The former president cited several recent television programs that helped him relax while writing his memoirs, which were released in November.
Superhero shows such as “The Boys” and “Watchmen” have been hailed for undermining the superhero genre, and former President Barack Obama is one of their best-known fans.
Obama discussed a handful of his favorite television shows in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. The former president, who published his memoir “A Promised Land” in November, noted that several recent shows helped him relax while taking breaks while writing.
“Better Call Saul,” for his great characters and exploration of the darker side of the American dream, Obama told Entertainment Weekly. The Good Place – it’s a wise and sweet combination of crazy comedy and big philosophical questions. And ‘Watchmen’ and ‘The Boys’, for turning superhero conventions upside down to expose issues of race, capitalism and the disruptive effects of corporate power and mass media. Oh, and the NBA playoffs – because they are hoops. “
Obama’s comments rave about Eric Kripke, series creator The Boys and the show’s cast, posting their reactions to social media
Ummm. You? HOLY. SHIT.
Thanks for looking, @Barack Obama. If you ever want to hang out, hit me up in my DMs. (But seriously this is great, THANKS for the scream) #TheBoys #TheBoysTV @RTLnews @SPTV #SPNFamily https://t.co/Ek9rYEdzm9
– Eric Kripke (@therealKripke) December 15, 2020
I was years old today when I became president@Barack Obamawatches@RTLnews. Can I stay that old forever? https://t.co/pWwunqJYjo
– Jack Quaid (@ JackQuaid92) December 15, 2020
Anthony Starr, who plays Homelander, was equally enthusiastic and joked about Obama’s thoughts about the season 2 scene where Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) is choked by a super-powered person with a big penis. As for Alonso, he posted that “you never know who is watching and who you can inspire.” Cast members Erin Moriarty, Jessie Usher and Aya Cash also celebrated the news on social media.
“The Boys” has been praised for its relentless pursuit of pop culture, business and American politics, among others. The show’s second season dealt with White Supremacy, Nazism, and other forms of racism. IndieWire’s Ben Travers praised “The Boys” Season 2 for its approach to right-wing extremism in his review of Grade B.
Rarely has “the American way” been so thoroughly stripped of its historical infallibility, and rarely have those who demand unconditional loyalty to the flag been so rightly put in their place, Travers said in his review. “
As for Obama, he also hailed “Watchmen” in 2019 as one of his favorite television shows of the year – the others being “Fleabag” Season 2 and “Unbelievable”.
Obama’s full interview with Entertainment Weekly can be read here.
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