Spotify has confirmed the cancellation of two of its podcasts, Heavyweight and Stolen, both of which were produced by Spotify’s Gimlet Media. The decision to cancel the podcasts, unrelated to the company’s recent layoffs, comes as the platform adjusts its investment in the podcast space.
Both podcasts will complete their current seasons on Spotify and then have the opportunity to be picked up by other platforms. A Spotify spokesperson stated, “We are extremely proud of the teams who have supported these talented storytellers across each of the incredible episodes of Heavyweight and Stolen. We are excited to share the upcoming episodes and season that will be available on Spotify and other podcast platforms and we will work with the show creators to ensure a smooth transition for wherever these series go next.”
Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, is currently in its eighth season and focuses on helping guests work through challenging moments from their past. Stolen, hosted by Connie Walker, has completed two seasons and is preparing for a third, delving into stories about Indigenous people. The first season, which explored Walker’s father’s experience in Canada’s residential schools, received both a Pulitzer Prize and a Peabody Award.
In June 2023, Spotify announced the merger of its podcast divisions, Parcast and Gimlet, into one Spotify Studios division, alongside The Ringer. This move follows Spotify’s previous cancellation of 10 shows from Parcast and Gimlet in October.
