Meghan Markle is still struggling to shake off the shadow of her Spotify podcast misstep, even two years after the high-profile flop. The Duchess of Sussex, once hailed for her ambitious audio venture, has yet to win back the public’s favor following the underwhelming performance of her *Archetypes* podcast, which launched with much fanfare in 2022 but fizzled out quickly.
Back in June 2022, Meghan and Prince Harry inked a lucrative $20 million deal with Spotify, riding the wave of their post-royal popularity. The goal? To produce compelling content that would cement their status as media powerhouses. *Archetypes*, Meghan’s brainchild, promised to unpack stereotypes and feature big-name guests like Serena Williams and Mariah Carey. But despite the hype, the podcast failed to resonate with listeners, wrapping up after just 12 episodes. Spotify and the couple mutually parted ways in 2023, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads.
Fast forward to April 2025, and Meghan’s attempts at a comeback have fallen flat. Sources close to the duchess say she’s been pitching new projects and brainstorming ways to re-enter the media spotlight, but nothing has stuck. “She thought Archetypes would be her big break into the podcasting world,” an insider revealed. “Two years later, it’s clear she hasn’t found her footing.”
The Spotify fumble isn’t just a one-off stumble—it’s become a defining moment in Meghan’s post-royal career. PR experts argue that her inability to pivot successfully has damaged her brand. “Meghan’s struggling to redeem herself because she hasn’t delivered anything substantial since,” said media analyst Jane Carter. “The podcast was a chance to connect with people, but it came off as preachy and out of touch.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s own ventures, like his Netflix documentaries and memoir *Spare*, have kept him in the headlines—albeit with mixed reviews. Meghan, however, seems stuck in neutral. Her latest efforts, including whispers of a lifestyle brand and a potential return to podcasting, haven’t gained traction. “She’s trying to rewrite the narrative, but the Spotify failure still looms large,” Carter added.
Critics point to a disconnect between Meghan and her audience as the root of her woes. *Archetypes* was meant to inspire, but many listeners found it lacked authenticity. “It felt like a celebrity vanity project,” one reviewer noted back in 2022. Two years on, that perception hasn’t shifted, and Meghan’s redemption arc remains elusive.
As the Duchess of Sussex approaches the three-year mark since her Spotify deal collapsed, the clock is ticking. Can Meghan Markle turn the tide and reclaim her place in the media world, or will the podcast flop continue to define her legacy? For now, it seems her efforts to bounce back have hit a wall, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the former royal.
