet yielded the same kind of impact. The documentary Harry & Meghan, which gives an inside look at the couple's personal lives, has been the company's most successful project so far. However, there’s growing concern that audiences are beginning to tire of the couple's output, with many wondering if their content feels too self-focused and less universally engaging. Since the documentary’s release, there hasn’t been much in the way of new, exciting projects from Archewell. While the company has promised more content, including fictional scripted shows and light-hearted rom-coms, none of these have yet materialized. There’s also talk of a cooking and gardening show starring Meghan Markle, but that remains in the development phase.
What stands out about Higher Ground’s content strategy is its versatility. From thought-provoking documentaries to nature specials and even psychological thrillers, the Obamas have proven that they can create a wide range of content that appeals to diverse audiences. For instance, their upcoming fantasy epic Exit West, which stars Riz Ahmed, showcases the company’s ability to produce top-tier entertainment across various genres. The mix of serious topics with lighter, more experimental entertainment offerings, such as the festive comedy Merry Ex-Mas, shows that Higher Ground knows how to balance social commentary with pure enjoyment.
Archewell, on the other hand, is still figuring out its niche. While its founding mission was to “illuminate thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community,” the company’s limited output has made it difficult for viewers to understand what it truly stands for. If Archewell hopes to compete with the likes of Higher Ground, it will need to diversify its content while also staying true to its mission of providing meaningful, relevant storytelling. The company’s focus on creating content that sparks discussion and highlights global issues is a noble goal, but it will require a more consistent and varied approach to be successful.
Higher Ground’s ability to pivot and adapt its strategy has been another key to its success. While the company initially focused primarily on educational content, it has evolved to include more entertainment-driven projects. This flexibility has allowed Higher Ground to continue growing and appealing to wider audiences. Even as the company maintains its commitment to producing high-quality, socially conscious content, it has shown that it’s willing to explore new formats and genres, which has kept the company fresh and relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
For Archewell, embracing a more flexible approach could be the key to future success. The company’s promise to produce scripted content and lighter entertainment could help it reach a broader demographic, but the challenge lies in ensuring that these projects still align with Archewell's core values. The couple’s vision for their production company includes more diverse stories that connect with the human experience, and balancing that with a shift toward more mainstream entertainment could prove to be a tricky task.
As for the competition between the two companies, it’s clear that the Obamas have a well-established track record in creating content that captivates and educates. With years of experience under their belts, Higher Ground’s continued success speaks to their commitment to producing a wide range of high-quality work. Whether it's the thoughtful examination of work culture in Working: What We Do All Day, the heartwarming American Factory, or the upcoming Exit West, the Obamas’ company continues to stay at the forefront of diverse and socially conscious storytelling.
On the other hand, Archewell still has a long way to go before it can compete on that level. While Prince Harry and Meghan’s vision for Archewell is commendable, their company has yet to hit the same level of critical acclaim and success as Higher Ground. It’s not that Archewell’s content is without merit, but there’s no denying that the company’s limited portfolio and struggle to engage with a wider audience have hindered its growth.
In conclusion, if Archewell wants to follow in the footsteps of Higher Ground, it will need to diversify its content offerings and find a way to balance entertainment with meaningful storytelling. The Obamas have mastered the art of producing content that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level, while also entertaining and engaging a global audience. For Archewell, the road ahead will require a rethinking of its content strategy, perhaps embracing more varied formats and genres that speak to a wider audience, while still staying true to its mission of creating thought-provoking and inclusive stories. Only time will tell if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s production company can reach the same heights as the Obamas’ successful venture, but the potential is certainly there – if they’re willing to take the right steps forward.
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