During its presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, National Geographic announced the premiere date for the upcoming third season of the original anthology series Genius.
The 8-episode third season entitled Genius: Aretha will air across four consecutive nights in two hour blocks - starting on Monday, May 25 at 9/8c. and concluding on Thursday, May 28 at 9/8c.
The new 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. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion; she is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
The cast will feature Cynthia Erivo, Courtney B. Vance, Shaian Jordan, Malcolm Barrett, David Cross, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Marque Richardson, Pauletta Washington, Steven Norfleet, Amanda Warren, Stacey Sargeant and Omar J. Dorsey.
Suzan-Lori Parks serves as showrunner for the new season, with Anthony Hemingway directing. They executive produce with Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, Jeff Cooney, Sam Sokolow, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane. Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television produce.