Genius: Arethamarks the third installment of National Geographic’s anthology period drama series, revolving around the life and career ofAretha Franklin— and now, Collider has an exclusive first look at a scene from one of tonight’s episodes, “Young, Gifted and Black,” written bySuzan-Lori Parks.
The scene in particular takes place at an industry party, where a young Aretha Franklin (played byCynthia Erivo) experiences visible frustration over not only being overlooked for her contributions to the recent success of her album, but witnessing others such as music producerJerry Wexler(David Cross) being congratulated for her ideas. When Aretha inquires about why she doesn’t have a producer credit herself and is subsequently dismissed, she decides to walk out in protest altogether.
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Genius: Arethais a special limited series that premiered Sunday, March 21 on National Geographic, with two episodes releasing consecutively each night for a total of eight episodes. In addition to Erivo and Cross, the cast includesCourtney B. Vance,Malcolm Barrett,Patrice Covington,Kimberly Hébert GregoryandRebecca Naomi Jones. Parks serves as executive producer and showrunner, withBrian GrazerandRon Howardalso attached as executive producers. Previous seasons ofGeniushave focused on real-life legends such asAlbert EinsteinandPablo Picasso, and a fourth season revolving around the life ofMartin Luther King, Jr.is also currently in development.
Two new episodes ofGenius: Arethawill premiere tonight on National Geographic at 9/8c and then be available to stream on Hulu the next day. Check out the exclusive clip from Episode 5 below.
Here is the official synopsis forGenius: Aretha:
‘Genius’ is National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators and their extraordinary achievements with their volatile, passionate, and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion, and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career. ‘Genius: Aretha’ will be the first-ever, definitive, and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.
