While many past presidents of the United States have made their own mark on history, so too have numerous First Ladies—their stories are just as worthy of being recounted and remembered.
Now, US distributor Showtime is releasing an entire series based around some of the most defining First Ladies the US has ever seen, so we can all consider our next empowering binge-watch sorted. The First Lady will recount the lives of Michelle Obama, wife of Barrack Obama, Betty Ford, wife of Gerald Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Each woman made a searing impression whilst in the Whitehouse—though their time came during vastly different eras of the 20th and 21st Century.
Here, everything you need to know about the new series, including its goosebump-inducing trailer.
What is The First Lady about?
The First Lady will recount real life events that took place while Obama, Ford and Roosevelt were in office in the 2000s, the 70s and the 30s and 40s, respectively.
Going by the first trailer, the series will cut between each of the First Ladies as they tackle the role as ultimate support person to the US President, while also making a name for themselves as advocates, businesswomen and as mothers to children.
In one scene, Michelle Obama tells Barrack: “In four years, I don’t want to look back and think, ‘What did I become living in that house?'”, and in another, she exasperatedly yells, “They want to turn me into a Black Martha Stewart?”
Meanwhile, Betty Ford is seen telling Gerald Ford in one scene: “I’m going to be here for you, but I’m going to be myself.”
Finally, Eleanor Roosevelt is introduced in the trailer as she sternly tells her husband Franklin, “Don’t push me off, I am your wife, not one of your girlfriends,” suggesting the series will delve into some of their personal relationship woes.
Who is in the cast of The First Lady?
Leading the pack is Oscar winner Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, whose convincing portrayal in the trailer is more than enough motivation for us to watch the entire series as fast as possible. Also joining her are screen legends Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson as Betty Ford and Eleanor Roosevelt, respectively.
To add, O.T. Fagbenle will play Barrack Obama (you might recognise this actor from The Handmaids Tale), while Kiefer Sutherland will play Franklin Roosevelt and Aaron Eckhart plays Gerald Ford.
Dakota Fanning will play author, journalist and daughter of Gerald and Betty, Susan Ford, and Lexi Underwood and Saniyya Sidney will play Malia and Sasha Obama, respectively.
Where can you watch The First Lady in Australia?
The First Lady will premiere on April 18. on Paramount+. It’s expected that new episodes will drop week to week.
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