# Cookie Queens documentary release and performance > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cookie-queens-documentary-release-and-performance > Updated: 2026-09-03T14:38:16.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 5. The documentary ‘Cookie Queens’, directed by Alysa Nahmias and produced by Archewell Productions for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, examines the modern Girl Scout cookie selling season in the United States. The 91-minute film follows several young scouts from various regions, including North Carolina and California, as they manage sales goals and the financial pressures of the program, such as the requirement to reimburse the organization for unsold inventory. Specific subjects include 12-year-old Olive from North Carolina, who set a goal of 8,000 boxes, and 8-year-old Shannon Elizabeth from Texas, who aimed to sell 2,750 boxes to fund a camp trip. The film highlights how the financial stakes create stress for families, particularly those with limited means who face uncertainty regarding potential losses. Following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the film experienced a disappointing commercial performance at the US box office. During its first week of release, which began on August 7 across 446 cinemas, the documentary earned approximately $354,262. It was notably outperformed in revenue by the British film biography ‘Tony’, which earned more despite playing in only six theaters, as well as ‘CatVideoFest 2026’, a compilation of internet cat videos. Critical reception has been mixed. While the film holds a 92 per cent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, some critics characterized the project as a ‘sweet but staged reality show ramble’ or noted it lacked emotional depth. In light of the commercial setback, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield advised the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to ‘disappear professionally’ for a period to rebuild their brand credibility. Following its theatrical run, Paramount+ acquired the rights to the SXSW Audience Award-winning film. ‘Cookie Queens’ is scheduled to premiere on the streaming platform on January 6, 2027. ## Claims - Kinsey Schofield advised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to reduce public announcements and focus on execution to rebuild their reputation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The documentary Cookie Queens earned between $328,000 and $354,000 during its opening weekend. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Archewell Productions executive produced the documentary Cookie Queens. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Schofield suggested the couple's fractured relationship with the Royal Family has become a professional liability. (single source) - The Netflix cooking show 'With Love, Meghan' was canceled after two seasons. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Paramount+ acquires ‘Cookie Queens’ documentary by Harry and Meghan Paramount+ will stream ‘Cookie Queens’, a documentary executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which explores the competitive business of Girl Scout cookie sales. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paramount-acquires-cookie-queens-documentary-by-harry-and-meghan ### 2026-08-17: Archewell documentary ‘Cookie Queens’ sees weak US box office debut Archewell documentary ‘Cookie Queens’, produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, saw a weak US box office debut, earning $354,262 in its first week across 446 theaters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archewell-documentary-cookie-queens-sees-weak-us-box-office-debut ### 2026-08-14: Cookie Queens documentary fails at US box office Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's documentary “Cookie Queens” underperformed at the US box office, earning around $354,000 and being outperformed by a cat video compilation. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-documentary-sees-weak-box-office-start ### 2026-08-11: Cookie Queens documentary underperforms at US box office Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new documentary ‘Cookie Queens’ has underperformed at the US box office, earning less than £250,000 and being outperformed by a cat video compilation. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cookie-queens-documentary-underperforms-at-us-box-office ### 2026-08-07: Cookie Queens documentary explores Girl Scout cookie season The documentary “Cookie Queens,” produced by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, follows four Girl Scouts as they navigate the competitive and financial pressures of the annual cookie selling season. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cookie-queens-documentary-explores-girl-scout-cookie-season --- Cite as: Cookie Queens documentary release and performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cookie-queens-documentary-release-and-performance