Genius: Cancelled or Renewed for Season Two on National Geographic?

Vulture Watch

Michelangelo said, “Genius is eternal patience.” Unlike your humble television vulture, ad-supported television networks are not always known for either quality. Has the Genius TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on National Geographic Channel? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Genius season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  
 

What’s This TV Show About?

A National Geographic scripted anthology series, each season of Genius tells the “untold” stories about the most intelligent and inventive innovators in the world. Season one stars Johnny Flynn as Albert Einstein in his younger years and Geoffrey Rush as the mature physicist. The large Nat Geo cast also includes Nicholas Rowe, Samantha Colley, Jon Fletcher, Richard Topol, Alicia von Rittberg, Emily Watson, Shannon Tarbet, Seth Gabel, Ralph Brown, Klára Issová, Corrado Invernizzi, Rod Hallet, Christian Rubeck, and Michael McElhatton.

Genius, season one, explores how Einstein became a worldwide icon and developed the theory of relativity. It also delves into his passionate, complicated, and sometimes explosive private life. The first installment takes place amidst the global upheaval of World Wars I and II. As anti-Semitism crests in Europe, and atomic weapons threaten the survival of mankind, the principled Einstein’s life is at risk, even as he struggles as a husband and a father.
 

Season One Ratings

The first season of Genius averaged a 0.15 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 1.05 million viewers. Find out how Genius stacks up against other Nat Geo TV shows.
 

 

Telly’s Take

Although Genius was renewed for a second season before the series even premiered, its Nielsen numbers will matter for subsequent seasons on National Geographic. Known for nonfictional program, the cabler is spreading its wings with partially and fully scripted TV shows like Mars and The Long Road Home, as well as three new projects in development. Since it is their first fully scripted series, the fate of Genius could be indicative of their success in this arena. I’ll keep a patient eye on the ratings and update this page from time to time, so subscribe for any Genius cancellation or renewal news.

1/15/2017 update: Nat Geo has announced the season season of Genius, Genius: Picasso, will debut on April 24, 2018. Details here.

4/19/2018 update: National Geographic has renewed the anthology series for a third season, Genius: Mary Shelley, with a start date TBD. Details here.
 

Genius Cancellation & Renewal Related Links

• TV show ratings are still important. Follow the weekly ups and downs.

• Check the rankings for Nat Geo’s other scripted TV shows.

• How do this show’s ratings compare to the network TV shows?

• Find more Genius TV series news or other Nat Geo TV show news.

• Don’t miss our other TV show status pages.

• Check out our lists of already cancelled and ended TV shows.

 

What do you think? Are you happy the Genius TV show was renewed through season three? How would you feel if Nat Geo had cancelled this TV show, instead?