Meghan Markle’s Podcast Journey Ends on a Low Note

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle has aired the final episode of her podcast, Archetypes, leaving many to question its overall impact.

The show, which was launched with much fanfare, has struggled to maintain its momentum, raising concerns among Spotify executives who invested a staggering $32 million in the project.

Initially, the first episode garnered significant attention, but subsequent shows have not fared nearly as well.

Despite a promising start, Archetypes has seen a steep decline, slipping out of the top 100 episodes on Spotify.

The podcast, which features a variety of guests, has failed to engage listeners sufficiently to keep it afloat in the competitive landscape of streaming content.

Currently, Archetypes has dropped to number 33 on the UK Spotify charts, overshadowed by popular offerings from BBC Radio 5 and James Acasta.

Royal expert Daniela Elsa has taken note of this downward trend, describing the podcast's recent performance as a “puttering whimper.”

She pointed out that although Archetypes had a grand launch in late August, complete with Times Square billboards, it has since lost its initial spark.

Once celebrated for briefly securing the number one spot, the podcast now struggles to capture listener interest.

Elsa highlighted the stark reality of Archetypes' standing, revealing that it barely managed to surpass a podcast featuring 12 hours of continuous sound meant for sleep.

This comparison underscores the challenges Meghan faces as she attempts to revive the show's popularity.

With no episodes currently ranking in the top 100, it would take an extraordinary effort to paint this situation as a success.

Adding to the criticism, royal biographer Angela Levin expressed her disappointment with the podcast, labeling it as dull.

During a recent appearance on GB News' Neil Oliver Live, Levin articulated her frustration with Meghan's recurring victim narrative throughout the episodes.

She noted that the repetitive themes contribute to a lack of engagement for listeners who tune in for varied perspectives.

The most recent episode marked a notable shift, as Meghan featured male guests for the first time.

Andy Cohen, Trevor Noah, and Judah Patel joined her for discussions, a departure from the all-female format that characterized the earlier episodes.

Meghan explained that this decision was influenced by Prince Harry, indicating a desire to broaden the podcast's scope.

Reflecting on her choice to include male voices, Meghan stated, “It was important to us that women have a space to share their authentic and complicated experiences.”

However, she acknowledged her initial hesitation to invite men onto the show, suggesting that the focus had primarily been on women's stories.

As the podcast concludes, speculation abounds regarding its future.

While there's no official word on whether Archetypes will return for a second season, rumors indicate that Spotify may choose not to renew the show.

This uncertainty looms over Meghan's venture into the podcasting world, leaving fans and critics alike pondering its legacy.

With the final episode now aired, listeners are left to reflect on what could have been.

The ambitious project, which started with high expectations, has ultimately faced significant hurdles.

Whether this marks the end of Meghan's podcasting journey or just a temporary setback remains to be seen.

In a landscape where podcasts thrive on engagement and fresh content, Archetypes' struggle serves as a reminder of the challenges that even high-profile figures can encounter.

As Meghan navigates the aftermath of this experience, her next steps will be closely watched by both supporters and skeptics.

As the dust settles, the conversation around Archetypes continues.

What does this mean for Meghan's future endeavors?

Only time will tell if she can bounce back from this rocky start.

For now, the podcast leaves behind a mixed legacy, one that highlights both ambition and the realities of audience engagement in today's media landscape.