Barack and Michelle Obama seem like the kind of people who just can't sit still. White House life, with its demanding schedule and constant chaos, was perfect for these two mover/shakers, and they accomplished quite a lot during their time as the First Family, while still having time to prioritize their family life with their two daughters, Sasha and Malia.
So it's no surprise that after just a few years out of the limelight, they've launched a brand new project, something totally different than their previous eight years as President and First Lady. They've got a huge exclusive agreement with Netflix to produce TV shows and films that align with their mission statement of public service and activism. Their company, Higher Ground Productions, has now released several projects, with many more on the docket. Higher Ground Productions' very first film, American Factory, earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature, an early accolade that seems promising for the future of the company. They continue to prove their many talents in their new roles as producers. Here's everything we know about what's happening with the Obamas' Netflix deal.
10 'Exit West'
The 2017 novel by Mohsin Hamid captivated readers with its sweeping story of love during a civil war in an unnamed Muslim city. As their city devolves into violence and ruin, the young lovers discover supernatural doors that can take them around the globe. Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, Star Wars) is tapped to play the male lead in the movie version, in production later this year.
9 'Ada Twist, Scientist'
Another Higher Ground Productions project that is based on a book: Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beaty, which features a young Black girl who helps people using the themes of science and friendship. The show will be an animated children's show, which makes sense, since we know how much the Obamas love kids!
8 'Great National Parks'
In an effort to promote protection of our planet's most extraordinary species and habitats, Higher Ground Productions will produce the new natural history docu-series, Great National Parks. The series will focus on national parks and other fascinating places on Earth, and offer lessons about preserving these valuable resources.
7 'Firekeeper's Daughter'
Firekeeper's Daughter, based on the 2021 YA novel of the same name by Angeline Boulley, will follow an 18-year-old Native girl who gets involved with a police investigation on her Ojibwe reservation. Both Boulley and one of the executive producers, Wenonah Wilms, will utilize their lived experience in the Ojibwe reservation.
6 'Frederick Douglass: Prophet Of Freedom'
The Frederick Douglass biography by David W. Blight has already won the Pulitzer, and now it's being made into a feature-length film too. The Obamas feel passionately about showing stories of Black leaders in US history, so this biopic is likely to be a thoughtful and powerful portrayal.
5 'The G Word With Adam Conover'
If you can't imagine how the styles of sketch comedy and documentary could possibly be compatible, you're gonna want to check out The G Word with Adam Conover. The "G word" is 'government,' and this unique comedic blend takes viewers inside the US government, honoring its civil servants while also satirizing the shortcomings of the system. Having previously been popular on CollegeHumor and played a voiceover role on Bojack Horseman, Conover has certainly proven he has the comedy chops for this project.
4 'The Young Wife'
A new wife feels untethered and out of sync on the day of her first wedding as a storm approaches. Writer and director Tayarisha Poe brings the story to life, as she expertly did her last film, Selah and the Spades, which made waves at Sundance.
3 'Overlooked'
The New York Times' obituary series features obituaries from everyday people with extraordinary stories, ones often "overlooked" by history. The Obamas' predilection and capacity for intimate human storytelling is sure to be on full display in this scripted anthology.
2 'Waffles + Mochi'
Preschool children and their families will delight in this half-hour kids' show that could only have been made by Michelle Obama. Her years-long campaign for healthy school lunches and nutritional education in schools will continue with this show, educating kids about the food we eat. The style will feel familiar to lovers of Sesame Street, with puppets and didactic lessons couched in age-appropriate zaniness. Having debuted this spring, the show is already sporting high approval ratings from critics and audiences alike.
1 'Tenzing'
Another documentary project from Higher Ground Productions will be Tenzing, the story of Tenzing Norgay who, with Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first to reach the top of Mount Everest (the mountaineers share in interviews that after reaching the top together, they agreed not to tell who actually stepped onto the summit first, as the fact is immaterial to the two who made the climb together). The biopic will be based on the Ed Douglas biography of the Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer.