For the Obamas, the main advantage of Netflix is protection from ratings scrutiny

The Washington Post

"Obama Nostalgia" is a logical extension for Netflix in its goal to create content for everybody, says Alyssa Rosenberg. As such, Netflix provides an ideal home for Barack and Michelle Obama. As Rosenberg explains, "by teaming up with a broadcast television network, or even a glossy cable channel such as HBO, the Obamas would have become subject to the harsh glare of the Nielsen ratings system. It can’t be fun for a network executive to contemplate canceling content by a former president. But continuing to air programming by the Obamas that failed to find an audience might raise questions about whether a network was staying in business with them for political reasons. The worst thing that could happen to the Obamas as they move toward becoming a media brand is a deal like Megyn Kelly’s move to NBC: a high-profile and expensive announcement that undercuts the star power of the person who was supposed to be a big get."