Meghan Markle’s Podcast “Archetypes” Fails to Make a Splash in the Competitive World of Podcasts

In the vast realm of podcasts, where celebrities and influencers strive to leave their mark, not every venture achieves the success it aspires to.

A prime example of this is Meghan Markle's podcast, “Archetypes,” produced as part of her deal with Lemonader Media.

Despite the initial excitement and buzz surrounding the project, “Archetypes” fell short of breaking into the top 200 podcast charts, dealing Lemonader Media a significant blow.

Lemonader Media, a podcast network renowned for its focus on social impact and storytelling, likely harbored high expectations when they brought Meghan Markle on board for her podcast endeavor.

However, “Archetypes” failed to meet the financial benchmarks set by Markle's previous deal with Spotify.

While her prior podcast deal amounted to a whopping $8 million, her collaboration with Lemonader Media was valued at around $1.9 million.

This stark decline in value indicates that Lemonader Media may now be second-guessing their decision to partner with Markle on “Archetypes.”

Reviews of “Archetypes” were a mixed bag, with some commending the podcast's content while others remained unimpressed.

An area of concern was the suspicion that many positive reviews stemmed from Markle's dedicated fan base, the Sussex Squad.

This raises doubts about the authenticity of the acclaim and whether it accurately represented the broader listener sentiment.

The top two episodes featuring celebrity guests garnered average ratings of approximately 4.4 out of 10, signaling a tepid response from the audience.

Despite generating intrigue and interest initially, “Archetypes” grappled with retaining listener engagement over time.

While the debut episode might have drawn a significant audience eager to hear Markle's voice in the podcasting sphere, subsequent episodes struggled to sustain that interest.

Consequently, listenership gradually waned, leaving “Archetypes” grappling to uphold its relevance and impact in an increasingly cutthroat podcast landscape.

Despite claims of being the top podcast, “Archetypes” failed to make a mark on the Spotify charts.

Notably, Joe Rogan's podcast consistently dominated the charts during the same timeframe.

This disparity suggests that Markle's podcast couldn't muster the same level of popularity and listenership as other established shows, hindering its chances of garnering substantial traction and exposure.

The lackluster performance of “Archetypes” offers crucial insights for both Meghan Markle and Lemonader Media.

For Markle, it underscores the hurdles of transitioning from a prominent figure in the entertainment industry to a successful podcast host.

It emphasizes the significance of crafting engaging content that resonates with a wider audience beyond her loyal fan base.

As for Lemonader Media, the financial setback acts as a reminder that not all high-profile collaborations ensure success.

It indicates the necessity to reassess their selection process for future partnerships, considering factors beyond celebrity status and contemplating the potential for sustained engagement and expansion.

Meghan Markle's podcast, “Archetypes,” produced under her agreement with Lemonader Media, fell short of achieving the expected success and struggled to secure a high ranking on the podcast charts.

The lukewarm reception, dwindling listenership, and financial setback underscore the challenges of making a mark in the podcasting realm, even for notable personalities.

As “Archetypes” fades into the background of the ever-evolving podcast landscape, the experience imparts valuable lessons to both Markle and Lemonader Media, urging them to adapt, refine, and innovate in their forthcoming endeavors.