Lemonada Media's initial intention was to expand access to the podcast by involving Meghan Markle. However, it seems they overlooked the fact that listeners can enjoy the content without needing to sign up for a Spotify account. This miscalculation has contributed to the challenges faced by "Archetypes."
When Prince Harry and Meghan first relocated to the United States to establish their independent ventures, they secured various entertainment deals, including one with Spotify to produce their own podcast series. However, "Archetypes" was discontinued after just one series comprising 12 episodes, despite featuring notable guests such as Serena Williams and Mariah Carey.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Meghan had entered into a new partnership with Lemonada Media, which involved creating fresh content and distributing the original series of "Archetypes." Although the contract with Spotify was reportedly valued at around £18 million, the financial worth of the Lemonada Media deal is believed to be significantly lower. Branding expert Andrew Block, who has access to insider information, suggested that Megan's new deal may only be worth approximately 10% of the Spotify agreement, equating to around £1.9 million.
Despite being available on multiple platforms such as Apple Podcasts, "Archetypes" failed to make it into the top 200 podcasts. Listeners had to specifically search for the podcast as it wasn't prominently featured. Reviews on platforms like Amazon Music and Audible, owned by Amazon, were mixed, with an overall three-star rating out of ten. It became evident that Meghan Markle's audio talent received criticism, as she was perceived to focus excessively on herself and limit the contributions of her guests.
Contrary to claims made by a Sussex spokesperson, who asserted that "Archetypes" was the number one podcast on Spotify, the reality was different. The podcast was far from the top spot, which was occupied by Joe Rogan. Despite initial intrigue, listenership for "Archetypes" declined over time, with many losing interest after the first episode. The manipulation of statistics by Spotify to create an illusion of success only further dampened the podcast's actual performance. Had the podcast truly performed well, it would have ranked within the top 100 or top 200.
The lackluster performance of "Archetypes" has led to speculation about the strategy behind Meghan Markle's podcast venture and the claims surrounding its success. The People's Choice Award, which employed a multiple-entry voting system, added to the skepticism surrounding the podcast's achievements. Ultimately, it becomes apparent that "Archetypes" did not live up to the expectations set by Meghan Markle and her supporters, despite its initial novelty.
