Netflix

The Obamas Are In “Advanced Negotiations” With Netflix For Political Series Slate

Following mold-breaking deals with Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, Netflix may be on the precipice of landing its biggest talent acquisition to date: former President Barack Obama.

Obama is in “advanced negotiations” with the streaming giant for a slate of shows that would highlight inspirational stories and provide him with a global platform, reports The New York Times. The deal would also call for contributions from former First Lady Michelle Obama — though the types of shows and number of episodes have yet to be finalized, nor have the financial terms of the deal been disclosed. (Netflix is said to be spending $8 billion on content this year).

One concept could see Obama moderating conversations about hot-button issues like health care, voting rights, immigration, foreign policy, and climate change, while another might feature Mrs. Obama discussing issues that were close to her heart as First Lady, including nutrition. Additionally, the Obamas might endorse or participate in other Netflix programming that syncs with their values and beliefs, according to the Times.

Subscribe to get the latest creator news

Subscribe

“President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire,” senior adviser Eric Schultz told the Times in a statement. “Throughout their lives, they have lifted up stories of people whose efforts to make a difference are quietly changing the world for the better. As they consider their future personal plans, they continue to explore new ways to help others tell and share their stories.”

The Times reports that Apple and Amazon have also expressed interest in a programming pact with the Obamas, though the President reportedly has close ties to two top Netflix execs. Nicole Avant, his former ambassador to the Bahamas, is married to Netflix chief content officer  Ted Sarandos, while Netflix CEO Reed Hastings attended several state dinners while he was in office. Obama also served as the inaugural guest on a David Letterman‘s comeback interview series for the streaming giant.

Share
Published by
Geoff Weiss

Recent Posts

Top 5 Branded Videos of the Week: Manga energy pink sauce

'Tis the season for festive holiday beverages, and some of YouTube's biggest channels are raising…

11 hours ago

Roblox just hired its first Chief Growth Officer

Roblox just hired its first ever Chief Growth Officer. The platform is, as the kids…

12 hours ago

‘CoComelon’ big-screen adaptation gets voice cast, February 2027 release date

On February 19, 2027, we will learn if the biggest family-friendly phenomenon on the internet…

14 hours ago

YouTube, BBC kick off creator economy training program in the U.K.

Creators in the U.K. have asked for more professional services that can help them level…

14 hours ago

TikTok assembles global roster of Creator Correspondents for 2026 FIFA World Cup

When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America in June, TikTok will…

16 hours ago

In the wake of iShowSpeed’s viewbot drama, what happens to the Twitch record books?

Earlier this week, the streamer Jynxzi hosted a League of Legends event that got more…

2 days ago