UPDATE: Meghan Markle’s podcasting ventures are facing significant challenges, as new polling data reveals a shocking level of disinterest among U.S. audiences. According to a survey conducted by YouGov involving 5,400 U.S. adults in December 2020, only 8 percent expressed they were “very interested” in listening to her podcasts.
This lack of enthusiasm is underscored by the disappointing performance of her recent shows, including Confessions of a Female Founder. The podcast launched with a focus on influential women in business but quickly faded from public interest after its initial episode. The first podcast, Archetypes, initially drew attention with its royal family revelations but also saw dwindling engagement as it shifted away from controversial topics.
Why does this matter NOW? Markle’s attempts to expand her brand through podcasting coincide with a broader launch of her projects, including a cooking show for Netflix and her online shop, As Ever. While her merchandise has sold out rapidly, the lukewarm reception to her podcasts raises questions about the sustainability of her new ventures.
Polling results from December 2020 revealed that 69 percent of respondents were either “not at all interested” or “not very interested” in her content, compared to just 23 percent showing some level of interest. This trend highlights a significant gap between Markle’s ambitions and audience engagement.
Markle’s podcasts were announced during a time when public interest was heightened, just months before her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. At that moment, her reputation in the United States was relatively uncontroversial, which makes the current disinterest puzzling.
Looking ahead, Markle’s As Ever product line, which has already sold out three runs, is set to release a new sparkling wine this summer. Additionally, Season 2 of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, is scheduled for release in the fall. However, uncertainty looms as Netflix’s current deal with Markle is set to expire in September 2023, and reports indicate that the streaming giant may not renew it.
As Markle evaluates her strategy moving forward, the stark contrast between her product successes and podcast failures raises critical questions about her brand’s future in the digital media landscape. The coming months will be pivotal as she navigates her next moves in the entertainment industry.
Stay tuned as more developments unfold in Meghan Markle’s journey to redefine her public persona and business endeavors.
