Obamas in talks to host ‘inspirational’ Netflix show
The current US president went from television stardom to the White House but his predecessor is poised to make the journey in reverse.
Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are in talks with Netflix to produce their own show, which will be aired to subscribers of the streaming service.
One concept being discussed would involve Netflix receiving exclusive content from the former first couple, which may also include Obama moderating discussions about social issues like healthcare and immigration. Michelle Obama, who championed better nutrition for children as a cause when she was first lady, might discuss that topic.
Another idea is to produce a series of ‘‘inspirational stories’’.
Financial details are unclear but Netflix has been known to spend lavishly on big names to make shows for its 118 million viewers. Last month, it was reported to have reached a five-year deal to hire the producer and screenwriter Ryan Murphy for US$300 million (NZ$412m).
The 44th president has no direct experience of hosting a television show but he does have many millions of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram followers, which should help ensure a ready audience.
Michelle Obama, who has appeared on more than a dozen late night talk shows on which she has earned a reputation as a naturally funny guest, would arguably be an even bigger draw than her husband.
Shares of Netflix were up as much as 2.6% yesterday following the news of the planned series.
In January Barack Obama appeared on Netflix in an episode of a series hosted by David Letterman, in which the two men talked about the political environment, but avoided discussion of President Trump.
Nonetheless the prospect of the Obamas hosting their own television series was met with the kind of partisan political response that has come to typify US politics, and which Donald Trump fomented in his triumphant effort to succeed him.
Supporters predicted an Obama show would be a success but critics argued that it would be tantamount to propaganda.
Sean Spicer, Trump’s former spokesman, tweeted: ‘‘Really hope Obama’s Netflix show is him travelling the country telling business owners they didn’t build that.’’
That was a reference to an ambiguous comment Obama made in an 2012 address which has long been used by his opponents. Obama has said the ‘‘that’’ referred to roads and bridges he had talked about in the preceding sentence of the speech.
Netflix and Eric Schultz, senior adviser to President Obama, declined to comment directly on the reports.
However, Schultz said in a statement: ‘‘President and Mrs Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire.
‘‘Throughout their lives, they have lifted up stories of people whose efforts to make a difference are quietly changing the world for the better."