First Lady (Television Series)

First Lady is a political drama miniseries created, written and produced by Shonda Rhimes and her production company Shondaland. It premiered on ABC on November 8th 2016 and concluded 2 days later on November 10th 2016.

Synopsis
Just a day after information about his extramarital affair with a White House aide, The President of the United States, David Walters (Matthew Modine), is assassinated by an unknown assailant while on a visit to Los Angeles.

However, the media focuses on his wife - The First Lady, Angela Walters (Julianne Moore). after her reaction to her husband's murder is considered out of character. Known to be sensitive and loving, when she was informed, she didn't collapse in grief like the population expected, she smiled, took a deep breath and continued teaching a Californian elementary school's students about the importance of education.

Now a widow and preparing to leave the White House, Angela faces the challenges including the aide pregnant with the president's baby, Marissa (Brie Larson), her daughter Kimberley's (Rose Byrne) struggle with drugs and alcohol and the pressure from her successor Anthea Bingham (Melissa McCarthy) to move onto pasture's new, while confronted with political issues like her husband's replacement, the racist bigoted Ken Bingham (Matthew McConaughey) who has plans to ruin her husband's legacy.

Her only sources of support come from her dying mother (Cloris Leachman), her adoptive lawyer sister (Viola Davis) and her husband's chief of staff (Tom Selleck). But in the ruthless world of US politics, can Angela trust anyone around her?

Background
When Kerry Washington announced her pregnancy in Spring 2016 which consequently led to Scandal being pushed back to mid-season, ABC approached Shonda Rhimes with hopes of a Fall schedule replacement for the drama. By May 2016, Rhimes had completed scripts on a passion project - a six part miniseries based around a fictional First Lady in the days and weeks following her adulterous husband's death. ABC greenlit the series with some alterations, hoping to promote it as an event series, broadcasting in three 90 minute episodes across three nights. Filming began in July 2016, with the full cast being revealed, including Julianne Moore as the lead and Matthew Modine as the President.

When plot details were revealed at ABC TCA upfronts in August, some were quick to criticise the plot, many drawing comparisons to Mellie and Fitz Grant from Rhimes' Scandal. However Rhimes quickly dismissed the comparison, stating that the dynamic in the new show would be very different to that of Scandal.

Filming on the third episode concluded in October 2016 and a premiere date was set for November 8th 2016.

After it concluded on November 10th, ABC reported that First Lady received the highest ratings for a show that season and they were in talks with Shonda Rhimes to produce a sequel series. On December 9th 2016, Shondaland Productions officially confirmed First Lady: The Race would air in 2017, following the campaign to the presidency involving Julianne Moore's character. However, ABC are yet to officially confirm it'll air on the network, meaning no definitive broadcast dates have been set.

Cast
Julianne Moore as The First Lady of the United States, Angela Walters.

A level headed and sensitive woman who relies heavily on her husband for support, when news of his affair reaches her, she is emotionally destroyed. His death has a strong impact on her, but she hides this from the outside world. She holds dark secrets that only few know.

Matthew Modine as The President of the United States, David Walters.

A strong leader and beloved international icon, the world is shocked when his extramarital behaviour becomes public knowledge. But just a day after the news breaks, he is shot dead at a visit to a homeless shelter in Los Angeles. He holds many secrets, both with and without his wife's knowledge.

Brie Larson as Marissa Carlson, a White House aide.

Straight out of college, Marissa became an aide to the president on his first week in office, six years on, her sexual activities with him are exposed by the media. She shows no shame until he is assassinated, but some, including the first lady, suspect her emotions are orchestrated for fame.

Rose Byrne as Kimberley Walters, The First Daughter of the United States.

A renowned recovering drug abuser and alcoholic, Kim relapses after her father's death due o guilt and is convinced her mother is responsible. She once had political aspirations too, but they were dashed by her father's verbally abusive nature, which she blames her failures to be a result of.

Matthew McConaughey as Vice President Ken Bingham.

A racist, manipulative sex-drived bigot who intends to take the White House as soon as possible. He intends to completely reform the government and reverse all policies formed by his predecessor and frenemy.

Melissa McCarthy as Second Lady Anthea Bingham.

While fairly conservative, Anthea is widely known as a nymphomaniac and many an extramarital affair has occurred between herself and countless men since her husband took the vice presidency. Her only regret is not conquering the president himself. She intends to tear down Angela for what she's worth and ruin her reputation in order to repair her own.

Viola Davis as Marcia Combs

A highly successful lawyer and Angela's younger adoptive sister. She is supportive of her sister in her time of need, while also having ulterior motives in her actions.

Cloris Leachman as Dot Combs

Angela's mother and a terminally ill former Congresswoman, she holds many political secrets and is writing a tell-all memoir to be published after her death. She arranged Angela's marriage to David, knowing he would one day be president in order to make sure her daughter eventually takes control. She has a great fondness for Kimberley, her granddaughter and is eager to help her recover.

Tom Selleck as Max Wingfield, the Chief of Staff of the President of the United States

Angela's confidant after the death of David, Max encourages Angela to step up and save her husband's legacy before it's too late, but like many other's in Washington's political landscape, he has a few tricks up his sleeve.