GENIUS: ARETHA: Nat Geo Sets March Launch for Newest Anthology Season

Aretha Franklin, played by Cynthia Erivo (foreground), rehearsing with backup singers played by (background L to R) Kameelah Williams, Patrice Covington (as Erma Franklin) and Erika Jerry, in National Geographic’s GENIUS: ARETHA. (Credit: National Geographic/Richard DuCree)

GENIUS: ARETHA will kick off on Sunday, March 21, National Geographic announced. The latest chapter of the GENIUS anthology will air two episodes a night, across four consecutive days.

According to the network, “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.”

Cynthia Erivo stars as Franklin, with Courtney B. Vance as C.L. Franklin, David Cross as Jerry Wexler, Malcolm Barrett as Ted White, Patrice Covington as Erma Franklin, Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Ruth Bowen, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Carolyn Franklin, and Sanai Victoria as Little Re.

Watch the trailer now! Read more