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.
-
The Boat Shoe Trend Has Officially Set SailThey're not just for fraternity brothers anymore.
-
Kendall Jenner’s Rich-Girl Blonde Is Inspired by a KennedyIt’s a fall hair trend in the making.
-
Kate Middleton Channeled Princess Diana Energy in Her Video Message About Ending Cancer Treatment, According to Royal Experts"It’s hard not to think of Princess Diana when you look at this video..."
-
Meghan Markle Says Wearing a Cap and Keeping Her Head Down While Sneaking Around New York in 2019 Was a "Really Big Deal"“I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world."
-
Prince Harry Kept U.K. Trip Secret to Avoid Distracting from His Uncle's Funeral"Many people close to the family were totally unaware."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Invited" to Spend Christmas With Princess Diana's FamilyDiana's brother has reportedly extended an invitation to the Sussexes and their children.
-
Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey Made a Surprise Appearance at a Bookstore Near Their California HomesJust some casual neighborly bonding.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Neighbors Reveal Rare Details About Their Life in CaliforniaPicture Harry, like every other dad in America doing school drop-off—except with a security detail following him in a Range Rover.
-
Princess Kate Is "Slowly Preparing" Prince George to Be the Future KingThe Princess of Wales doesn't want him to be "weighed down with responsibility."
-
Prince Harry's Tribute to His Late Uncle Left Memorial Service Guests "Astounded""He is very close to his mother's side of the family."
-
Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Can't" Share Many Photos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet"I would expect them to live smaller lives until that gets sorted."
