Obama Reportedly in Talks With Netflix About Reality Show ‘Behind Bars’
- Chadwick Dolgos

- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Barack Obama is reportedly in discussions with Netflix executives about producing a reality television series that would chronicle the life of a former United States president serving time in federal prison.
The proposed show, tentatively titled "Barack Behind Bars," would mark a significant expansion of Obama's existing production deal with the streaming service through his company, Higher Ground Productions.
The talks come as Obama faces mounting scrutiny over his administration's handling of intelligence related to the 2016 presidential election. Declassified documents released by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard allege that senior officials under Obama manipulated reports to fabricate claims of Russian interference, aiming to undermine the incoming Trump administration.
These actions, according to the documents, included overriding intelligence assessments that downplayed any Russian cyberattacks on election infrastructure.
A source close to the negotiations described the project as an opportunity for Obama to share his perspective directly with viewers.
"This isn't just about entertainment; it's about transparency and resilience in the face of adversity," the source said.
Higher Ground Productions has previously collaborated with Netflix on documentaries and films that focus on social issues, such as "American Factory," which explored labor relations in a post-industrial economy, and "Becoming," a portrait of Michelle Obama's life after leaving the White House.
The company renewed its multi-year agreement with Netflix last year, committing to a slate of content that emphasizes progressive themes, such as community building and overcoming systemic challenges.
Gabbard has publicly stated that the declassified materials reveal a coordinated effort to politicize intelligence for partisan gain.
"The information shows a treasonous conspiracy at the highest levels to subvert the will of the American people," she said in a recent statement.
The potential series would follow Obama's daily routine in a correctional facility, including interactions with other inmates and reflections on policy decisions from his presidency.
Insiders suggest the format could draw from successful reality programs that blend personal storytelling with broader societal commentary.
An Obama representative emphasized the former president's commitment to storytelling as a tool for unity.
"Barack has always believed in using media to bridge divides and highlight shared human experiences," the representative said.
Legal experts note that treason charges require evidence of aiding enemies or levying war against the United States, a high bar rarely met in modern cases. The ongoing investigations stem from reviews of the Crossfire Hurricane probe, which examined ties between the Trump campaign and Russia but yielded no charges of collusion.
Netflix has not officially commented on the discussions, but the platform has a history of greenlighting projects tied to prominent political figures.
If produced, "Barack Behind Bars" could premiere amid heightened public interest in accountability for past government actions.
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