Meghan Markle’s Archetypes Podcast Concludes Amid Criticism and Changes

Last week marked the end of Meghan Markle's highly discussed podcast, Archetypes.

The first season featured a star-studded lineup, including guests like Serena Williams, Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, Mindy Kaling, and Andy Cohen, among others.

However, it seems that despite the impressive roster, the future of the podcast is uncertain, as reports suggest it will not be renewed for another season.

According to a blind item on Crazy Days and Nights, while Markle has the option to continue her podcasting journey, she will need to secure a new sponsor to keep it afloat.

This news comes at a time when changes are happening within the Sussex's audio team.

Rebecca Sinanez, who served as head of audio for their Archwell brand, has departed after just one year.

Sinanez, who previously worked with Vox Media and New York Magazine's Pivot podcast, was instrumental in launching Archetypes but is now eager to pursue her own projects.

Adding to the shakeup, Mandana Dayani, who led Archwell for less than 18 months, also stepped down recently by mutual agreement.

Reports indicate that her position will remain unfilled, leaving the future of the brand somewhat in limbo.

An insider shared insights with Page Six, suggesting that the Sussexes might be relieved if their contracts with Netflix and Spotify were to disappear, raising questions about their financial future.

Critics have been vocal about the content of Markle's podcast, with some labeling it a tedious exercise in “woke bingo.” Royal commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti expressed skepticism about the podcast's format, noting that it has become increasingly monotonous in recent weeks.

He humorously mentioned creating a bingo card for the show, highlighting recurring themes such as references to Gloria Steinem, a friend of Markle's, that appeared almost weekly.

Sacerdoti further elaborated on the potential reasons behind the Prince and Princess of Wales' decision to exclude their in-laws from the Earthshot Prize Awards.

He suggested that inviting them would redirect attention to the ongoing family drama, which he felt had already been extensively covered in recent podcasts.

The general consensus seems to be that Markle's podcast struggled to captivate audiences.

Royal biographer Angela Levin criticized the series for its repetitive narrative, pointing out that Markle often portrayed herself as a victim throughout each episode.

Levin remarked that this recurring theme may not have resonated well with listeners, making it feel dull and predictable.

Listeners have noted that Markle's storytelling tends to revolve around her personal experiences, leading to a sense of monotony.

Levin emphasized that the constant reiteration of her victimhood could detract from the overall appeal of the podcast.

She also suggested that Markle may confuse the concept of archetypes with stereotypes, using the term primarily to align with the show's theme rather than to convey its true meaning.

The final episode of Archetypes featured an unusual twist, showcasing three male guests: Judah Patel, Trevor Noah, and Andy Cohen.

This particular installment aimed to confront Hollywood men who had previously rejected Markle, but it left some listeners feeling that it painted her in an unflattering light.

Critics described this portrayal as one that leaned towards man-hating, suggesting that Markle's narrative might have overshadowed her intended message.

As the dust settles on the first season of Archetypes, the question remains whether Markle will take the opportunity to reinvent her podcast or move on to new ventures entirely.

With significant changes occurring within her team and mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, the future of Meghan Markle's podcasting endeavors hangs in the balance.