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Aretha – Genius

Play trailer 0:30 Poster for Aretha – Genius Mar 2021 Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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71% Tomatometer 34 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
The anthology series focuses on untold stories of the world's most brilliant innovators.

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Genius — Aretha

Genius — Aretha

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Critics Consensus

Cynthia Erivo captures the spirit of the singular singer with poise and passion - if only Aretha's writing were as strong as her performance.

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Critics Reviews

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Craig Jenkins New York Magazine/Vulture 03/26/2021
When it handles this business delicately, Genius: Aretha is a joy. But as much as it misses the mark, with another Aretha story already in the can, it's worth asking why this one needed to exist at all. Go to Full Review
David Lewis San Francisco Chronicle 03/22/2021
2.5/4
Whatever the drawbacks, Parks and director Anthony Hemingway leave us with plenty of captivating moments, too. Go to Full Review
Robert Lloyd Los Angeles Times 03/22/2021
Although we are told repeatedly that she is special, nothing here really "explains" Franklin's genius... But you know it when you hear it, and the music Franklin made is out there waiting. Go to Full Review
Joey DiGuglielmo Washington Blade 05/20/2022
There are two problems and sadly they are significant. The writing and pacing...often feels leaden and unrealistic. Go to Full Review
Natalia Trzenko La Nación (Argentina) 01/10/2022
Faced with a script that isn't overflowing with originality or subtlety, the performer... manages to elevate the material. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Hannah Brown Jerusalem Post 07/01/2021
The series stars Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the adult Queen of Soul convincingly without trying to imitate Franklin's voice and mannerisms, and Shaian Jordan, who is very winning as the young Aretha. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Alain B Aug 17 I hated this bounce between past and present. At first it was ok because it serves to understand where she is coming from, but at a certain time it became toooo much and did not serve the story at all. Too much past, not enough real history in adult time. See more 06/05/2021 The only negative for me is the singing is so good I am waiting for the next song. See more 05/09/2021 Was Cynthia Erivo tired ? I felt she was about to fall asleep at any moment . The rest of the cast was strong but the script waS lacking also . I did learn a lot From the series but how could they not collaborate with the family ? They couldn't use her greatest hits and it left doubt on the veracity on the series . I can't say I didn't enjoy it but I was disappointed. See more john y @JYJr16 05/01/2021 Good portrayal. Great acting. See more 04/27/2021 Her story was AMAZING. I was actually very moved by several scenes. However, the actress made Aretha seem to be emotionless. She carried the same expression whether happy, sad, bewildered, in love, mad...looking confused the whole dang series. That made it hard for me to fully understand who Aretha was as a person. Also, there was absolutely no depth or solid explanations of her personal relationships besides her and her dad's. I learned quite a bit about the queens life, but the delivery was awful! See more 04/01/2021 it is really good. it for alludes See more Read all reviews
Genius — Aretha

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 21, 2021 Respect Aretha travels to Muscle Shoals in 1967 to record her first album with Atlantic Records; after losing her surrogate mother, Little Re braves her first solo in 1953 in her father's church. Details Episode 2 Aired Mar 21, 2021 Until the Real Thing Comes Along Aretha catches the attention of Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records in 1966; Little Re has her first touring experience on the Gospel Circuit in 1954 with C.L. Franklin and meets her idol, Clara Ward. Details Episode 3 Aired Mar 22, 2021 Do Right Woman Aretha juggles her music career and her commitment to the civil rights movement; 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. Details Episode 4 Aired Mar 22, 2021 Unforgettable 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. Details Episode 5 Aired Mar 23, 2021 Young, Gifted and Black Aretha 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. Details Episode 6 Aired Mar 23, 2021 Amazing Grace Aretha records her bestselling live gospel album "Amazing Grace" in 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church; Little Re discovers that she's pregnant with her second child, forcing her to leave school. Details Episode 7 Aired Mar 24, 2021 Chain of Fools Aretha steals an opportunity from her sister Carolyn; she receives a Grammy nomination but is ultimately snubbed from winning the award; she meets with Arista founder Clive Davis; Jerry Wexler leaves Atlantic Records, and he and Aretha part ways. Details Episode 8 Aired Mar 24, 2021 No One Sleeps Despite significant emotional losses, Aretha pushes herself artistically and triumphs; she begins a career at Arista with the help of Clive Davis, and in a Grammy performance in 1998, she solidifies her eternal reign as the Queen of Soul. Details
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Season Info

Creator
Noah Pink
Executive Producer
Anna Culp, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, Gigi Pritzker, Jeff Cooney, Rachel Shane, Sam Sokolow, Ken Biller
Network
National Geographic
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 21, 2021