Instagram’s IGTV orders Michelle Obama student series with ATTN

Social media giant Instagram has ordered a show exploring the lives of students with the former US first lady Michelle Obama.

A Year Of Firsts is produced by US-based ATTN in partnership with Obama’s educational organisation Reach Higher and will document the lives of students who are starting their first year at university.

The six-part show will debut on Instagram’s video platform IGTV in January, with episodes released throughout the spring with the final instalment becoming available in June.

The series marks the latest venture for Michelle Obama, who with her former US president husband Barack, launched Higher Ground Productions two years ago.

The company revealed its first slate last year, which included a biopic of anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass, an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ The Fifth Risk, and American Factory, which has debuted on Netflix. Higher Ground has also partnered with music streaming giant Spotify to produce podcasts.

Of the new series, Michelle Obama said: “By sharing their stories, they’re helping others see that the ups and downs of the first year of college are something everyone goes through — and they’re creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.”

ATTN co-founder Matthew Segal added: “This series will meet many students where they live — on Instagram — and share candid perspectives about how to overcome barriers.”