Apple TV+ orders First Ladies anthology series starring Viola Davis as Michelle Obama

The Hollywood Reporter

The Shonda Rhimes-produced Shondaland anthology series focusing on the personal and political lives of first ladies will focus on Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt and Betty Ford in its first season. Author Aaron Cooley created the series and will executive produce with Davis and her producing partner/husband Julius Tennon. "Throughout our history, presidents’ spouses have wielded remarkable influence, not only on the nation’s leaders but on the country itself," said Showtime Entertainment president Jana Winograde. “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."