Report: Obama in Talks to Create Shows for Netflix

The former president's next move could take him to Netflix.

By Megan Trimble, Associate Editor, Social Media
March 9, 2018, at 9:58 a.m.
By Megan Trimble, Associate Editor, Social MediaMarch 9, 2018, at 9:58 a.m.
U.S. News & World Report

The Obamas' Netflix Move

Barack Obama is reportedly in talks with Netflix.(Chesnot/Getty Images)

Former President Barack Obama is reportedly in talks with Netflix to produce a series of high-profile shows.

The talks, described by The New York Times as "advanced negotiations," are centered on providing Obama "a global platform after his departure from the White House," The Times reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Under the terms of a proposed deal, Netflix would pay Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for exclusive content on the streaming service. The content would only be available on Netflix for its nearly 118 million global subscribers, according to The Times. The deal is not yet final, and the financial details surrounding the proposal have not been reported.

The Obamas have kept a relatively low profile since leaving the White House in January last year. Barack Obama has given speeches domestically and abroad and the couple has appeared at events – including the recent unveiling of their official portraits. They have also inked a deal with Penguin Random House to write highly anticipated memoirs.

[ READ: The Top Netflix Searches by Country ]

The former president will reportedly not use his Netflix shows to respond directly to President Donald Trump or to conservative critics. The programming could instead highlight inspirational stories or focus on topics that dominated Obama's presidency.

Per The Times, Apple and Amazon executives have also "expressed interest" in talking with Obama about content deals. The companies have their own streaming services in direct competition with Netflix.

Megan Trimble, Associate Editor, Social Media

Megan Trimble is an associate editor of social media for the News division at U.S. News & World... READ MORE  »Megan Trimble is an associate editor of social media for the News division at U.S. News & World Report. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or send her an email at mtrimble@usnews.com.

Recommended

Economy

Job Growth Explodes in February
Construction additions helped propel the labor market forward in February, according to a new report.

National News

The Obamas' Netflix Move
Barack Obama is reportedly in talks with Netflix.

World

Russia, U.K. Military Join Spy Attack Inquiry
Personnel in hazmat suits work to secure a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping center in Salisbury, England, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, where former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found critically ill by exposure to a nerve agent on Sunday.

Healthcare of Tomorrow

Oregon Medical Students Face Tough Test
Oregon Health & Science University fourth-year medical student Sophia Hayes, right, speaks with Dr. Susan Tolle, director of the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care, about her exam in compassionate communication.

The Report

Let the Games Begin
Rep. Beto O'Rourke is seen on a television during a Democratic watch party following the Texas primary election on March 6, 2018, in Austin, Texas.