Check Out Behind the Scenes Footage from Genius: Aretha
National Geographic has released a sneak peek from the behind-the-scenes team from its forthcoming Genius: Aretha, where they are showcasing the craft and care that goes into honoring Aretha Franklin’s legacy and bringing her story to life on the small screen.
The limited series about the legendary singer Aretha Franklin starring Cynthia Erivo will premiere this fall on National Geographic.
GENIUS: ARETHA will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Aretha Franklin. The eight-part series will explore Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career – and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. GENIUS: ARETHA will broadcast in 172 countries and in 43 languages on National Geographic Channels.
Franklin was a gospel sensation, outspoken civil rights champion and one of the most gifted singers of her generation. She will be portrayed by recent double Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” “The Color Purple”) and Emmy-winning Courtney B. Vance (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) will play Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin. Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize recipient, MacArthur “Genius” grant receiver and Tony Award winner (“Topdog/Underdog”) is executive producer and showrunner and Anthony Hemingway (“Power,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) will executive produce and serve as the producing director. Production began in 2019 on GENIUS: ARETHA, and the limited series will premiere this fall on National Geographic.
The ensemble includes David Cross (“Goliath,” “Arrested Development”) as Jerry Wexler; Malcolm Barrett (“Timeless,” “Preacher”) as Ted White; Pauletta Washington (“She’s Gotta Have It”) as Grandmother Rachel; Patrice Covington (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Erma Franklin; Rebecca Naomi Jones (“The Big Sick”) as Carolyn Franklin; Steven Norfleet (“Watchmen”) as Cecil Franklin; Kimberly Hébert Gregory (“Vice Principals”) as Ruth Bowen; Omar J. Dorsey(“Queen Sugar”) as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson (“Dear White People”) as King Curtis; T.I. as Ken Cunningham; Antonique Smith (“Luke Cage”) as Barbara Franklin; Tina Fears as Clara Ward; and introducing Shaian Jordan as Little Re.
