During Showtime’s Television Critics Association panel (via Collider), the network has announced the current target release date for the upcoming star-studded anthology series The First Lady, centering around the lives of America’s former First Ladies including Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Described as “Showtime’s American version of The Crown,” the first installment starring Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson is expected to make its debut in the first quarter of 2022. Production is currently underway in Georgia.
RELATED: Three Women: Shailene Woodley to Star in Drama Series Adaptation at Showtime
The First Lady is set to peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of America’s most iconic First Ladies. The first season will be focusing on the stories of Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, and Michelle Obama.
The synopsis reads: “The series is set in the East Wing of the White House, where many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies.”
It stars Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Gillian Anderson, Aaron Eckhart, O-T Fagbenle, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn, Dakota Fanning, Lily Rabe, Jayme Lawson, Kristine Froseth, Eliza Scanlen, Cailee Spaeny, Judy Greer, Rhys Wakefield, Regina Taylor, Lexi Underwood, Aya Cash, and more.
RELATED: Jennifer Carpenter to Reunite with Michael C. Hall in Showtime’s Dexter Revival
The First Lady is created and written by Aaron Cooley from an idea that originated with Cathy Schulman, who was inspired by Cooley’s spec script about Lady Bird Johnson. Schulman is executive producing and will also serve as the showrunner. Golden Globe winner Susanne Bier (The Undoing) has also boarded the project to serve as its director and executive producer.
