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Genius (American TV series)

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Genius
Genre
Based onEinstein: His Life and Universe
by Walter Isaacson
Developed by
Starring
Theme music composerHans Zimmer
ComposerLorne Balfe
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • William M. Connor
  • Steven Felder
  • Robert M. Williams Jr.
Production locations
CinematographyMathias Herndl
Editors
  • J. Kathleen Gibson
  • James Wilcox
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time43–62 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNational Geographic
ReleaseApril 25, 2017 (2017-04-25) –
present (present)

Genius is an American anthology period drama television series developed by Noah Pink and Kenneth Biller that premiered on April 25, 2017 on National Geographic. The first season follows the life of Albert Einstein, from his early years, through his time as a patent clerk, to his later years as a physicist who developed the theory of relativity. The season is based on the 2007 book Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson.

On April 19, 2017, National Geographic renewed the series for a second season, which is set to follow Pablo Picasso and slated to premiere on April 24, 2018. On April 18, 2018, National Geographic renewed the series for a third season set to follow the life of writer Mary Shelley.

Synopsis

The first season chronicles two different periods in the life of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein: the first as a patent clerk struggling to gain a teaching job and doctorate, the second as a great mind respected for his development of the theory of relativity.

Cast and characters

Season 1

Main

Recurring

Season 2

Main

Episodes

Season 1: Einstein (2017)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Chapter One"Ron HowardStory by : Noah Pink and Ken Biller
Teleplay by : Noah Pink		April 25, 2017 (2017-04-25)1.38[1]
As Antisemitism reaches fever pitch in 1930s Germany, famed physicist Albert Einstein wrestles with the decision to seek refuge in the United States of America with his second wife Elsa, or to stay in solidarity with fellow Jewish academics. The struggle evokes memories of his first days as a headstrong student at Zürich Polytechnic when he met the love of his life, Mileva Marić.
22"Chapter Two"Minkie SpiroAngelina BurnettMay 2, 2017 (2017-05-02)1.05[2]
After butting heads with Mileva Marić, the only female student in his class at Zürich Polytechnic, a young Albert Einstein falls in love with this determined fellow student. While the passionate affair fans the flames of their mutual curiosity and love of science, their reckless abandon doesn't go unnoticed by Einstein's strict physics lecturer, Professor Weber.
33"Chapter Three"Minkie SpiroMark LaffertyMay 9, 2017 (2017-05-09)1.02[3]
As a recent university graduate, Albert Einstein struggles to make ends meet while trying to land an academic post in a scientific world rigid with tradition and protocol. After finally securing various tutoring jobs, he moves one step closer to being able to provide for his pregnant wife, Mileva, when tragedy strikes.
44"Chapter Four"Kevin HooksNoah PinkMay 16, 2017 (2017-05-16)0.93[4]
While working at his day job at the Bern patent office, Albert Einstein burns the candle at both ends supported by his new wife, writing four new scientific papers including the theory of special relativity, in what will be considered his miracle year. One of his papers attracts the attention of the notable theoretical physicist Max Planck.
55"Chapter Five"Kevin HooksRaf GreenMay 23, 2017 (2017-05-23)0.94[5]
With new teaching duties, Albert Einstein finally begins to experience the academic life he long coveted as he develops his theory of general relativity. Enjoying his first taste of acclaim among the most renowned scientific minds in Europe including Marie Curie, Einstein falters in his familial responsibilities. His only relief comes from a visit to extended family, where he is introduced to his cousin Elsa.
66"Chapter Six"James HawesBrian PetersonMay 30, 2017 (2017-05-30)1.02[6]
After moving his family to Berlin for work, and to be closer to his new love Elsa, Albert Einstein sets out to prove his theory of general relativity. He enlists the help of an astronomer to photograph a solar eclipse in Russia, but the expedition goes awry. Einstein's affair becomes less secret, and Elsa forces an ultimatum: divorce Mileva or lose her forever.
77"Chapter Seven"James HawesKelly SoudersJune 6, 2017 (2017-06-06)1.06[7]
Exhausted and worn out, Albert Einstein's attempt to make scientific history is put to the test as he begins to experience health issues. Meanwhile, sweeping patriotism in the wake of the war has corrupted one of his closest friends, Fritz Haber, pitting them against each other. In the German war effort, Albert is the lone scientist to refuse the call to arms.
88"Chapter Eight"Ken BillerAngelina Burnett & Francesca ButlerJune 13, 2017 (2017-06-13)1.05[8]
Attempting to flee to the United States, Albert Einstein and his wife Elsa find that their visas have been blocked for entry by the U.S. State Department because Einstein's politics placed him on the radar of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Just days before his departure, Einstein must convince the U.S Consul in Germany that he is no threat to the country.
99"Chapter Nine"Ken BillerKen Biller & Raf GreenJune 20, 2017 (2017-06-20)1.04[9]
Albert Einstein and Elsa settle into the U.S. while trying to save those he left behind. Although quantum physics continues to vex him, his focus is diverted by the splitting of the atom in Nazi Germany. When tragedy strikes, Einstein seeks comfort in the arms of a Russian woman whose intentions are unclear.
1010"Chapter Ten"Ken BillerMark LaffertyJune 20, 2017 (2017-06-20)1.04[9]
After the atomic bomb is dropped and World War II ends, Albert Einstein assumes the role of world citizen in his elder years. Having been linked to nuclear weapons, he drowns in guilt and refocuses his efforts to prevent further wars. Inspiration strikes when a young neighbor asks him for homework help, reminding him of the joy that science once brought.

Season 2: Picasso

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
111"Chapter One"[10]UnknownUnknownApril 24, 2018 (2018-04-24)N/A
122"Chapter Two"[10]UnknownUnknownMay 1, 2018 (2018-05-01)N/A
133"Chapter Three"[10]UnknownUnknownMay 8, 2018 (2018-05-08)N/A
144"Chapter Four"[10]UnknownUnknownMay 15, 2018 (2018-05-15)N/A
155"Chapter Five"[10]UnknownUnknownMay 22, 2018 (2018-05-22)N/A
166"Chapter Six"[10]UnknownUnknownMay 29, 2018 (2018-05-29)N/A
177"Chapter Seven"[10]UnknownUnknownJune 5, 2018 (2018-06-05)N/A
188"Chapter Eight"[10]UnknownUnknownJune 12, 2018 (2018-06-12)N/A
199"Chapter Nine"[10]UnknownUnknownJune 19, 2018 (2018-06-19)N/A
2010"Chapter Ten"[10]UnknownUnknownJune 26, 2018 (2018-06-26)N/A

Production

Development

On April 28, 2016, it was announced that National Geographic had given the production a straight-to-series order, its first ever scripted series. The series was set to be based on the biography Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson and adapted by Noah Pink, who was also expected to co-executive produce. Executive producers were announced to include Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, Sam Sokolow, and Jeff Cooney. Anna Culp was set to co-produce alongside Melissa Rucker. Ron Howard was expected to direct the first episode of the series. Production companies involved with the series were set to include Imagine TV, Fox 21 TV Studios, OddLot Entertainment and EUE/Sokolow.[11]

Casting

Season 1

In August 2016, it was announced that Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn would star in the series as Albert Einstein both as an old man and as a young adult, respectively.[12] Additionally, it was reported that Emily Watson would also star in the series and that Michael McElhatton, Seth Gabel, Samantha Colley, Richard Topol, and Vincent Kartheiser had joined the cast.[13] In November 2016, it was announced that Shannon Tarbet, Claire Rushbrook, and Robert Lindsay had been cast in recurring roles.[14] On February 2, 2017, it was reported that T. R. Knight had been cast in the recurring role of J. Edgar Hoover.[15]

Season 2

On September 6, 2017, it was announced that Antonio Banderas would star in the second season as Pablo Picasso.[16] On November 2, 2017, it was reported that Alex Rich would co-star in the series sharing the lead role of Picasso. It was further reported that Clémence Poésy, Robert Sheehan, Poppy Delevingne, Aisling Franciosi, and Sebastian Roché also joined the cast and that Samantha Colley, T. R. Knight, Seth Gabel, and Johnny Flynn were returning from season one in new roles.[17]

Filming

Principal photography for season one took place in mid-2016 in Prague.[11] Filming for season two began in November 2017 in Málaga and was expected to take place for over five months in various cities around the world, including Barcelona, Paris, and Budapest.[17][18]

Release

Marketing

On January 13, 2017, National Geographic released an extended trailer for the first season.[19] On January 12, 2018, a trailer for the second season was released.[20]

Renewal

On April 19, 2017, National Geographic renewed the series for a second season.[21] The subject of the second season was to have been announced during the finale of the first season,[21] but was instead revealed to be Pablo Picasso the day after the finale, when the network and producers did not want to divert attention away from the season finale.[22][23] The second season is slated to premiere on April 24, 2018.[24]

On April 18, 2018, National Geographic renewed the series for a third season set to follow the life of writer Mary Shelley. Ken Biller is expected to return as showrunner, executive producer and writer . Also returning are executive producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, Jeff Cooney, Sam Sokolow, Gigi Pritzker, and Rachel Shane. Anna Culp will return as producer. Returning production companies include Imagine TV, MWM Studios, and EUE/Sokolow. Filming is expected to begin later in 2018.[25]

Reception

Critical reception

The first season has received mostly positive reviews. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 83%, based on 29 reviews.[26] On Metacritic, the series has a score of 65 out of 100, based on 20 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[27]

Science columnist Dennis Overbye of The New York Times described the series as a "tense binge-worthy psychological thriller full of political and romantic melodrama."[28] Overbye further noted that Einstein himself, writing to his sister, wrote, "If everybody lived a life like mine, there would be no need for novels."[28] According to Hillary Busis of Vanity Fair, the film shows, "... Einstein at work ... peers into the über-genius's tumultuous love life (monogamy, he believes, is "not natural") ... his fraught emigration to the United States ...".[29] Busis quotes producer Ron Howard: "When you move past his scientific contributions, Albert's life story—what his youth was like, who his friends were, who his enemies were, his tumultuous love life—is a story people don't know ... I think audiences are going to be riveted as we tell this ambitious and revealing human story behind Einstein's scientific brilliance."[29]

Accolades

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2017 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Limited Series Genius Nominated [30]
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Geoffrey Rush Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special Ron Howard Nominated
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie Tash Lees, Fae Hammond, Adela Robova, Alex Rouse Nominated
Outstanding Main Title Theme Music Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe Nominated
Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic) Davina Lamont Nominated
Outstanding Period/Fantasy Costumes for a Series, Limited Series, or Movie Sonu Mishra, Martina Hejlova, Petia Krckova Nominated
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special Daniel Pagan, Erich Gann, Arielle McGrail, Bill Bell, Nicholas Fitzgerald, Tim Chilton, Jill Sanders Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie Bob Bronow, Mark Hensley, Petr Forejt Nominated
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role Eric Durst, Lenka Líkařová, Viktor Muller, Marek Ruth, Tomáš Kalhous, Lukáš Herrmann, Pavel Kolář, Petr Hastík, Vit Komrzý Nominated
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Main Title Theme – TV Show/Limited Series Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe Nominated
[31]
2018 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Geoffrey Rush Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series Geoffrey Rush Nominated
[32]
American Society of Cinematographers Awards Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Television Movie, Miniseries or Pilot Mathias Herndl (for "Chapter One") Won
[33]

See also

References

  1. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (April 26, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.25.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  2. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 3, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.2.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  3. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 10, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.9.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  4. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 17, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.16.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  5. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 24, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.23.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  6. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 31, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.30.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  7. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (June 7, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.6.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  8. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (June 14, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.13.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  9. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (June 21, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.20.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Genius: Episode Guide". Zap2it. Retrieved April 19, 2018. Click the "Episode Guide" tab to view all listed episodes.
  11. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (April 28, 2016). "Nat Geo Orders First Scripted Series: 'Genius' Anthology From Imagine TV, Ron Howard To Direct". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 15, 2016). "'Genius': Geoffrey Rush To Star As Albert Einstein In Nat Geo Anthology Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  13. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 29, 2016). "'Genius': Emily Watson, Seth Gabel & Michael McElhatton Join Nat Geo Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  14. ^ Petski, Denise (November 17, 2016). "'Genius': Shannon Tarbet, Claire Rushbrook & Robert Lindsay To Recur On Nat Geo Anthology Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  15. ^ Petski, Denise (February 2, 2017). "'Genius': T.R. Knight To Recur As J. Edgar Hoover On Nat Geo Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 6, 2017). "'Genius': Antonio Banderas To Star As Pablo Picasso In Season 2 Of Nat Geo Anthology Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  17. ^ a b Petski, Denise (November 2, 2017). "'Genius': Alex Rich To Star As Young Picasso; Five More Cast In Nat Geo Anthology Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  18. ^ Smallman, Karl (October 31, 2017). "Filming starts on TV series starring Antonio Banderas as Picasso". euroweeklynews.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  19. ^ Evans, Greg (January 13, 2017). "Nat Geo's Extended 'Genius' Trailer Depicts Einstein Struggling To Understand Facism, The Universe And Women". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  20. ^ Petski, Denise (January 12, 2018). "'Genius: Picasso' Trailer: Antonio Banderas Paints A Tortured Artist's Story In Nat Geo Series". Deadline. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  21. ^ a b Hipes, Patrick (April 19, 2017). "Nat Geo Renews 'Genius' For Season 2, Will Unveil New Subject During Season 1 Finale". Deadline. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  22. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 20, 2017). "'Genius' Season 2 Subject Won't Be Revealed During Season 1 Finale, Expected To Be Announced Tomorrow". Deadline. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  23. ^ Evans, Greg (June 21, 2017). "'Genius' Season 2 Paints Pablo Picasso, Exec Producer Ron Howard Announces; No Comment On Han Solo Though". Deadline. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  24. ^ Fernandezfirst=Matt (January 12, 2018). "TV News Roundup: HBO to Host 'Hogwarts House Challenges' in Three U.S. Cities". Variety. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  25. ^ Petski, Denise (April 19, 2018). "'Genius 3' Renewed By Nat Geo, Season 3 Subject Revealed – Upfront". Deadline. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  26. ^ "Genius: Season 1 (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  27. ^ "Genius (2017): Season 1". Metacritic. CBS. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  28. ^ a b Overbye, Dennis (April 17, 2017). "'Genius' Unravels the Mysteries of Einstein's Universe". New York Times. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  29. ^ a b Busis, Hillary (January 12, 2017). "See Geoffrey Rush as an Uncanny Albert Einstein in Genius". Vanity Fair. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  30. ^ "Genius - Awards & Nominations". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  31. ^ "Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Full Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  32. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (December 13, 2017). "SAG Award Nominations: Complete List". Variety. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  33. ^ Tapley, Kristopher. "'Blade Runner,' 'Mudbound,' 'Game of Thrones' Land ASC Cinematography Nominations". Variety. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
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