Spotify Makes Shocking Podcast Announcement: Two Beloved Shows Will No Longer Be Exclusive

It’s being reported that Spotify is parting ways with two of its critically acclaimed original podcasts – Heavyweight and Stolen. Both shows will wrap up their current seasons, which are hosted exclusively on Spotify to date. However, starting next season, listeners will have to tune in elsewhere if they want to follow the programs’ continued stories.

Sources indicate this move is part of strategic shifts underway rather than fallout from Spotify’s recent round of layoffs. A Spotify representative acknowledged the talent and care that Gimlet Media, the shows’ initial producers, brought to each impactful episode. Spotify will help ensure the podcasts transition smoothly to find new homes and continue engaging audiences.

Heavyweight has run for seven years with journalist Jonathan Goldstein facilitating emotional journeys of self-reflection for guests. Stolen, now on its second season, takes a sensitive look at Indigenous experiences through the lens of host Connie Walker. Its debut season winning major awards for recounting Walker’s own family history in residential schools.

This decision is likely tied to Spotify combining their podcast teams, including Gimlet, under one banner called Spotify Studios in June. Plus 10 shows were cut from those divisions back in October. So it seems Spotify is trimming back finances in original audio after refocusing their podcast strategy and operations. Fans will have to search beyond Spotify for their fix of Heavyweight and Stolen going forward.