Although his scientific achievements still inspire awe, few know the full story of the 20th century’s most brilliant icon Albert Einstein. National Geographic’s new 10-part series Genius – the channel’s first fully scripted series – explores Einstein’s extraordinary professional achievements along with his passionate and complex personal relationships. The mini-series premiered on National Geographic 8 p.m. on April 26.
With Genius, National Geographic is taking a revolutionary step to becoming an original content creator, ready for battle on the scripted TV landscape. It follows Einstein’s journey from an imaginative thinker of humble origins, to fleeing the Nazis during World War II, to attaining global celebrity status for his scientific endeavors. National Geographic’s first-ever fully scripted series reveals the untold story of the man behind the mind, delving into Einstein’s happiness and heartbreak as he struggles to be a husband, a father, and a man of principle. Entertaining as well as educational, GENIUS will help viewers learn more about how Einstein unlocked the mysteries of the cosmos in a significant historical era spanning two World Wars.
A start-studded cast and behind-the-camera team joined Genius. The fully scripted series stars world-famous Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Einstein, while prestigious English actress Emily Watson (War Horse, The Theory of Everything) plays Einstein’s second wife. The Genius executive production team includes the multi Oscar-winning team of Ron Howard and Brian Grazer; and Howard also makes his scripted television directorial debut with the first episode of Genius. Other Genius stars include familiar faces from Game of Thrones, Grey’s Anatomy, Mad Men and more.
The series begins in Einstein’s teenage years, when he argues with his father and drops out of school in Germany to go to University in Switzerland. Einstein encounters romance, political drama and unexpected personal struggles, but he manages to make a name for himself as a rising scientific mind. As relief at the end of World War I turns to fear at Europe’s rising tide of anti-Semitism, Einstein seeks sanctuary in the United States. Here, he struggles to balance his identity as a lifelong pacifist and a remarkably talented scientist who is the only one in the world potentially capable of stopping the rise of Hitler.
Lucien Harrington, SVP of Marketing & Communications for FOX Networks Group in Asia, says, “Genius is an evolution of National Geographic programing. Already the global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programing, National Geographic is now firmly establishing itself as an original content creator bringing the best in education and entertainment to audiences in Asia and around the globe. We are delivering on the National Geographic renewed vision to take people one step to the edge of impossible and then, further. Genius is not only a global mini-series entertainment event – it is also a brand new way for National Geographic audiences to explore the past and learn the truth behind the legend of famous historical figures like Albert Einstein.”
The “Everyday Genius” Contest
“I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein.
Are geniuses born or made? Was Einstein destined from birth to become a brilliant scientist, or was his genius all down to hard work? To commemorate the launch of Genius, National Geographic is challenging viewers across Asia to harness the power of their minds and accelerate their genius.
Join the “Everyday Genius” contest by submitting your brilliant ideas – the ones that could solve an everyday problem, and the ones that could change the world – for your chance to win exclusive access to the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington D.C across June 15 to 18. This exciting annual event brings together the world’s most fascinating and innovative scientists, conservationists, explorers, and storytellers together in one place to share their latest discoveries and ideas.
Find inspiration for your entry in the long history of innovation in Asia; from silk cloth, to the umbrella, to the magnetic compass, to gunpowder and more. Visit www.everydaygenius.asia for more information and to submit your ideas from now till May 7. Vote on who you think should be named Asia’s “Everyday Genius” from May 12.
Genius is a National Geographic original scripted series produced by Fox 21 Television Studios, Imagine Television and OddLot Entertainment. National Geographic is also partnering with the SNOW app, where users can use the face filter to look like Einstein.
