Netflix’s hit romantic comedy series, Nobody Wants This, delivered a surprising and humorous royal reference in its second season, featuring Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a pivotal moment between sisters Joanne and Morgan. This unexpected pop culture nod highlights the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s continued cultural relevance and intertwines their public persona with fictional narratives, sparking conversation among fans of both the show and the royal couple.
The second season of Nobody Wants This, the acclaimed Netflix romantic comedy, has captivated audiences with its blend of romance and drama. Among its many moments, a particular scene featuring Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has emerged as a fan favorite, drawing attention to the unexpected intersection of royal life and fictional television.
This lighthearted reference in the beloved series underscores the ongoing presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in global pop culture. It also provides a unique lens through which to examine their evolving public narrative and their significant creative partnership with Netflix, which continues to shape their media presence.
The Humorous Royal Reference that Got Everyone Talking
In a memorable moment from Nobody Wants This season 2, sisters Joanne (played by Kristen Bell) and Morgan (portrayed by Justine Lupe) engage in a comical spat. The argument, stemming from Morgan’s budding relationship with her therapist-turned-boyfriend, Dr. Andy (Arian Moayed), quickly escalates to a surprising royal mention.
During the exchange, Joanne pointedly asks her sister, “Am I supposed to believe everything you say? According to you, you could have been Meghan Markle.” Morgan, unwavering in her conviction, promptly retorts, “I said I saw Prince Harry at a bar and there was a vibe, okay? And there was a vibe!” This specific dialogue, as reported by People, immediately caught the attention of viewers, becoming a notable highlight of the new season.
Morgan’s Quest for Her Own Fairytale
Beyond the humor, this particular exchange offers insight into Morgan’s character arc in the latest season. Justine Lupe, who portrays Morgan, recently shared with People that her character is “in crisis” and feeling insecure. Lupe explained, “I think the whole season is Morgan not feeling very secure within herself and very comfortable on her own… just being like, ‘Help me. Help me. Help me.'”
Morgan’s desperate longing for her own “fairytale” mirrors her sister Joanne’s unfolding love story with Noah, leaving Morgan feeling left behind. The desire for a grand, romantic narrative, even one involving a prince, highlights her emotional state and yearning for stability and belonging. This deeper character motivation adds layers to the otherwise comical royal quip.
Meghan and Harry’s Expanding Netflix Partnership
The appearance of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a fictional Netflix series is particularly noteworthy given their extensive creative partnership with the streaming giant. The couple initially signed a reported $100 million deal with Netflix, later extending their creative collaboration through Archewell Productions with a multi-year, first-look deal for various film and television projects earlier this year. This strategic alliance allows them to produce diverse content, from documentaries to lifestyle series, solidifying their role as significant media figures.
Coming up next for the Duchess of Sussex is a special holiday episode of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. Meghan recently discussed the future of her show at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., where she revealed that the upcoming holiday episode is a “really good one.” She also touched upon the evolution of content formats, reflecting on her experience with Suits and recognizing the public’s desire for varied content lengths, from 30-minute shows to two-minute recipe videos.
The Sussexes’ Strategic Media Vision
At the same summit, Meghan elaborated on the structure of their extended deal with Netflix. She explained that after their initial overall deal, the partnership evolved into a “first-look deal,” providing Archewell Productions the flexibility to approach Netflix first with projects, while also allowing them to shop content elsewhere if it’s not the right fit for the streamer. This strategic move highlights their entrepreneurial approach to media production.
The Duchess also emphasized the importance of aligning content with their brand, stating that “content and commerce are meeting.” This vision aims to build a robust support system where their shows complement their ventures, demonstrating a long-term strategy that extends beyond individual series. This holistic approach ensures their continued relevance and influence across various media platforms.
The Real-Life Royal Love Story
The fictional “vibe” Morgan claimed to have shared with Prince Harry playfully alludes to the real-life fairytale that brought Harry and Meghan Markle together. Their story began in July 2016 when they met at a bar on a blind date, set up by mutual friends. Prince Harry had first seen Meghan in an Instagram post of a friend and was captivated, asking to be introduced, as detailed in the mini-series Harry & Meghan.
Their initial meeting quickly led to a second date and, remarkably, a safari trip to Botswana just weeks later, despite barely knowing each other. This adventurous start laid the foundation for their relationship, culminating in their engagement in 2017 and their royal wedding in 2018. Their real-life romance, often described as a modern fairytale, makes the fictional nod in Nobody Wants This even more amusing and relatable to fans.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The inclusion of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Nobody Wants This resonates deeply within fan communities. Such references highlight how deeply embedded the royal couple has become in contemporary pop culture, making them relatable figures even in fictional contexts. For fans of the show, it adds an unexpected layer of celebrity meta-commentary, while for royal watchers, it’s a playful acknowledgment of the couple’s ubiquitous presence. As observed by Hola!, the shoutout quickly became a talking point, demonstrating the enduring fascination with the Sussexes’ story.
This humorous moment serves as a reminder that the line between celebrity and fictional narratives is constantly blurring. It showcases how popular media, even romantic comedies, can cleverly integrate real-world figures, allowing audiences to connect with characters and storylines on a more personal and contemporary level. It solidifies the idea that the Sussexes, through their media ventures and public life, continue to be a significant part of the cultural zeitgeist.
Conclusion
The playful shout-out to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Nobody Wants This season 2 is more than just a fleeting gag; it’s a testament to the royal couple’s enduring cultural impact and their strategic move into the media landscape. From Morgan’s quest for a fairytale to the Sussexes’ expanding Netflix empire, the reference connects various threads of contemporary celebrity, royal narrative, and entertainment production. It confirms that whether in real life or fictional dialogue, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to be a prominent and often discussed presence in the world.
