The exclusive first-look deal between Netflix and the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions prodco is winding down, which could open the door to new kids content partnerships with other platforms.

Partners since 2018, the team-up yielded a handful of kids series, including Ada Twist, Scientist, We the People and Waffles + Mochi (pictured). Their agreement is reportedly wrapping up later this year, freeing up Higher Ground to work with different platforms on new content, US President Barack Obama said during a History Channel event this weekend.

It’s not often that the winding down of a company’s production deal moves the industry dial, but this one rises to this level because it’s owned by the Obamas. As of press time, Higher Ground hasn’t responded to Kidscreen‘s questions about its future and kids content plans.

Higher Ground’s couple of kids projects have done particularly well on Netflix. Animated series Ada Twist and live-action/puppet series Waffles + Mochi continue to draw an audience. Ada Twist’s four seasons collectively drew almost one billion views in the second half of 2025, according to Netflix’s latest engagement report. Waffles + Mochi and its extensions (like a holiday special) drew 400,000 views during that same period.

Outside of its pure-play kids shows, the company also made the documentary Crip Camp (2020), about a group of teens with disabilities at a summer camp.

While the company has been quieter on the kids front in recent years, former first lady Michelle Obama has long been passionate about supporting kids through content and campaigns. Back in 2011 she was working with Nickelodeon on a PSA to get kids active.