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Barack and Michelle Obama to Produce New Shows, Movies for Netflix

Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama / Getty Images
May 21, 2018

Netflix announced plans Monday to team up with former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to produce a wide variety of new programming.

The Obamas will produce "a diverse mix of content, including the potential for scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features," according to the streaming site's press release.

"Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better," Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said. "We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities."

In a statement, Barack Obama said he and his wife were partnering with Netflix to "cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world."

The New York Times first reported in March that the deal was in the works, but that Obama was not interested in using the platform to attack conservatives or his successor, President Donald Trump. Those familiar with the negotiations said Obama was more interested in "producing shows that highlight inspirational stories."

Among other potential shows floated in the Times piece were a program featuring the former president moderating conversations about issues like climate change and immigration, or a program were Michelle Obama discusses nutrition.