Meghan Markle’s Archetypes Podcast Comes to an End
Meghan Markle’s popular podcast, Archetypes, will not return for a second season, as her partnership with Spotify has officially ended. A joint statement released on June 15, 2023, confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Audio company and Spotify had mutually agreed to part ways. Although fans won’t get another season of Archetypes, both parties expressed pride in the successful collaboration and the work they achieved together.
Success of Archetypes and Meghan’s Pride in the Show
Debuting in August 2022, Archetypes quickly became a hit, topping charts in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Over the course of its 12-episode first season, Meghan engaged in intimate conversations with high-profile guests, including Mariah Carey, Serena Williams, and Paris Hilton. The podcast explored themes related to gender, power, and stereotypes, resonating with listeners on a deep level.
Despite the end of her Spotify deal, Meghan expressed her gratitude and pride in the podcast’s impact. She shared with The Wall Street Journal that she was “proud” of the series she and her team created. A representative from the WME talent agency also confirmed Meghan’s plans to continue producing content for her Archetypes audience, though it will be through a new platform.
“My team and I are incredibly proud of the Archetypes series,” Meghan’s representative stated. “She is continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform.”
The $20 Million Deal with Spotify
The podcast was part of a high-profile deal made between Spotify and Archewell Audio in late 2020, worth a reported $20 million. The deal followed Meghan and Prince Harry’s decision to step down as senior members of the royal family, with Archewell Audio serving as their audio production company. The partnership aimed to produce content that would “uplift and entertain” audiences, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives.
While the deal helped establish Meghan as a content creator and podcast host, the termination of the partnership signals a shift in direction for both Meghan and Spotify, especially as the company has been restructuring its podcast division.
Meghan’s Final Episode and Farewell
The final episode of Archetypes aired in November 2022, and in her emotional farewell, Meghan thanked her listeners for their support. Reflecting on the journey, she quoted Greek poet Christianopoulos, sharing a message of growth and liberation: “What didn’t you do to bury me / but you forgot, that I was a seed.”
The empowering discussions on gender and identity in Archetypes earned Meghan a People’s Choice Award in 2022, further solidifying the show’s positive impact on its audience.
What’s Next for Meghan?
While the conclusion of the Spotify partnership marks the end of Archetypes on the platform, Meghan remains committed to her media career. Following her signing with the WME talent agency, Meghan is expected to explore new avenues for content creation on different platforms.
With Spotify restructuring its podcast division and laying off employees, Meghan’s podcasting journey is shifting, but her voice and influence are likely to continue resonating through new projects. Fans can expect exciting announcements as Meghan moves forward with her career, eager to see what fresh opportunities she will embrace in the coming months.
