There are so many streaming platforms out there these days that I swear some of them are being made up on the spot, but that means that there is a lot of content out there for us to binge and to eagerly anticipate. 

One of the shows garnering a lot of that anticipation is FIRST LADIES, a new series debuting on Showtime sometime in the future, all about three famous first ladies and their lives in the spotlight. Is there an exact date yet? No. Has that stopped the excitement? Also no. 

A show about First Ladies, produced by a major corporation that doesn’t scrimp on their costumes or their talent? No wonder people–especially politically minded young women who are fascinated by politics and the White House–are eager. 

Per Showtime, FIRST LADIES will be an hour-long drama. 

“In the East Wing of the White House, many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies. This series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of these enigmatic women, with season one focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama.”

A full cast has not been announced yet, but we do know that Madame Does-It-All Viola Davis will produce and play Michelle Obama.  It was also announced that Michelle Pfeiffer will play Betty Ford! No word has come out yet on who will play Eleanor, but the audience is waiting with baited breath. 

Much of the interest for this show comes because it’s not the traditional first lady drama that focuses on Jackie Kennedy. Eleanor Roosevelt certainly gets her due in other mediums, but having these three distinct first ladies portrayed on screen will be a fascinating look at how we tell history–including history still unfolding today–and about the power these ladies wielded. 

As you know, here at FFL, we have a special place in our heart for first ladies, and we know they are so much more than a fashionable outfit. They’re devoted to philanthropy, family, their own work, and they make so many sacrifices for their husbands and their country. This series will, hopefully, help the world know that too. 

Jana Winograde,  the President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks seems to echo that, saying,

“Throughout our history, presidents’ spouses have wielded remarkable influence, not only on the nation’s leaders but on the country itself…First Ladies fits perfectly within the Showtime wheelhouse of drama and politics, revealing how much personal relationships impact both domestic and global events. Having Viola Davis play Michelle Obama is a dream come true, and we couldn’t be luckier to have her extraordinary talent to help launch this series.”

Keep an eye on Showtime because this is a show you’re going to want to watch!

Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member