Meghan Markle’s ‘Reputation Is at Stake’ With Podcast Deal

Meghan Markle’s new podcasting partnership with entertainment network Lemonada Media leaves her “reputation at stake” if any projects fail or do not prove to be “value for money,” an entertainment expert has told Newsweek.

The duchess’s signing with the female-founded network was announced on February 13 through her new-look website, which was launched just one day earlier. It comes after a highly publicized split with her previous podcast partner, Spotify.

“I’m proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting,” Meghan said in a statement. “Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024.”

She added that her 12-episode podcast series Archetypes, which was produced exclusively with Spotify in 2022, will be re-released to be available on all platforms. She is also working on a “dynamic new podcast,” which she is “eager to be able to share” soon.

Lemonada was co-founded in 2019 by Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs and is best known for creating the hit Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast, Wiser Than Me. Meghan will also join the company’s roster of stars, including Sarah Silverman and Jennette McCurdy.

The development comes at an important time in Meghan’s post-royal career as a philanthropist and content creator.

After signing a multi-million-dollar deal with Spotify in 2020, Harry and Meghan produced a one-off holiday podcast episode in addition to Meghan’s Archetypes before announcing their split with the company.

Though stated by both parties to have been a mutual parting of ways, this was cast into doubt when, days later, a Spotify executive labeled Harry and Meghan “f****** grifters” on his podcast.

Though Archetypes won Meghan a People’s Choice and Gracie Award, entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets, Mark Boardman, told Newsweek this new signing leaves the duchess with a lot to prove to show she’s a serious player in the podcasting industry.

“News that Meghan has confirmed work on a new podcast series is encouraging, suggesting that the behind-the-scenes work throughout 2023 is not being wasted, with continued collaboration and content development finally coming through,” he said.

“Her success hinges on delivering engaging and meaningful content that resonates with audiences. Careful guest selection and thoughtful contributions would be a step forward for Meghan and could prove to be a much-needed true ratings winner. Media acclaim via award nominations only could lead to further projects, and so this new deal is more important than ever.”

Newsweek reached out to representatives of Meghan Markle via email for comment.

The key challenge for the duchess, Boardman continued, would be to “deliver value for money” and the delivery of content, “especially considering the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the Sussex’s ventures and delays with official announcements.”

“Meghan’s status as a former royal and still using the Sussex title alongside her public profile make the actress a valuable addition to Lemonada’s roster, and so they have a vested interest in creating value for both parties and ensuring any output is of the highest quality,” he said, though added that it would be Meghan’s reputation ultimately on the line.

“The reputation of the Duchess of Sussex is at stake for any failed projects, and any signs of desperation following lower-than-expected reviews would see their star power dwindle further, with only reboots of Suits for Meghan and the Invictus Games for Harry to fall back on as fan favorites. Whilst the Lemonda platform is not as well-known as Spotify, it could be a better fit for Meghan.”

So far, details about Meghan’s future projects with Lemonada have not been announced. However, CEO and co-founder Cordova Kramer praised the duchess, saying in a statement that: “Meghan’s talent as host, creator and conversationalist is unparalleled and we are thrilled to co-create a new series with her that fosters her approach to creating art that matters.”

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

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