Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in Talks to Produce Content For Netflix
Former President Barack Obama could be Netflix's newest star.
Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are in talks with the streaming service to produce a series of high-profile shows, according to The New York Times.
While the format of the shows and the number of episodes is not yet finalized, the Obamas want to highlight inspirational stories. One idea would have the former president moderating conversations on health care, voting rights, immigration, foreign policy, and climate change. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama could possibly create a show about nutrition, one of the areas she championed during their eight years in the White House.
The content would not address President Donald Trump or Obama's conservative critics.
"President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire," said Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama. "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."
Obama has been on Netflix before, in the premiere episode of David Letterman's new talk show "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction." While he and his wife have kept relatively low profiles in the last year, they are both writing memoirs.
Netflix has been scooping up major content creators left and right, recently signing massive deals with prolific producers Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes.