Netflix may sign the Obamas in exclusive content deal

Although he has kept a low profile since leaving office, former President Barack Obama may soon have a new high-profile project on his hands. According to a report by The New York Times, both Barack and Michelle Obama are reportedly in “advanced negotiations” with Netflix to produce exclusive content for the streaming service.

While the types of shows or number of episodes are currently unknown, people familiar with the matter claim the Obamas may produce shows about “inspirational stories.” Other possible show ideas include one in which the former President moderates discussions about topics including health care, climate change, and voting rights, and one in which Michelle Obama highlights topics such as nutrition, something that she emphasized during her time as First Lady.

It’s also reported that Apple and Amazon are also interested in “talking to Mr. Obama about content deals.” It’s unclear if the Obamas would sign content deals with multiple streaming services, but the prospect seems unlikely. The Netflix deal in question emphasizes that content produced by the Obamas would be exclusive to its streaming service, only available to Netflix’s nearly 118 million subscribers around the globe.

It’s unclear how much the Obamas would be paid if this deal comes to fruition. But we know Netflix isn’t shy about dropping a lot of money to obtain exclusive, original content for its streaming service. The company recently snagged Ryan Murphy, creator of American Horror Story and other popular shows, in a multiyear deal valued at $300 million. That deal came after Netflix already signed Shonda Rhymes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, away from ABC. The company has pledged to spend upward of $8 billion on original content in 2018.

Every major company with streaming ambitions knows that original content will be key going forward, especially with the competition getting increasingly fierce. Amazon acquired the television rights to The Lord of the Rings last year, committing to make a multiseason show based in Middle Earth. Meanwhile, Apple recently signed M. Night Shyamalan to produce a 10-episode thriller series for its streaming service. Netflix is betting on the idea that in our increasingly hostile political climate, shows produced by the Obamas (and possibly featuring them) will intrigue existing subscribers and attract new subscribers to its service.

https://arstechnica.com/?p=1272523