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The First Lady

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This series is a revelatory, dramatic reframing of American leadership through the lens of the First Ladies. Starring Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford, and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt, it delves deep into the ladies' personal and political lives. Exploring everything from their journeys to Washington, family life, and world-changing political contributions, the impact of the women of the White House is no longer hidden from view. 

The 10-part series, nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, also stars Kiefer Sutherland as Franklin Roosevelt, Aaron Eckhart as Gerald Ford, and O-T Fagbenie as Barack Obama. 

Thursdays at 10 pm on Nine PBS and livestream.

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Streaming now on the PBS app or online below.

Episode Descriptions

The 10 pm primetime broadcast has an encore broadcast on Sundays at 5 pm. The schedule is subject to change.

Episode 1: That White House | January 2

Eleanor Roosevelt commits to Franklin's uncertain political future. Betty Ford unexpectedly becomes Second Lady. Michelle Obama wrestles with Barack's nomination.

Episode 2: Voices Carry | January 9

Eleanor presses Franklin to act more boldly against the Great Depression. After Nixon's resignation, Betty becomes the First Lady days before a state dinner. Before Barack's inauguration, Michelle faces opposition from his transition team.

Episode 3: Please Allow Me | January 16

Young Eleanor attends her coming-out party in New York, where she meets cousin Franklin. In Michigan, young Betty is courted by hotshot lawyer Jerry. At a Chicago law firm, young Michelle meets summer intern Barack, who is interested in politics.

Episode 4: Cracked Pot | January 23

Franklin's marital indiscretions push Eleanor to socialize with more political women. A stubborn shoulder injury begins Betty's troubled history with pain medication. Michelle vows to hold Chicago's inadequate healthcare system to task.

Episode 5: See Saw | January 30

Eleanor holds the White House's first all-female press conference and grows closer to journalist Lorena Hickock. Betty publicly announces her breast cancer diagnosis. Michelle prompts new legislation with her healthy school lunch program.

Episode 6: Shout Out | February 6

Eleanor, Betty, and Michelle's daring stances put them in the spotlight.

Episode 7: Nadir | February 13

Eleanor doubles down on her efforts to confront racism. Betty helps Jerry secure the Republican nomination while her problems with addiction worsen. Michelle grieves after recent gun violence tragedies and advocates for legislative action.

Episode 8: Punch Perfect | February 20

Eleanor forces Franklin's hand in assisting Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Jerry spends his retirement on the road, Betty seeks out new party companions at home. Despite Barack's hesitations, Michelle directly speaks out about race.

Episode 9: Rift | February 27

Eleanor rallies the country as the U.S. enters WW II. After Betty's addiction spirals, Jerry and her family intervene. Michelle joins Hillary Clinton on the 2016 presidential campaign trail to advocate for the dignity of American women.

Episode 10: Victory Dance | February 27, 11 pm

Franklin gifts Eleanor the charter for the League of Nations. After rehab, Betty vows to help others with addiction problems. Barack and Michelle prepare to leave the White House, determined to continue making a difference in the world.

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