The Obamas' production company is going independent after eight years with Netflix

After nearly a decade of collaboration, the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground, is stepping out on its own. The company, founded by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2018, wrapped up its exclusive agreement with Netflix this month, marking the end of a chapter that brought a mix of documentaries, films, and series to the streaming giant. Over the years, Higher Ground delivered more hits than misses, earning critical praise and a Peabody Award, most notably for the Oscar-winning documentary 'American Factory.'

The partnership produced more than 20 projects, ranging from intimate character studies to broad social explorations. Series like 'Our Great National Parks' and 'Working: What We Do All Day' showcased the Obamas' interest in storytelling that informs as much as it entertains. While not every release became a breakout, the overall slate was seen as thoughtful and consistent - a rarity in the hit-driven world of streaming.

Now, Higher Ground is shifting to a new model: independence. Instead of being tied to one platform, the company plans to shop projects to multiple studios and streamers. This move gives them more creative and financial flexibility, a path many high-profile creators have taken as the streaming boom matures and competition for content heats up.

That new phase is already underway. On the same day news of the Netflix split emerged, Variety reported that Higher Ground secured a deal to relaunch 'Lemme Say This,' a pop-culture podcast hosted by Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix. The show, known for its warm, conversational take on entertainment and identity, will return with Higher Ground as a production partner - a sign the company is still investing in fresh voices and diverse formats.

Industry insiders say the timing makes sense. With Netflix's early dominance no longer guaranteed, and studios like Apple, Amazon, and even public broadcasters investing in premium nonfiction and narrative content, there's room to play across ecosystems. Higher Ground's brand - associated with quality, empathy, and civic-minded storytelling - could be attractive to a range of partners.

The Obamas haven't taken a hands-on role in day-to-day production, but their name and values remain central to the company's identity. Staff and collaborators have described a culture that prioritizes underrepresented voices and stories with social impact - a mission that may now reach wider audiences through broader distribution.

While the Netflix era is closing, the next one appears to be just beginning. With a proven track record and a new level of freedom, Higher Ground is positioning itself not just as a legacy of the Obamas' post-White House years, but as a lasting player in the evolving media landscape.