Michelle Obama is a fan of reality TV shows, as she says they allow her to “turn off” her brain while watching.

However, she also shared on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast that her fondness for this genre often clashes with her husband Barack Obama’s viewing preferences.

Michelle Obama “Turns Off” Her Brain with Reality TV and Lighthearted Shows

Michelle Obama shared some personal things about herself on a podcast recently, including a few of her ‘guilty pleasure’ activities that help her unwind.

During the April 8 episode of the Work in Progress podcast with One Tree Hill’s Sophia Bush, the former First Lady said she inclines toward reality TV shows because watching them helps her turn her brain off.

One of the series Obama mentioned was Real Housewives. Dating shows are usually her cup of tea, but the Becoming author doesn’t always agree with them.

“I watched that only with them because I’m as amused at their feedback and their commentary as I am with what’s going on,” said Obama, who also revealed that she watches Love Island with her daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Aside from reality shows, she also enjoys letting loose with HBO’s dark comedy anthology series White Lotus, as well as more lighthearted options like Netflix’s Running Point and the Adam Brody and Kristen Bell rom-com, Nobody Wants This.

“And I love Shrinking — my favorite with Harrison Ford. That whole cast is amazing. I love that showrunner,” said Obama, who also mentioned she’s a Ted Lasso fan.

How Michelle Obama’s Love for Reality Programming Causes Arguments in the Obama Household

Obama shared that she tends to watch more lighthearted shows, such as dating shows and comedy series, when she wants to relax in front of the television.

She revealed that the former US president, Barack Obama, however, often gravitates toward grittier and more realistic shows.

“Barack and I, we sometimes argue over what we can watch jointly because he likes death and darkness,” Obama said.

She added that her husband prefers stories where “everybody’s sad and they die.”

Despite the former president’s preference for serious shows, he produced a reality TV series with his wife on Netflix that aired in 2024.

The Later Daters, a dating show they co-created for individuals aged 50 to 60 who are hoping to find romance even past what’s considered their prime.

Logan Ury, an expert dating coach, helps six baby boomers navigate the dating scene and its new “dos and don’ts,” with added guidance from their family and friends.

Obama hopes The Later Daters will return for a second season, and asked viewers to help them convince Netflix to renew it.

What are your thoughts on Michelle Obama’s love for reality shows? Share your comments below!