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Meghan's Archetypes: A podcast flop? The shocking reality behind the hyped series

Bill Simmons criticizes Harry & Meghan as their $20M podcast deal ends. Their Archetypes series failed, and their fairytale crumbles as they face challenges.

Published on: Jun 18, 2023, 18:00:11 IST
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American Sports mogul Bill Simmons, also Spotify's Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization, openly refers to Harry and Meghan as "the f***ing grifters." The couple's $20 million podcast deal with Spotify has ended, with their Archetypes series being scrapped after just one lackluster season. The snail-paced production and declining listenership seemed to seal their fate. It appears that the market has spoken, and the fairy tale fantasy crafted by the couple is crumbling.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival at the Great Lawn, Central Park (AFP)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival at the Great Lawn, Central Park (AFP)

The Duke and Duchess of Delusion, who have continuously spun their tale of pity, have faced the harsh reality of the real world. Their attempts to leverage their fame and victim narrative have fallen flat, and their grand ambitions of global domination have been dashed. Even their previous success in bamboozling the CEO of Disney for voiceover work in 2019 couldn't save their sinking podcast venture.

Simmons's scathing remarks provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes disappointment at Spotify, hinting that the recollections of their short-lived partnership may not be so positive. The departure from the British Royal Family was supposed to grant them freedom and success in the real world, but it seems they underestimated the challenges that awaited them.

Meghan's Archetypes series failed to capture listeners' interest and reportedly frustrated Spotify bosses due to its slow production pace. The couple's perceived entitlement and repetitive victim/activist narrative did not resonate with audiences. This misstep may cost Harry and Meghan a staggering $10 million.

Also Read | Spotify's Bill Simmons slams Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after podcast fallout

The signs of their fading star power have been evident. Netflix scrapped Meghan's animated series Pearl last year, and their controversial docuseries overshadowed Harry's Invictus Games project. While they still have a reported $100 million deal with Netflix, one wonders if their remaining content will see the light of day. Additionally, Harry's promised four-book deal with Penguin, worth $25 million, faces uncertainty after the underwhelming reception of his memoir Spare.

In their quest for freedom, they have lost their royal privileges, strained family relationships, and now, even the liberal elite is turning away. The public's interest in Brand Sussex is waning, as evidenced by declining popularity and growing skepticism surrounding their claims.

The Duke and Duchess of Delusion have hit a wall, with their once-beloved fairy tale narrative crumbling under the scrutiny of the real world. As the dust settles, one question remains: Who will be the next to abandon the grievance-tour bus that Harry and Meghan have ridden for far too long?

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