Becoming: Michelle Obama's Story Resonates More Than Ever

The former First Lady's documentary and memoir see a surge in viewership and readership, offering a stark contrast to the current political climate.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The documentary "Becoming" about former First Lady Michelle Obama has seen a significant increase in viewership, jumping over 13,000% in the last weekend of January 2026. This surge in interest highlights the public's desire for leadership grounded in steadiness, decency, and love - qualities that stood in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric and plummeting poll numbers of the current administration. The article also examines how power can corrupt, as evidenced by the recently released Epstein files and the growing funding and influence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

As the country grapples with the realities of power and leadership, Michelle Obama's story serves as a reminder of the importance of moral character and upholding democratic values. The public's renewed interest in "Becoming" suggests a longing for the type of leadership that "reveals who you are" rather than changes it.

The details

The documentary "Becoming," which chronicles Michelle Obama's life, has seen a surge in viewership, with minutes watched jumping by more than 13,000% over the weekend of January 30-February 1, 2026. This spike in interest comes in contrast to the dwindling crowds and "massive lack of enthusiasm" reported for the current president's events. Meanwhile, the recently released Epstein files have exposed how some powerful individuals assumed they would never be held accountable, while Congress has significantly increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising concerns about the agency's growing influence and potential misuse.

  • The documentary "Becoming" was released on Netflix in May 2020.
  • Viewership of "Becoming" surged over the weekend of January 30-February 1, 2026, with minutes watched jumping by more than 13,000%.
  • The current president's event in Iowa, held 15 days ago, was attended by only about 2,000 people, a third of the number who will read this column.

The players

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, whose documentary "Becoming" and memoir of the same name have seen a resurgence in popularity, offering a contrast to the current political climate.

Steve Bannon

A former White House strategist who has commented on the "massive lack of enthusiasm" in the current president's base and suggested that ICE should "surround the polls" during the upcoming midterm elections.

Jeffrey Epstein

The financier whose recently released court documents have exposed how some powerful individuals assumed they would never be held accountable for their actions.

Bob Leonard

A friend and colleague of the author who reported from outside the current president's event in Iowa, where more people were gathered protesting than were inside listening.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency that has seen a significant increase in funding, now ranking among the most heavily funded federal law enforcement agencies in the country.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The presidency doesn't change who you are — it reveals who you are.”

— Michelle Obama, Former First Lady

“You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.”

— Steve Bannon, Former White House Strategist (War Room podcast)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving Jeffrey Epstein's court documents will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow further release of the files.

The takeaway

As the country navigates a complex political landscape, Michelle Obama's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of moral character and upholding democratic values in leadership. The public's renewed interest in "Becoming" suggests a yearning for the type of steadiness, decency, and love that can inspire and unite, rather than divide.