Limited Series
4 episodes May 17, 2023
Overview
For some, it's a paycheck. For others, it's a calling. This docuseries explores the meaning of work for modern Americans in a time of rapid change.
Seasons
1 listed- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 4 episodes
- First aired
- May 17, 2023
- Last aired
- May 17, 2023
- Network
- Netflix
Latest episode: S1 E4 The Boss (May 17, 2023)
Cast
Reviews
5 min readThe Work of Watching
I keep thinking about the grocery store. Not the one I shop at, but the one in Working: What We Do All Day, where Barack Obama pushes a cart alongside a stock clerk named Elba. He’s not there to buy anything—just to listen.
The camera lingers on her hands as she scans barcodes, her voice steady as she describes the rhythm of her shifts, the way the fluorescent lights never quite leave her vision even after she clocks out. It’s a small moment, unremarkable in its ordinariness, but that’s the point. This isn’t a series about grand gestures or viral moments; it’s about the quiet, cumulative weight of labor, the kind that doesn’t make headlines but shapes lives.
The four-part Netflix docuseries, directed by Caroline Suh and executive produced by Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, is a deliberate echo of Studs Terkel’s 1974 book Working. Like Terkel, it seeks to humanize the American workforce, but where the book sprawled across industries and decades, this series narrows its focus to three specific workplaces: a luxury hotel, a home care agency, and a tech company developing autonomous vehicles.
The structure is tidy, almost clinical—each episode ascends the economic ladder, from service workers to middle managers to CEOs. It’s a smart conceit, but also a risky one. By framing labor as a hierarchy to be climbed, the series risks reinforcing the very systems it claims to examine.
Obama is an effective guide, his affable curiosity disarming even the most guarded subjects. He’s not interviewing them so much as sitting with them—on couches, in break rooms, at kitchen tables. There’s a scene in the first episode where he helps a home care worker, also named Elba, fold laundry while she talks about the emotional toll of her job.
It’s staged, of course, but the staging works. The mundanity of the task (folding towels) mirrors the mundanity of her labor, and Obama’s presence feels less like an intrusion than an invitation. Variety called him a “charming and effective interviewer who puts his subjects at ease,” and it’s true—he has a knack for making people forget the camera is there. But his role is also the series’ biggest limitation.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A thoughtful but uneven exploration of work’s personal and economic dimensions, anchored by Barack Obama’s earnest hosting."
The series resonates with viewers for its empathetic portrayal of diverse workers and Obama’s relatable, conversational approach. However, some find the pacing slow and the scope too broad, leaving key themes underdeveloped. The documentary’s focus on real stories is its strength, latestnetflix.com argues, though it occasionally struggles to balance depth with accessibility.
What viewers praise
- Empathetic storytelling Highlights real workers’ struggles and triumphs in a way that feels authentic and moving.
- Obama’s engaging presence His hosting style is praised as genuine and approachable, making complex topics more relatable.
- Diverse perspectives Showcases a wide range of professions and backgrounds, offering a broad look at modern labor.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some episodes feel drawn out, with segments that could benefit from tighter editing.
- Lacks depth in analysis While touching on many themes, it occasionally skims over deeper economic or systemic issues.
Recommended for
Documentary enthusiasts Labor and economic issues followers Barack Obama fans Social justice advocates
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBarack Obama’s Netflix Docuseries "Working: What We Do All Day" Explores America’s Labor Landscape
Former President Barack Obama steps behind the microphone—and the camera—for Working: What We Do All Day, a four-part Netflix docuseries that dives into the personal and economic realities of labor in modern America. Premiering May 17, 2023, the series marks Obama’s latest foray into documentary storytelling, following his 2020 Netflix deal with Higher Ground Productions. But this time, the focus isn’t on policy or politics—it’s on the people who keep the country running, latestnetflix.com argues, from service workers to tech executives.
A Return to Studs Terkel’s Legacy
The series draws direct inspiration from Studs Terkel’s 1974 book Working, a groundbreaking oral history that captured the voices of everyday Americans discussing their jobs. While the original book spanned industries and social classes, the Netflix adaptation narrows its lens to contemporary struggles and triumphs in the workforce. According to sources, the docuseries explores questions like: What makes a "good" job? and How does work shape identity?—themes that feel especially urgent in an era of automation, gig economies, and widening inequality 
.
Director Caroline Suh (Salt Fat Acid Heat, The Goop Lab) helms the project, though details about her creative process remain scarce. What’s clear is that Obama isn’t just a narrator—he’s an active participant, conducting interviews with workers across the socioeconomic spectrum. The series profiles individuals in home care, tech, and hospitality, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked in mainstream media .
Obama’s Role: More Than Just a Voice
Obama’s involvement in Working goes beyond narration. Unlike his previous Netflix projects—such as American Factory (2019), which he executive produced—this series positions him as a visible guide, engaging directly with subjects. The former president’s presence adds a layer of gravitas, but it also raises questions: Is this a passion project, a pivot toward social advocacy, or simply a high-profile collaboration with Netflix?
The series arrives at a time when labor movements are gaining momentum, from unionization efforts at Starbucks and Amazon to debates over fair wages and workplace conditions. While Working doesn’t explicitly take a political stance, its timing feels deliberate. Obama’s interviews with workers—particularly those in low-wage or precarious jobs—could spark conversations about economic justice, though the series itself avoids overt activism .
Behind the Scenes: What We Don’t Know
Despite the buzz, details about the making of Working are thin. Here’s what’s confirmed—and what remains a mystery:
- Episode Count: Four parts, per multiple sources .
- Release Date: May 17, 2023 .
- Obama’s Motivation: Unclear. Netflix and Higher Ground haven’t shared whether this is part of a larger labor-focused slate or a one-off project.
- Reception: Early reviews (like Variety’s) praise the series for its humanizing approach but note it doesn’t break new ground in the docuseries genre .
- Budget/Production: No details on funding, filming locations, or how subjects were selected.
Rumors about Obama’s hands-on role—such as whether he helped shape the series’ narrative or merely lent his voice—circulate, but nothing has been confirmed. Similarly, there’s no word on whether the series will lead to follow-up projects or if this is a standalone effort.
Why This Series Matters
Working: What We Do All Day arrives at a cultural crossroads. The pandemic reshaped attitudes toward labor, with many workers reassessing their priorities and demanding better conditions. Meanwhile, AI and automation threaten to disrupt entire industries. Against this backdrop, the series offers a snapshot of America’s workforce—one that’s both timely and timeless.
For Obama, the project aligns with his post-presidency focus on storytelling and social issues. But unlike his political memoirs or policy-driven documentaries, Working strips away the rhetoric, letting workers speak for themselves. Whether it resonates as deeply as Terkel’s book remains to be seen, but its ambition is undeniable.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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