According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix might be getting a little more presidential. THR reported this week that President Barack Obama is in talks with the streaming giant to produce his own original series. The show would involve Michelle Obama as well.
The series would not be about the Obamas themselves; rather, the former president and first lady are more interested in creating a series that focuses on the inspiring stories of different individuals. All reports have stressed that it will not be a platform for the Obamas to respond to current political events.
It’s important to note that no official deal has been struck, and the former president is only in tentative talks as of right now. Still, it represents a momentous move on Netflix’s part. If the company can secure the deal and create a show with President Obama, it would represent an unprecedented moment in both American politics and television.
Senior Advisor to the former president, Eric Schultz, spoke to The New York Times on the Obama’s hopes for a series. “President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire,” Schultz said. “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.”
President Barack Obama has appeared on Netflix once before for an interview on David Letterman’s Netflix talk show My Guest Needs No Introduction. Obama’s episode was enjoyed by a variety of television critics, who praised both the show’s relaxed and open atmosphere and Obama’s interview presence.
If the success of that episode is any indication, President Obama’s potential Netflix series might be the streamer’s next big hit.