Former President Barack Obama is set to debut a new Netflix docuseries titled "Working: What We Do All Day," which explores the meaning and value of work in our lives. The four-part series, which is narrated by Obama himself, aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the work people do across a range of industries. The project is inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Studs Terkel's 1974 book "Working," which is an oral history that explores jobs and the people who do them.
According to a statement from Obama, the series reinforces the trust between people by ensuring that everyone's work is respected, their contribution is honored, and that they are being paid enough to take part in the life of their communities. The former president is featured speaking with everyday workers in the series, which is directed by Caroline Suh and executive produced by Obama and Michelle Obama.
The Obamas founded their production company, Higher Ground, in 2018, and have since released more than 10 film and television titles, including the 2020 Oscar-winning documentary feature, "American Factory." "Working: What We Do All Day" is a joint production between Concordia Studio and Higher Ground, and it premieres on Netflix on May 17. The series promises to explore the ways in which we find meaning in our work and how our experiences and struggles connect us on a human level.