Meghan Markle is postponing the release of new episodes of her Archetypes podcast.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has already delayed the release of her Netflix cookery show, With Love Meghan, from January until March due to the devastation of the wildfires in LA.
Meghan was expected to have a very busy start to 2025, after relaunching her Instagram account and projects from her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, podcast and show all on the horizon.
Some critics questioned her motives for delaying her Netflix launch by two months – but insiders told PEOPLE Magazine it was an ‘easy decision’ for Meghan to make.
And now it appears her podcast with Lemonada Media – which appeared to tease new episodes at the start of the month – will also be delayed.
According to HELLO! Magazine, episodes of Archetypes have been ‘pushed back’.
The magazine stated: ‘HELLO! understands that a series of new podcast episodes from Meghan has also been pushed back as a result.’
FEMAIL has reached out to representatives for Meghan for comment.
The news comes at a challenging time for Meghan and her husband Prince Harry, who were recently dealt a challenging blow by a bombshell Vanity Fair article.
Meghan Markle is reportedly postponing the release of new episodes of her Archetypes podcast. Pictured in a scene for her Netflix show With Love, Meghan
According to the magazine, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ran into several snags that saw their lucrative deal with the streaming service, reportedly worth £18million, collapse in just three years.
The couple reportedly failed to yield consistent, successful content for the platform, with one former employee, claiming they were unlike other celebrity podcasters, who will ‘turn on the mic and talk’.
Instead, the source said, the couple ‘wanted a big theme that would explain the world, but they had no ideas’.
Some of Harry’s bizarre concepts ranged from reviewing hot chocolate every week to interviewing the likes of Putin and Donald Trump about being ‘sociopaths’.
Meanwhile, Meghan found it hard to commit to ideas before ‘backtracking’ and ‘watering them down’, meaning each episode had to be ‘completely reimagined late in production’, the article states.
Even when Meghan finally premiered her podcast Archetypes – aimed at empowering women by breaking down gender stereotypes – it failed to take off amid rumours that Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion all declined to appear on it.
The damning profile in the magazine – headlined ‘American Hustle’ – also stated that the Duchess of Sussex could be ‘really, really awful’ when things did not go her way.
Elsewhere, the profile detailed allegations from former employees of Meghan who reportedly felt mistreated during their time working with her.
Despite teasing new episodes of Archetypes at the start of the month, Meghan’s podcast (pictured) is reportedly set to face a delay
The Duchess and Prince Harry visited survivors of the wildfires and were spotted handing out food packages
Taking to Instagram, Lemonada Media included Archetypes in a post (pictured) about new episodes coming in 2025
Taking to Instagram, Lemonada Media wrote: ‘We are so back! With new episodes of Fail Better, Boneheads, Pop Culture Debate Club AND MORE coming out this week, which podcast are you excited to listen to this week?’
The couple later dismissed the allegations as ‘distressing’, according to claims in The Times.
Launched in August 2022, Meghan’s podcast intended to explore the labels and stereotypes that hold women back.
Despite a star-studded guest list that included Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, the podcast’s initial buzz dwindled. In June 2023, Spotify and the Sussexes’ production company, Archewell Audio, announced they were parting ways.
Reports of behind-the-scenes disagreements surfaced, with some sources alleging that Spotify had higher expectations regarding the amount of content produced.
Then, in February last year, Meghan signed a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media, which appeared to suggest that new episodes were on the cards via Instagram, writing, ‘We are SO Back!’
‘With new episodes of Fail Better, Boneheads, Pop Culture Debate Club AND MORE coming out this week, which podcast are you excited to listen to this week?’
Nestled in the image of podcasts shared by the media group was Markle’s Archetype podcast, perhaps indicating that fans can expect new episodes later this year.
Fans flocked to the post’s comment section, expressing their desire for new episodes.
The damning profile in Vanity Fair stated that the Duchess of Sussex would reportedly be ‘warm and effusive’ towards employees at the start before turning ‘cold and withholding toward the person she perceived to be responsible’ when something ‘went poorly
In 2022, Archetypes claimed People’s Choice Award for The Pop Podcast of 2022 and the Duchess won best entertainment podcast host at the Gracie Awards
It comes after Meghan released the trailer for her new Netflix series – With Love, Meghan (pictured)
The previous episodes of the podcast, dating from August to November 2022, are available to stream on all platforms.
Meghan’s Archetypes podcast about female stereotypes ran for just one series before her lucrative deal with Spotify ended in 2023.
The later deal came a year after the Duchess and her husband Prince Harry ended their $20million deal with Spotify and three years after it was signed.
‘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 in February last year.
Spotify and the Sussexes’s audio production company Archewell Audio released a joint statement saying they have ‘mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together‘.
A top Spotify podcast executive had called Prince Harry and Meghan ‘f***ing grifters’ after they produced only one 13-episode series of a podcast for the company, and then split.
In a statement about her new podcast, Meghan added: ‘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.
‘Our plan to re-release ‘Archetypes’ so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast are well in the works. I’m so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family.’
Meghan, 43, grew up in Los Angeles , and now resides in Montecito with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two kids, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three
Meghan and Harry pictured with other volunteers after helping LA wildfire victims
Archetypes, Meghan’s original Spotify show, had around one million listens per episode and debuted as Spotify’s No. 1 podcast in 47 countries around the world when it launched in August 2022.
The series explored the labels that try to hold women back and included guests such as Mariah Carey, Jameela Jamil and Pamela Adlon.
Cordova Kramer, Lemonada said: ‘We are beyond honored that Meghan has trusted us to help democratize access to Archetypes, and that so many more people around the world will have access to the series soon.
‘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.’
Bill Simmons, Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify, condemned the pair in an episode of his own podcast.
‘The f***ing grifters. That’s the podcast we should have launched with them,’ he said. ‘I’ve got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. It’s one of my best stories.’
Earlier this month, it was revealed Meghan had made the decision to postpone With Love, Meghan due to the devastation of the wildfires in her hometown of Los Angeles.
The Sussexes made donations to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation and opened their $29 million Montecito mansion (seen) to loved ones forced to evacuate the LA wildfires
The Duchess and Prince Harry visited survivors of the wildfires and were spotted handing out food packages.
They were also said to have opened their home in Montecito – around 90 miles away from LA – to victims and donated money and essential items.
A statement issued by the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was scheduled to debut, read: ‘I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.’
With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal’s home state and her personal ties to it.
PR experts had questioned the timing of the release of Meghan’s Netflix cookery show and said it should be postponed amid the wildfires.
They suggested to air it now could come across as ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone deaf’ and cause a fierce backlash against the royal couple.
UK brand and culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘I think Netflix bosses will be having to make some big decisions as whether to air With Love, Meghan in the next week.
‘With the show being so centred on California life, Los Angeles and Montecito, providing a glimpse into aspirational and inspirational living, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and delayed for at least a few months.’
Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena
A description of the series on Tudum’s website said: ‘Produced by Meghan, With Love, Meghan blends practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old.
‘Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.
‘She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.’
The long awaited lifestyle series was first promised to fans when Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard was first teased last March.
The trailer shows the Duchess cooking in her Montecito kitchen, picking produce from her garden and chatting with very famous pals while The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Do You Believe in Magic plays over the top.
Posting the trailer on her Instagram account at the start of this month, Meghan wrote: ‘I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.
‘Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!’
She signed off: ‘As ever, Meghan.’
A sweet clip shows Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sharing a sweet moment while each enjoying a drink
Meghan insists the series is not about achieving ‘perfection’, rather finding ‘joy’ in the little things in life
Describing the series in an official synopsis, Netflix says: ‘In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, garden — and even at the beehive — as she prepares to host friends both old and new.
‘Sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting, and more, Meghan reveals how even the most minute details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, help bring people together.
‘Whether it’s preparing take-home gifts for guests or adding a sprinkle of edible flowers to breakfast, it’s truly the thought that counts.’
Speaking in the trailer, Meghan says: ‘I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
‘I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how you incorporate these practices every day.
‘This is about connecting with friends… We’re not in the pursuit of perfection we’re in the pursuit of joy.’
Elsewhere, Meghan speaks about ‘making new friends’ and learning new skills – such as beekeeping.
In each episode, Meghan invites friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen, or garden, as they share candid conversations and top tips.
As well as Mindy Kaling – who previously appeared on the Duchess’s podcast Archetypes – Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also make appearances.
One of the Duchess’s first guests on her cooking show is long time friend (and recipient of American Riviera Orchard jam) Mindy Kaling
Meghan’s long-time friend and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer makes an appearance in the series where she eats one of the Duchess’s recipes
Meghan also welcomes some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her ‘sister’ and ‘fellow polo wife’, Delfina Blaquier, wife to the Duke of Sussex’s pal Nacho Figueras.
Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to feature in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, as well as the Duke’s Polo show.
Meghan’s make-up artist Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two’s best friend, also featured in the trailer for the Duchess’ new programme.
Since officially leaving the Royal Family and moving to California in 2020, the Duke and Duchess have pursued a number of different avenues to bring in revenue.
The couple also teamed up with Netflix to produce the docu-series called Harry And Meghan, with the streaming giant reportedly paying the pair $100million for the six-episode series.
