TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
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.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Desperate for a hit, Aretha travels to Muscle Shoals in 1967 to record her first album with Atlantic Records. After suffering the loss of her surrogate mother, Little Re braves her first solo in 1953, in her father’s, C.L. Franklin, church.
Directed by Anthony HemingwayGuest stars Robert Glasper, Stacey Sargeant, Amanda Warren, Steve Alderfer, Daniel Baldock, LaKeta Booker, Ryan Cameron, Tyler Colfer
Episode 2
Struggling to find her sound, Aretha catches the attention of Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records in 1966. Meanwhile, Little Re has her first touring experience on the Gospel Circuit in 1954 with C.L. Franklin and meets her idol, Clara Ward.
Guest stars Phil Armijo, Torrey Laamar, Shayla Love, Iman Marshall, Malik McCall, Clay Neal, Otis Sallid, Kevin Stillwell
Episode 3
Aretha juggles her music career and her commitment to the civil rights movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., in 1967 and 1968. Meanwhile, Little Re leaves behind her newborn child to return to the Gospel Circuit in 1955, meeting with music legends James Cleveland and Little Sammie Bryant.
Guest stars Tonya Reneé Banks, Anthony Dalton, Ethan Henry, David Alexander, Chris Charm, Kendrick Cross, Benim Foster, Glenn Magee
Episode 4
Aretha is featured on the cover of Time Magazine in 1968, but she’s devastated when the article focuses on the scandalous details of her personal life. Barbara Franklin and Young C.L. Franklin struggle to establish themselves in Memphis in 1941, before Little Re is born.
Guest stars Edwin Hodge, Déjá Dee, Jason Burkey, Nilah Blasingame, Nicci T. Carr, Charline St. Charles, Curtis Jones, Zachariah Rogers
Episode 5
Aretha, inspired by Angela Davis and the Soledad Brothers, records her protest album “Young, Gifted and Black” in 1970. Despite Jerry Wexler’s uncertainty, the album is a success. Barbara Franklin makes a decision that has a devastating effect on Little Re in 1951.
Guest stars Marque Richardson, Michael Alban, Chandra Lynn Alexander, Jana Allen, Kenny Banks Jr., Kameron Corvet, Andrew Eakle, Mario Fogg
Episode 6
Aretha records her best-selling live Gospel album “Amazing Grace” in 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, ignoring her sibling’s pleas to record instead at New Bethel with their father, C.L. Franklin.
Guest stars Keith Arthur Bolden, Omar J. Dorsey, Brandon Gilliard, Michael Hogan, Leon Lamar, Ny'Jal Blair, Jannette Sepwa, Laurie Williamson
Episode 7
As the Queen of Soul enters the age of disco, Aretha will do anything to remain relevant—including stealing an opportunity from her sister Carolyn. She receives a GRAMMY nomination but is ultimately snubbed from winning the award.
Guest stars Tina Fears, Luke James, John Atwood, Henry Bazemore Jr., Brittney Level, MAJOR., Pauletta Washington, Steven G. Norfleet
Episode 8
Despite significant emotional losses, including a second divorce and the death of her father in 1984, Aretha pushes herself artistically and triumphs.
Guest stars Tina Fears, Luke James, Christine Adams, Michael Bolwaire, Aubriana Davis, Sydney Hunter, Tyler James, MAJOR.
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
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
National GeographicUnited States
EUE / Sokolow EntertainmentUnited States
Imagine Television StudiosUnited States
OddLot EntertainmentUnited States
20th TelevisionUnited States
MWM StudiosUnited States
