# The Obamas founded Higher Ground in 2018 and signed a deal with Netflix.

*fintech · news · 2026-04-20 · The Hollywood Reporter*

## Key points

- Higher Ground is ending its exclusive first-look deal with Netflix after eight years.
- The company has started projects with HBO and Laika and entered live theater with Broadway's Proof.
- Leave the World Behind became one of Netflix's biggest films, based on internal data.
- Higher Ground's only scripted series so far is Bodkin, but two more are in development.
- Key executives including president Vinnie Malhotra and motion picture head Tonia Davis have recently departed.

**Companies:** Netflix, Higher Ground
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/obamas-higher-ground-netflix-movies-shows-1236569801/)

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