Genius poster

TV series

Genius

2017NR4 seasons7.5 / 10

Martin Luther King Jr / Malcolm X. Two minds, one movement.

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.

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Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 25, 2026

Genius is available to stream on Prime Video in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

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.

Season 4 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Graduation

Feb 1, 202456m3.6 / 10

An intense focus on the formative years of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and their experiences and relationships as young children and teens that shape and influence the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and King’s graduation from Boston University begin their respective journeys that will one day change the nation, but also begin a budding rivalry.

Episode credits

Directed by Channing Godfrey PeoplesWritten by Jeff StetsonGuest stars LisaGay Hamilton, Margaret Avery, Ashley Romans, Joshua Caleb Johnson, Jalyn Hall, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Shane Paul McGhie

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Episode 2

Who We Are

Feb 1, 202453m3.7 / 10

Malcolm is introduced to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who takes him under his wing after recognizing his potential with the NOI, but temptations from an old flame and the bonds of family test his strength. Martin introduces and brings Coretta into the King family. Martin finds his voice within the church and is faced with a career decision that will alter his relationship with Daddy King.

Episode credits

Directed by Marta CunninghamWritten by Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione MacedonGuest stars LisaGay Hamilton, Freddie Fulton, Lennie James, Mallori Johnson, Cynthia D. Barker, Stephen Jared, Ken Colquitt, Damon Rawlings

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Episode 3

Protect Us

Feb 8, 202452m3.6 / 10

Malcolm builds space for Muslims in the Harlem community, meeting new member Betty Saunders. As romance builds between the two, a confrontation with the police puts Malcolm in the spotlight. As the Montgomery bus boycott intensifies, Martin and his new family are faced with concerns about their safety. In the end, both find themselves ascending to heights they could have never imagined.

Episode credits

Directed by Marta CunninghamWritten by Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione MacedonGuest stars Lennie James, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère, Griffin Matthews, Xavier Mills, Elle Lorraine, Millie Capellan, Jay DeVon Johnson

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Episode 4

Watch the Throne

Feb 8, 202453m3.6 / 10

After an attack leaves Martin grappling with his mortality, he must confront whether his fear is affecting his ability to lead. Malcolm sees an opportunity to grow the profile of the Nation in the form of a documentary about the NOI. However the consequences of his actions begin to bubble to the surface. All the while, Malcolm juggles a growing family as Betty finds herself feeling isolated.

Episode credits

Directed by Crystle Roberson DorseyWritten by Maria Warith-WadeGuest stars Ashley Romans, Sasha Compère, Griffin Matthews, Zuri James, John Curran, Jatona King, Euseph Messiah, Veanna Black

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Episode 5

Matriarchs

Feb 15, 202451m3.6 / 10

With Martin unjustly jailed, Coretta must call upon all her strength to keep pushing forward. When an opportunity to help Martin comes up, she takes it, despite pushback from Daddy King. With Malcolm refusing to listen to her needs, Betty takes drastic action to try to save her marriage. A reminder of her past, and a vision for her future, show her the way through.

Episode credits

Directed by Crystle Roberson DorseyWritten by Sigrid GilmerGuest stars LisaGay Hamilton, Ashley Romans, Lennie James, Sasha Compère, Elle Lorraine, Zuri James, Carter Ace, Michael Hyatt

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Episode 6

The American Promise

Feb 15, 202452m3.7 / 10

In an effort to force the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Martin and his allies attempt their biggest undertaking yet – the March on Washington. As it draws near, Martin finds himself struggling to find the right words to unite the country. When Malcolm finds himself nearly suspended from the Nation, he evaluates his relationship with Elijah, especially in light of a dramatic revelation.

Episode credits

Directed by Crystle Roberson DorseyWritten by Marta Gene CampsGuest stars Wilbur Fitzgerald, Mallori Johnson, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère, Griffin Matthews, Zuri James, Carter Ace, Emelia Kahiha

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Episode 7

The Sword and the Shield

Feb 22, 202451m3.7 / 10

After his break from the NOI, the pain of betrayal from Elijah takes a toll on Malcolm mentally, physically and emotionally. When further betrayals within the Nation come to both him and Betty, he decides to speak out. The FBI targets Martin and Coretta, causing stress and paranoia, but the passage of the Civil Rights Act gives both Martin and Malcolm hope - and the opportunity to meet each other.

Episode credits

Directed by Director X.Written by Quran SquireGuest stars Wilbur Fitzgerald, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère, Elle Lorraine, Quentin Plair, Jaxon James, John C. McGinley, Jackie Earle Haley

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Episode 8

Can You Imagine

Feb 22, 202446m3.8 / 10finale

Malcolm, knowing his death is likely imminent, works hard to care for his family, reconcile with his siblings, and speak truth to power about the Nation and the best way forward, up until his final moments. In the aftermath of Malcom’s death, Martin, feeling his own mortality, decides that he can no longer remain silent on the Vietnam War. A horrifying day in Memphis shocks the world.

Episode credits

Directed by Director X.Written by Maria Warith-WadeGuest stars LisaGay Hamilton, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Lennie James, Sasha Compère, Quentin Plair, Ja'Quan Monroe-Henderson, John C. McGinley, Amani Summer

Where to watch Genius

Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026

More about Genius

Watch trailerExtended Trailer

Cast

Aaron PierreMalcolm X

Geoffrey RushAlbert Einstein

Antonio BanderasPablo Picasso

Kelvin Harrison Jr.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cynthia ErivoAretha Franklin

Jayme LawsonBetty Shabazz

Weruche OpiaCoretta Scott King

Clémence PoésyFrançoise Gilot

Credits

Created by: Kenneth Biller, Noah Pink, Suzan-Lori Parks, Jeff Stetson
Written by: Damione Macedon, Raphael Jackson Jr., Maria Warith-Wade, Wendy Riss, Sigrid Gilmer, Jeff Stetson, Marta Gene Camps, Quran Squire

Production details

Status: Canceled
Series type: Scripted
Episodes: 36
Original language: English

Networks & production

National GeographicUnited States
EUE / Sokolow EntertainmentUnited States
Imagine Television StudiosUnited States
OddLot EntertainmentUnited States
20th TelevisionUnited States
MWM StudiosUnited States

Themes

anthologybiographyecentric geniusgeniushistorical dramahistory and legacymath genius

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