Melania Trump absent from CNN's docu-series 'First Ladies' which features Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton
An all-new upcoming docuseries on CNN is all set to revisit the legacies of all iconic first ladies who graced the White House, dating back several decades. However, conspicuously missing from the lineup of the FLOTUSes listed by the network on their press release is the current first lady, Melania Trump. "First Ladies, a new CNN Original Series about America’s most iconic first ladies, premieres Sunday, October 4, at 10 p.m. ET. The six-part docuseries narrated by Golden Globe-winning actress Robin Wright, profiles Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Blending in-depth interviews, rare archival footage and cinematic recreations, First Ladies is a bold revision of each woman’s traditional portrayal, revealing how they were impacted during their time in the White House, and how their achievements fundamentally shaped American and global history," the press release promoting the docu-series read.
While Melania's name was nowhere to be seen in the lineup mentioned by the network, former first lady Obama was not only dedicated an extended episode but also given the honor of being featured in the premiering episode of the series. On the other hand, former Secretary of State Clinton, who so far is the one who came closest of any woman to become the first female president of the United States will conclude the series on November 22. It is also wholly possible that Melania was omitted from the lineup because it is meant to be a historical docu-series and she is still in the White House.
In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday, October 30, Liz Bronstein, an executive producer, said that deciding to put in Obama was a challenge because she was in the White House so recently and the media had covered her actions extensively during her stint there. Although they created a one-hour version of her legacy, they felt more time was required to flesh out her time at the White House, and CNN agreed to give her 90 minutes. “She is so popular,” said Bronstein “We felt the audience would embrace a 90-minute episode even though it wasn’t the plan in the beginning.”
Although ex-FLOTUSes Barbara and Laura Bush were omitted from the lineup for the docuseries too, it was because CNN recently aired a detailed docuseries about the Bush dynasty called 'The Bush Years: Family, Duty, Power.' “It was a tough call, but we made our decision based on name recognition,” Bronstein said. “The six we picked had a little bit more.”
The press release added: “First Ladies provides an intimate inside look into the lives and legacies of six remarkable women who transformed the role of first lady,” said Amy Entelis, EVP for Talent & Content Development, CNN Worldwide. The series highlights how each defied expectation to carve her own trailblazing path, inspire generations and leave an indelible imprint on American culture.”
The program which is produced by October Films, will regularly air Sunday nights at 10 pm ET/PT on CNN. It will also stream live for subscribers via CNNgo and on the CNN mobile apps for iOS and Android.