Meghan Markle’s podcast, Archetypes, will not be returning for a second season, as her partnership with Spotify has come to an end. In a joint statement released on June 15, 2023, it was announced that Meghan’s Archewell Audio company and Spotify have mutually agreed to part ways. While fans won’t be getting a second season of Archetypes, both parties expressed pride in the work they did together.
Meghan’s podcast, which debuted in August 2022, was well received and quickly became a hit, taking the top spot in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Throughout the 12-episode first season, the Duchess of Sussex had intimate conversations with a wide range of celebrity guests such as Mariah Carey, Serena Williams, and Paris Hilton, covering themes related to gender, power, and stereotypes.
Meghan’s Pride in Archetypes
Despite the end of her Spotify deal, Meghan expressed her gratitude for the experience. She shared with The Wall Street Journal that she was “proud” of the podcast she and her team created. A representative from the WME talent agency confirmed Meghan’s intention to continue creating content for the Archetypes audience, but on a new platform.
“My team and I are incredibly proud of the Archetypes series,” Meghan’s representative said. “She is continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform.”
The $20 Million Deal with Spotify
The podcast came as part of a lucrative deal struck in late 2020 between Spotify and Archewell Audio. The couple’s audio production company, Archewell Audio, was created after Meghan and Prince Harry stepped down as senior members of the royal family. The deal, reportedly worth $20 million, was meant to produce content that would “uplift and entertain” audiences while highlighting diverse voices and perspectives.
The Final Episode and Meghan’s Reflection
Meghan’s final episode of Archetypes aired in November 2022. In her emotional farewell, Meghan thanked her listeners for supporting her and the podcast. Reflecting on the journey, Meghan quoted Greek poet Christianopoulos, sharing a message of personal growth and liberation: “What didn’t you do to bury me / but you forgot, that I was a seed.”
The podcast’s empowering discussions on gender and identity resonated deeply with listeners and even earned Meghan a People’s Choice Award in 2022.
What’s Next for Meghan?
Although the end of her partnership with Spotify might mark the end of Archetypes on the platform, Meghan has made it clear that she is committed to creating content and continuing her media career. With her recent signing with WME talent agency, Meghan is expected to explore new opportunities to engage her audience through other platforms.
In the wake of Spotify’s decision to restructure its podcast division and lay off employees, Meghan’s podcasting journey is shifting gears, but her voice is likely to remain impactful on a different stage. Fans will have to wait and see what exciting new projects she will announce next.