Obamas Leave Netflix, Pitch to HBO, Apple, More

0:00On April 21st, Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground, is breaking free from Netflix. They started it back in 2018 with a multi-year deal to make films and shows for the streamer. Now, after eight years, that first look agreement from 2024 is wrapping up later this year, and they're not renewing with Netflix or any. Single platform. Last weekend, Barack dropped the news at a history channel event in Philadelphia. He said Higher Ground is heading toward a more independent path, teaming up with various studios instead of being locked to one. They'll finish out their current Netflix projects, keeping things smooth until the deal ends. This move echoes what other big names are doing. Like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Arquel, which also dished an exclusive Netflix setup. Earlier this year, it's a smart play in a crowded streaming world, letting them shop ideas around freely. This is, say, the Obamas are already pitching to heavy hitters, like HBO, Apple, Amazon,

1:01FX, and Disney. On the slate, they've got Larry David in life, Larry in the pursuit of unhappiness dropping this summer, plus the limited series All the Centres. Bleed and the Oscar-nominated movie Rustin. As Higher Ground spreads its wings, expect more projects popping up across networks, proving the Obamas are rewriting the rules for celebrity, production, powerhouses. Stay in the know with entertainment and celebrity news today, AI-powered updates.