Barack and Michelle Obama In Talks For Several Netflix TV Shows

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Barack and Michelle Obama In Talks For Several Netflix TV Shows

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Stop the presses, because America's favorite former president and first lady are in talks for their own Netflix program.

Barack is speculated to either appear as either the moderator, producer or both of several high-profile shows.

A source familiar to the discussions described the potential series as a "production partnership," but said the deal has yet to be finalized.

Under the proposed deal, Netflix would pay the distinguished couple for exclusive content, which has the potential to be seen by more than 118 of its subscribers across the world.

According to The New York Times, if this partnership takes off, most of the details will still have to be hash out.

"The number of episodes and the formats for the shows have not been decided," the publication wrote. However, the newspaper did have the details on two potential shows.

"Mr. Obama could moderate conversations on topics that dominated his presidency," while another series "could feature Mrs. Obama on topics, like nutrition, that she championed in the White House."

But what prompted the Obamas to join the entertainment industry?

According to the former president's senior adviser, during his presidency, Barack had been interested in pursing digital media ventures following his departure from the White House. It's also been reported the couple are both keen on exploring how the public consume media and changing trends.

"President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire," Eric Schultz said on March 8. "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."

Despite his political background, none of the shows would be directed towards Donald Trump and his administration or any conservative critics.

While it's uncertain how much Barack and Michelle would be paid for their work due to their lack of media experience, Netflix has said the company is prepared to spend up to $8 billion on content for the year. With this in mind, the high-profile pair have also, been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their speaking engagements since the end of Barack's presidential term.

It should also be noted that in the past, Barack has said he's been frustrated with the way alt-right news channels have "shaped people's perceptions about the divisive 2016 campaign and the issues he cares about."

"If you watch Fox News, you are living on a different planet than you are if you are listening to NPR," Obama told David Letterman in an interview for the former talk show host's first Netflix program.

He also said at a forum in New Delhi, India that, "If I watch Fox News, I wouldn't vote for me. I would watch it and say, "˜Who is that guy?'"

Would you tune into Barack and Michelle's TV shows?

[H/T: CNN, The New York Times, Toronto Star]

Maya has been working at Shared for a year. She just begrudgingly spent $200 on a gym membership. Contact her at maya@shared.com