Netflix has been on a roll as of late with the deals they are signing and this one may be the biggest announcement they have ever made. Former US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year production deal wit the streaming service, which will include an array of both scripted and unscripted programs that will come to Netflix in the coming years.
This is a HUGE deal for Netflix as this is the first time that a streaming service has signed a deal with a former US President. The first couple spoke about their deal with Netlix with Variety news:
“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,” said President Obama. “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.”
“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,” said Michelle Obama. “Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”
Barack Obama has appeared on Netflix before, quite recently actually, on David Letterman’s Netflix series ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction’ and while Michelle wasn’t involved in that, it will be interesting to see how the two collaborate together to bring projects to life. Along with the Netflix deal, they both signed a $65 million deal with Penguin Random House to write memoirs about their lives and their time in office. If that deal is any indication, the Obama’s will be getting quite the pretty penny for their multi-year deal with Netflix. With them embracing the entertainment world, is it too soon for Obama to inquire about buying a basketball team? I for one don’t think so.
