Showtime greenlights 'First Ladies,' starring Viola Davis as Michelle Obama

Viola Davis is  heading to the White House. 

The Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning actress, 54, will star as former first lady Michelle Obama in Showtime's "First Ladies," an anthology  drama focusing on the personal and political lives of presidential wives throughout history. The first season will focus on Obama, Betty Ford and Eleanor Roosevelt. 

 The casting of an acclaimed actress such as Davis, who this spring will wrap up  ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" and is  an executive producer of the new project, is certain to raise its profile. (Casting for the other roles has not been announced). 

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The show description states that "In the East Wing of the White House, many of history’s most impactful and world changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America's charismatic, complex and dynamic First Ladies. This series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of our most enigmatic heroes."

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Aaron Cooley, author of "Four Seats: A Thriller of the Supreme Court" and "The Guns of Ridgewood," also serve as an executive producer and writer.