Genius

Nat Geo Orders First Scripted Series: ‘Genius’ Anthology From Imagine TV, Ron Howard To Direct

National Geographic Channel has given a straight-to-series order to Genius, its first ever scripted series. The anthology drama– telling the stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators — hails from Imagine TV, Fox 21 TV Studios, OddLot Entertainment and EUE/Sokolow. Imagine principal, Oscar-winning helmer Ron Howard, is set to direct the first episode of the series, whose maiden season will focus on famous physicist Albert Einstein, based on Walter Isaacson’s biography Einstein: His Life and Universe.

Genius is being written by up-and-coming writer Noah Pink, who will co-executive produce. Executive producing are Imagine’s Brian Grazer, Howard and Francie Calfo; OddLot’s Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane; as well as Sam Sokolow and Jeff Cooney from EUE/Sokolow. Anna Culp is co-producing alongside Melissa Rucker. Filming is expected to begin this summer in Prague, with the premiere on Nat Geo slated for next spring in 171 countries and 45 languages.