Genius (2017)
National Geographic's acclaimed anthology drama illuminating the lives, loves, and legacies of history's most extraordinary minds across four compelling seasons.
Genius - Series Information
- Original Title: Genius
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Kenneth Biller, Noah Pink et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 43 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 25, 2017 (United States - NR), April 25, 2017 (Canada - 14+), April 25, 2017 (Germany - 16), April 25, 2017 (France - 12), April 25, 2017 (India - U), April 25, 2017 (Australia - M), April 25, 2017 (Brazil - 14), April 25, 2017 (Mexico - B), April 25, 2017 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: National Geographic
- Alternative Titles: Гений: Арета (RU), 天才：毕加索 (CN), Genius: Picasso (US)
- Production Companies: EUE / Sokolow Entertainment, Imagine Television Studios, OddLot Entertainment, 20th Television, MWM Studios, Warner Music Entertainment, Tumbleweed Productions, Fox 21 Television Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Genius - Plot
The life stories of history's greatest minds. From their days as young adults to their final years we see their discoveries, loves, relationships, causes, flaws and genius.
Genius - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the brilliance of history's greatest figures come to life:
Martin Luther King Jr / Malcolm X. Two minds, one movement.
Where to Watch Genius
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Genius - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kenneth Biller
- Noah Pink
- Suzan-Lori Parks
- Jeff Stetson
Main Cast
- Samantha Colley
- Johnny Flynn
- Michael McElhatton
- Geoffrey Rush
- Antonio Banderas
- Clémence Poésy
- Alex Rich
- Emily Watson
- Ralph Brown
- Richard Topol
Writers
- Quran Squire
- Maria Warith-Wade
- Raphael Jackson Jr.
- Damione Macedon
- Sigrid Gilmer
Executive Producers
- Brian Grazer
- Ron Howard
- Jeff Cooney
- Noah Pink
- Gigi Pritzker
Genius - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Genius?
Genius features a rotating ensemble across its four seasons. Notable cast members include Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn as Albert Einstein, Antonio Banderas and Alex Rich as Pablo Picasso, Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X.
Is Genius an anthology series or ongoing story?
Genius is an anthology series, meaning each season tells a completely self-contained story about a different historical figure. Season 1 covers Einstein, Season 2 Picasso, Season 3 Aretha Franklin, and Season 4 focuses on Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. No prior season knowledge is required.
Where can you stream or watch Genius?
Genius is available to watch on Tubi TV with ads at no cost. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. The series originally aired on National Geographic. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.
Is Genius based on true stories?
Yes, every season of Genius is based on real historical figures. The series dramatizes the lives of Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, drawing on documented biographical accounts, letters, and historical records to portray their personal and professional journeys.
How many seasons and episodes does Genius have?
Genius ran for four seasons and 36 episodes in total. Season 1 (Einstein) and Season 2 (Picasso) each contain 10 episodes, while Season 3 (Aretha) and Season 4 (MLK/X) each contain 8 episodes. The series was canceled after its fourth season.
When did Genius first air?
Genius premiered on April 25, 2017, on National Geographic in the United States. The debut season, focusing on Albert Einstein, was executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and was the first scripted series to air on the National Geographic channel.
What is the content rating for Genius?
Genius is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains mature dramatic themes, some violence, and adult situations consistent with its biographical storytelling of complex historical figures across its four seasons.
Is Genius cancelled or renewed for a new season?
Genius has been cancelled. The series concluded with its fourth season, MLK/X, which aired in 2024. National Geographic did not renew the anthology drama for a fifth season, bringing the show's run to a close after 36 episodes across four distinct biographical stories.
More About Genius
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