The NYT is reporting that former POTUS/FLOTUS Barack and Michelle Obama may get their own Netflix special.
The show is being brainstormed as a town hall format show with topics that were considered the most controversial during his presidency (ie. the gun violence pandemic, universal health care, wealth inequality), and will not be a response to the Trump presidency, but instead an exploration of progressive solutions to current problems. Hopefully he can also tackle the D-triple-c and political party reform (but he is complicit there, so don't hold your breath).
President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire,” Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to the former president, said Thursday. “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.”
In one possible show idea, Mr. Obama could moderate conversations on topics that dominated his presidency — health care, voting rights, immigration, foreign policy, climate change — and that have continued to divide a polarized American electorate during President Trump’s time in office.
Another program could feature Mrs. Obama on topics, like nutrition, that she championed in the White House. The former president and first lady could also lend their brand — and their endorsement — to documentaries or fictional programming on Netflix that align with their beliefs and values.
The contract pricing is still uncertain. NYT notes that Netflix recently penned a deal with producer pop-phenomenon Ryan Murphy (creater of American Horror Story) for 300 million. Since the Obamas are two of the most publicly recognizable figures in modern politics, and two of the most sought after, it's hard not to believe Netflix tossing similar money their way now that they are private citizens.
Netflixwould also have a potentially huge Return on Investment for their company by enlisting the Obamas as their newest stars: more POC and newshound/political junkie subscribers.