"The First Lady" Showtime series, a portion of which was about Michelle Obama, has been canceled. It lasted only one season and will not be renewed thanks to poor reviews and low viewership.
The 10-part series had its debut about six weeks ago. This week Showtime announced they will not be moving forward with it.
“Showtime can confirm that the anthology series ‘The First Lady’ will not be moving forward with another season,” a spokesperson said to Variety in a piece published Monday.
‘The First Lady’ Canceled at Showtime After One Season https://t.co/UjxtL6s7Ky
— Variety (@Variety) August 2, 2022
“We would like to applaud the artistry and commitment of our showrunner Cathy Schulman, director Susanne Bier, their fellow executive producers, our amazing cast, led by executive producer Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson, and our studio partner Lionsgate for their dedicated work in telling the unique stories of three remarkable leaders.”
The show detailed the lives of three first ladies - Eleanor Roosevelt, played by Gillian Anderson, Betty Ford, played by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michelle Obama, played by Viola Davis.
Rotten Tomatoes gave the show a score of 41%.
The New Yorker didn't think much of the show saying, “The Showtime miniseries, starring Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson, manages to make life as a White House wife seem both cosmic and forgettable.”
Portrayal of Betty Ford in The First Lady was an historical train wreck. No attempt made to tell real story, just their alcohol-hazed fantasy cliché tale of a person I didn't recognize, and I knew her well. Hopefully this isn't how she will be remembered. https://t.co/UrpVOhqNmc
— David Hume Kennerly (@kennerly) August 2, 2022
Looks like we all agree: it's time to move on completely from the Obama administration.
