The Genius (2013)
The Korean reality series where brilliant minds clash in high-stakes games of strategy, logic, and social manipulation.
The Genius - Series Information
- Original Title: 더 지니어스
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Jeong Jong-yeon
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (80 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: April 26, 2013 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: The Genius Game (US), 遊戲的法則 (TW), 天才：游戏的法则 (CN)
- Production Companies: CJ ENM
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Genius - Plot
A reality series pitting people identified with "genius traits" against one another in social games of strategy, logic, and negotiation skills. Each episode consists of a main match and a death match. The main match decides the winner and elimination candidate for the day. The winner receives a token of life, which grants immunity from the death match, and potentially garnets, a game currency worth ₩1,000,000 each. Garnets can be used to improve a player's chances of winning a game, as well as be traded with other players to gain favor. The elimination candidate chooses a player without a token of life to take part in a 1v1 game called the death match. The player who loses the death match is eliminated, and the winner of the death match gains their garnets. The last remaining player is the champion, and the total garnets held by the champion will be the final prize.
The Genius - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the mind games begin:
Where to Watch The Genius
Looking for where to watch The Genius?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Genius - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jeong Jong-yeon
Main Cast
- Hong Jin-ho
- Lee Sang-min
- Kim Kyung-ran
- Jang Dong-min
- Yoo Jung-hyun
- Lim Yun-seon
- Choi Jung-moon
- Lee Jun-seok
- Lim Yo-hwan
- Nam Hwi-jong
Writers
- Byeon Soo-gyeong
- Kim Jung-seon
- Heo Jung-hee
- Jung Da-hee
- Gong Yeon-hui
Executive Producers
- Lee Myung-han
- Park Jong-hoon
- Lee Deok-jae
The Genius - FAQs
What makes The Genius different from other game shows?
Unlike conventional game shows, The Genius combines pure intellectual challenges with intense social manipulation. Players must master logic puzzles and strategic negotiation simultaneously, while a garnet currency system lets contestants trade favors and form alliances — making betrayal just as powerful a tool as raw intelligence.
Is The Genius worth watching for international audiences?
Absolutely. The Genius earned a passionate global following and is widely regarded as one of the finest competition reality shows ever produced. Its intricate game design, morally complex player dynamics, and genuinely unpredictable outcomes make it compelling viewing regardless of familiarity with Korean television.
How does the death match work in The Genius?
After each main match, the losing elimination candidate selects any player without a token of life for a tense one-on-one death match. The loser is permanently eliminated, while the winner claims all of the eliminated player's garnets — raising the stakes of every confrontation dramatically.
Where can you stream The Genius online?
Streaming availability for The Genius varies by region. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across all platforms in your country, including any subscription, rental, or free ad-supported services that may carry the series.
Who are the most notable contestants on The Genius?
The cast featured a remarkable mix of professionals, including Go champion Hong Jin-ho, professional gamer Lim Yo-hwan (SlayerS_'BoxeR'), comedian Jang Dong-min, and politician Lee Jun-seok. This diversity of expertise meant every season brought radically different strategic approaches to the games.
How many seasons and episodes does The Genius have?
The Genius ran for four seasons between 2013 and 2015, each containing 12 episodes for a total of 48. The seasons are subtitled Rules of the Game, Rule Breaker, Black Garnet, and Grand Final, with the finale season bringing back standout players from previous rounds.
Did The Genius inspire any other competition series?
The Genius is widely credited as a major influence on the wave of strategy-focused reality competitions that followed, including Netflix's The Devil's Plan, which was directly inspired by its format. Shows like The Traitors and The Mole share its emphasis on deception and social gameplay.
What is the garnet system in The Genius explained?
Garnets are the in-game currency of The Genius, each worth ₩1,000,000. Players earn them by winning matches and can use them to gain advantages in games or trade them to secure alliances. The champion's final garnet total becomes their actual cash prize, making every strategic decision financially meaningful.
More About The Genius
Explore further details about The Genius on these authoritative databases.