Full Breakdown
Women Like Us: Netflix Announces Star-Studded Comedy Collaboration
7/28/2026, 2:18:59 AM
Core Event – New Netflix Comedy Unveiled
Netflix has announced an original comedy titled Women Like Us that will bring together four veteran performers—Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams, and Vivica A. Fox. The film is being produced by the Obamas’ media company Higher Ground and Macro Film Studios, founded by Charles D. King. Production is slated to begin this fall in New York City.
Background & Context – Higher Ground and Macro Film Studios Partnership
Higher Ground, the production banner launched by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, has maintained a multiyear first-look deal with Netflix since 2018. The partnership has yielded projects such as *Leave the World Behind*, *Rustin*, and the upcoming series *All the Sinners Bleed*. Women Like Us marks the first joint venture between Higher Ground and Macro Film Studios, whose recent credits include *Judas and the Black Messiah*, *Fences*, and *Just Mercy*.
Production Details & Timeline
The announcement indicates that principal photography will occur in New York City during the fall season. One source provides a more precise shooting window, stating that the production is expected to run between September 22 and October 31. Other outlets simply note that filming will start this fall, without specifying dates.
Cast and Creative Team
- Whoopi Goldberg – veteran actress and comedian, represented by WME.
- Jenifer Lewis – actress known for *The Upshaws*, represented by WME and Innovative Artists.
- Vanessa Williams – singer-actress with credits in *Velma* and *Girls5eva*, represented by UTA and Untitled Entertainment.
- Vivica A. Fox – actress noted for *Is God Is* and *Set It Off*, represented by Innovative Artists.
The film is directed by Tasha Smith, whose directing résumé includes *Bel-Air*, *Harlem*, and *Mayor of Kingstown*. The screenplay originates from Ali Kinney (original script) with additional writing by Tracy Oliver. Production duties are shared by James Lopez and Poppy Hanks for Macro Film Studios, alongside Anikah McLaren and Mark R. Wright for Higher Ground. Michelle Obama and Charles D. King serve as executive producers.
Official Statements & Responses
The producers’ synopsis emphasizes themes of healing and the enduring nature of female friendship. Higher Ground’s involvement is highlighted as part of its ongoing collaboration with Netflix, reinforcing the banner’s commitment to diverse storytelling.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Shooting schedule: While the general consensus across most outlets is that filming will commence “this fall,” a report from *Whats-on-Netflix* supplies exact dates—September 22 to October 31—for a single-month shoot. The discrepancy reflects differing levels of detail in the announcements.
- Release window: *Whats-on-Netflix* speculates that the film could arrive on Netflix in “late 2027 or early 2028,” but no official release date has been confirmed. This projection remains unverified.
What’s Next – Anticipated Release Timeline
No definitive release date has been set. Industry observers note that, given the fall-2026 production window, a streaming debut is likely to occur sometime after post-production is completed, with some speculation pointing to a late-2027 or early-2028 launch. Netflix has not provided a specific timeline.
