Meghan Markle's recent collaboration with Lemonada Media has hit a significant snag, as the podcast "Archetypes" faced a £16 million loss and failed to secure a spot in the top 200 rankings.
Lemonada Media had high hopes for the partnership, aiming to expand the podcast's reach by involving Meghan Markle. However, they seemingly overlooked the fact that listeners could access the content without needing a Spotify account. This miscalculation added to the challenges faced by "Archetypes."
When Prince Harry and Meghan initially moved to the United States to pursue independent ventures, they secured various entertainment deals, including one with Spotify to produce their own podcast series. However, despite featuring notable guests like Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, "Archetypes" was discontinued after just one series of 12 episodes.
Earlier this year, Meghan announced a new partnership with Lemonada Media to create fresh content and distribute the original series of "Archetypes." While the Spotify deal was valued at around £1 million, the Lemonada Media agreement's financial value is believed to be significantly lower, possibly around 10% of the Spotify deal, roughly £1.9 million.
Despite being available on multiple platforms such as Apple Podcasts, "Archetypes" failed to crack 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 were mixed, averaging a three-star rating out of 10. Criticism was directed at Meghan Markle's audio delivery, with some feeling she focused excessively on herself and limited guest contributions.
Contrary to claims by a Sussex spokesperson that "Archetypes" was the number one podcast on Spotify, the reality was starkly different. The podcast never reached the top spot, which was held by Joe Rogan. Initial intrigue waned over time, and many lost interest after the first episode. Manipulation of statistics by Spotify to create an illusion of success further diminished the podcast's actual performance.
The lackluster performance of "Archetypes" led to speculation about Meghan Markle's podcast venture strategy and the claims surrounding its success. The People's Choice Award, which employed a multiple-entry voting system, only added to the skepticism surrounding the podcast's achievements. Ultimately, it's clear that "Archetypes" fell short of the expectations set by Meghan Markle and her supporters, despite its initial novelty.
