Barack and Michelle Obama sign producing deal with Netflix

Barack and Michelle Obama are heading to television as they sign a multi-year producing deal with streaming giant Netflix.

In a press release from Netflix, President Obama said: “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.

“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 Obamas’ content will be featured under the banner Higher Ground Productions, which will produce “a diverse mix of content,” including the potential for scripted and unscripted series, documentaries and features.

Michelle Obama said, “Barack and I 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.”

Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos in a statement: “Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better. We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities.”

Netflix has signed several other talents to their roster in the past few months, including Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes. ~Marriska Fernandes