Former US president and First Lady, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are working alongside Netflix to produce what we hope to be some of the best films and TV shows we lay our eyes on.
Doing the totally opposite of America’s current president (thankfully), the Obamas are going from presidency to working on one of the biggest TV streaming services in the world with a multi-year long contract.
But just how did the two who lived in the White House for years with very serious, important jobs end up with the vision to produce content for the world via Netflix?
President Obama expressed himself in an official statement, stating: ‘One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience.’
He the then went on to say: ‘That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix—we hope 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 power couple are hoping to produce content in forms of scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features. These productions by the Obamas will be available for the 125 million members of the streaming platform, across 190 countries, according to the official Netflix website.
The pair has never shied away from appearing as guests on TV shows. Mrs Obama showed us that she too knew all the words to Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ (with dance moves too!) when she appeared on the Carpool Karaoke segment of James Corden’s late night show back in 2016 – just days before her memorable speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Obama has also shown he’s no stranger to a fun appearance on our screens with comic appearances on programmes such as The Tonight Show. The two have continuously showed us the perfect balance of having fun but getting work done. Hopefully their likeable and inspiring personalities will be captivated and interpreted through their shows as well.
Michelle Obama also shared how the two have always ‘believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others.’
Of course, news of their new entertainment ventures has pleased many people on the internet, with plenty offering ideas on puns and spin off names for some original Netflix shows: ‘Barack Mirror’, or ‘Orange is the new Barack’, anyone?
Season one of Barack Mirror is gonna be amazing. https://t.co/A8hi9B6YCS
— Travon Free (@Travon) May 21, 2018
Barack and Michelle Obama having their own show on Netflix is sure to enrage Trump and delight America. Can’t wait to watch it.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) May 21, 2018
Just reading up on this netflix deal…to star in a series produced by the Obama’s, thats my new life dream! @netflix @BarackObama @MichelleObama THANK FOR THE FUTURE VISIBILITY YOU WILL CREATE FOR SO MANY UNHEARD VOICES!!!!!!
— JelaniAlladin (@JelaniAlladin) May 22, 2018
orange is the new barack https://t.co/liJxDD9PNh
— BBC Three (@bbcthree) March 9, 2018
Words by Georgia Leon
