Meghan Markle’s Podcast Faces Tough Competition from Kim Kardashian

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle's podcast, “Archetypes,” has dropped to number nine on Spotify's top podcast chart.

While she holds just one episode at number thirty-eight on the top 100 podcast episodes list, Kim Kardashian's newly released crime show has surged to the top, overshadowing Markle's efforts.

This shift has raised eyebrows among royal watchers and media experts alike, with many suggesting that Markle's appeal may be waning among American audiences.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield pointed out that the initial curiosity surrounding Markle seems to have faded.

She noted that while people were once intrigued by Meghan's narrative, Kim Kardashian is now capturing more attention on Spotify.

As Schofield puts it, there's a noticeable decline in interest for Markle, which hasn't gone unnoticed by the American media landscape.

Interestingly, this change in dynamics comes as Markle appears to be expressing fewer complaints, but some perceive this shift as somewhat disingenuous given her previous tone.

Industry insiders suggest that Kardashian's content naturally attracts a broader audience due to its subject matter.

Matthew Passey, CEO of a podcast consulting firm, elaborated on this idea, explaining that true crime podcasts have universal appeal.

“Anyone can be interested in a true crime podcast,” he said, contrasting it with the more niche audience that Markle's discussions require.

To engage with her content, listeners need a specific interest in either Markle herself or the topics she covers, which limits her reach considerably.

Passey's comments highlight a stark difference in audience engagement between the two shows.

He expressed skepticism about Markle's ability to compete with the widespread fascination that true crime narratives generate.

In contrast, Meghan's podcast dives into the challenges women face, dissecting the labels that society imposes.

However, critics argue that her conversational style lacks the credibility that true crime stories inherently possess.

Ashley King, the creative director of a podcast training company, weighed in on the credibility aspect.

She pointed out that true crime podcasts often require extensive research and fact-checking, lending them an air of authenticity that Markle's series may lack.

King emphasized that Kardashian's show resonates because it deals with real-life issues, including social justice and the complexities of the legal system, which keeps listeners engaged and eager for more.

Amid these shifting tides, there are whispers of Markle reaching out to her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, for a potential guest appearance on “Archetypes.”

Royal expert Neil Sean reported that during a recent visit to the UK, Markle expressed interest in having Catherine join her for a future episode.

This move makes sense strategically, as Markle aims to explore themes of family and work-life balance, particularly in the context of their shared experiences as duchesses.

Sean noted that Markle's team viewed this collaboration as a positive ratings opportunity.

However, the response from Catherine remains uncertain, with speculation that she may not be inclined to engage in Markle's controversial narrative.

Royal fans and experts alike believe that the new Princess of Wales is focused on her royal duties and cultivating a positive public image through her community-focused initiatives.

While Markle's podcast continues to navigate these challenges, the contrast with Kardashian's success raises questions about the sustainability of her format.

As the landscape of podcasting evolves, it seems that audiences are gravitating toward content that feels both relevant and credible.

The growing popularity of true crime, with its gripping narratives and societal implications, might be a tough hurdle for Markle to overcome.

As Markle attempts to redefine her narrative and possibly expand her guest list, the question remains: can she reclaim the spotlight in a world where true crime reigns supreme?

With Kardashian's show leading the charge, the stakes are high for Markle to adapt and evolve her approach if she hopes to capture the hearts—and ears—of a broader audience once again.