Genius
Seen it?2017 | 4 seasons | 43 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won 2 Emmys and it earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes). A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong character drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- 4 seasons, but most episodes stand on their own, so you can dip in anywhere (about 43 minutes each).
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-14. Probably too much for younger kids.
- It was cancelled, so the story may not get a proper ending.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie. Also nominated for 12 more Emmys, 1 Golden Globe and 1 SAG Award. Plus 10 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 4 seasons and reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 204K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Einstein is the high point.
- Einstein2017 · 10 episodes · 7.7 out of 10Saturday
Picasso2018 · 10 episodes · 7.3 out of 10Sunday
Aretha2021 · 8 episodes · 3.0 out of 10Monday- MLK/X2024 · 8 episodes · 3.7 out of 10Monday
Trailer
More like this
Perception
Weeknight WatchAlso from creator Kenneth Biller, though it's a different kind of series: a drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Pretender Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Numb3rs Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Downton Abbey
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
High Potential Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Created by Kenneth Biller, Noah Pink, Suzan-Lori Parks, Jeff Stetson
- Aaron PierreMalcolm X
- Kelvin Harrison Jr.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Jayme LawsonBetty Shabazz
- Weruche OpiaCoretta Scott King
- Gary CarrClyde X
- Hubert Point-Du JourRalph Abernathy
- Ron Cephas JonesElijah Muhammad