Netflix is in advanced talks with the former First Couple for a new series that will highlight issues as well as inspirational people. Photo / Getty Images
Netflix is in advanced talks with the former First Couple for a new series that will highlight issues as well as inspirational people. Photo / Getty Images
Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle are in advanced negotiations to produce a Netflix series with high-profile shows.
Netflix would pay Barack and Michelle, for exclusive content only available on the streaming service, according to the New York Times. Netflix has over 118 million subscribers world wide, and willallow the former president to reach an enormous audience in his post-presidential life, according to the Daily Mail.
The number of episodes and the format of the shows have yet to be decided, but don't expect it to act as the answer to Fox News.
Barack and Michelle will be able to reach Netflix's 118million subscribers with the show. Photo / AP
The Obamas also won't be using the platform to directly respond to President Trump or conservative critics.
They are aiming to tell inspirational stories and highlight people who are changing the world.
"President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire," Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to the former president, said on 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."
Some of the show ideas being explored include Barack moderating conversations on topics integral to his presidency like health care, immigration, and climate change.
The areas Obama's presidency focused on are interesting points to explore in a currently polarised American during President Trump's time in office.
While Michelle Obama could focus an episode on her own White House initiatives such as nutrition which she championed during her time in the White House.
Netflix is in advanced negotiations with Barack and Michelle Obama to produce a series. Photo / AP
It is unclear how much the former first couple will be making under any deals they sign in regards to Netflix, and executives from Apple and Amazon have also expressed interest in talking with Barack about content deals in their streaming services as well.
The former president left the White House at just 55-years-old, far from a typical age for retirement. The move into embracing content to reach an even larger audience showcases his intentions to remain engaged in civic pursuits.
While the former president has kept a low profile since leaving office, he has indicated he will again become more involved again in the nation's affairs.
Michelle and Barack are writing their own memoirs, and have reportedly been paid more than $60million for them.
Barack has voiced his concerns over what he calls the manipulation of news by conservative outlets.
He also said he was frustrated at how conservative outlets shaped people's perceptions leading up to the divisive 2016 campaign.
"If you watch Fox News, you are living on a different planet than you are if you are listening to NPR," told David Letterman in an interview broadcast in January for the comedian's first Netflix program.
And this past December he said "If I watch Fox News, I wouldn't vote for me. I would watch it and say, 'Who is that guy?'"
With an eye towards streaming services, and reaching millions around the world, Obama is embracing a medium that has become a threat to cable and network television, especially among young viewers.
