Meghan Markle's Archetypes podcast wasn't renewed for a second season, and the Sussexes' contract with Spotify ended back in June.
Since then, many things have been said, and still many more have been left unsaid. But Spotify CEO Daniel Ek just gave an interview to the BBC that sheds a tiny bit more light on the situation.
Asked why Archetypes was axed from the streaming platform's programming, Ek said, "We thought new innovation was needed to happen here. We thought, 'We can come in and offer a great experience that both makes consumers very happy and allows new creators new avenues'" (via the Los Angeles Times).
Speaking of how Spotify attempted to compete with similar platforms, Ek continued, "And the truth of the matter is, some of it has worked, some of it hasn’t. We're learning from those and we are moving on and we wish all of the ones we didn't renew with the best of success they can have going forward."
In June, Ek told the BBC, "We’re going to be very diligent in how we invest in future content deals. And the ones that aren’t performing, obviously, we won’t renew. And the ones that are performing, we will obviously look at those on a case-by-case basis on the relative value."
Although it sounds like Archetypes didn't end up bringing in as much money for Spotify as they'd hoped, it was still a very successful show: It won Pop Podcast of 2022 at the People's Choice Awards, and reportedly brought in an estimated 10 million listeners. At one point, it even beat Joe Rogan's controversial podcast in the Spotify charts.
It's unclear whether the Duchess of Sussex intends to resume podcasting in the future. The most confirmed of hers and Harry's future projects at the moment is a film adaptation of the bestselling book Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune and, as for the rest, we'll have to wait and see.
-
There Are More Hidden Messages in the Wales Family Christmas Card Than You Probably RealizeAs ever with the royal family, nothing is without symbolism and meaning.
-
Kate Middleton Departs from Her Typical Roster of Designers for Winter White Look at Her Christmas Carol Concert
Kate mixed and matched two brands to complete this monochrome look.
-
Halle Berry Is a Literal Work of Art in Haute Couture Elie Saab
Berry has a storied history with the designer.
-
Meghan Markle Probably Found Princess Kate's Senior Royal Role "Very Hard to Swallow," Says Expert
This makes sense to me.
-
Many Believe Meghan Markle’s Choice of Accessory Is a Nod of Support to Father-in-Law King Charles
She hasn’t worn this piece of jewelry publicly since April 2022.
-
The Palace Seemingly Used Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Distract From Prince William's Alleged Affair, Omid Scobie Says
The "affair" is pure speculation, Scobie stresses.
-
Despite It All, King Charles Absolutely “Refuses” to Strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of Their Duke and Duchess of Sussex Titles
The reason is poignant.
-
One of King Charles’ Siblings Was Adamant That Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Be Evicted from Frogmore Cottage
Meanwhile, another sibling was “uneasy” about the decision.
-
Despite the Royal Family’s Disdain for Princess Diana When She Was Alive, It Regularly Pushed Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Dress Like Her, New Book Claims
“During the past 13 years, Diana cosplay has become a royal staple.”
-
Meghan Markle Became the “Star of the Show” When She Married Into the Royal Family, Omid Scobie Writes
She was “Princess Diana all over again,” the newly released 'Endgame' reads.
-
Omid Scobie Suggests That Meghan Markle Is Poised to Become the Next Martha Stewart
Duchess, philanthropist, lifestyle guru?
