Meghan Markle’s podcast “Archetypes” will not be renewed by Spotify for a second season.
Markle’s podcast, which examines the historical and cultural stereotypes of women, will not return for a second season. Such a move comes as sources say Spotify is overhauling its podcasting business.
The first season of “Archetypes” aired in August-November 2022 and was produced by Markle’s company Archewell Audio, which Markle co-founded alongside her husband, Prince Harry. According to Spotify, the show is “a podcast where we investigate, dissect, and subvert the labels that try to hold women back.”
Professional Tennis player Serena Williams is among those featured in the podcast. Williams discussed the “double standard” women face when labeled “ambitious.” Singer Mariah Carey, another guest on the podcast, focused her argument on the “complexities surrounding the diva.”
Markle and Harry initially signed a $20 million deal with Spotify in December 2020, shortly before announcing that they would no longer be working members of the British royal family.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle split from Spotify after doing just one podcast under $20M deal https://t.co/O3rWjsEoey pic.twitter.com/tKSSYEmF8Z
— New York Post (@nypost) June 16, 2023
Although Spotify never confirmed the production of a second season, in the final episode of “Archetypes,” Markle appeared to suggest the possibility of a second season, saying, “We’re working on other ways to keep the conversation going, but, just know that as we close out this season of Archetypes, that I thank you.”
Sources linked the show’s cancellation to Spotify’s cutback in support for podcasts after the company recently announced that it would reduce headcount by 6%, leading to 600 employees losing their positions.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Spotify has had difficulty generating income from its podcasts and has begun moving away from exclusive streaming deals. Despite this, the company will likely continue its partnerships with prominent podcasters, such as Joe Rogan and Emma Chamberlain.
A representative for WME, a talent agency that recently hired Markle, said the team members of the podcast “remain proud” of their work.
“Meghan is continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform,” the WME representative said.
Markle and Harry also signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, prompting the release of the documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” which tours the couple’s life from early courtship to the decision to leave the royal family and move to California.
The Netflix deal, too, has not been entirely successful. The documentary has received mostly negative reviews from British and American critics, and in 2022, Netflix canceled the production of “Pearl,” an animated series created by Markle. According to Newsweek, the couple’s next series, “The Heart of Invictus,” is scheduled for release in summer 2023.
