“Genius” chronicled the life and work of Albert Einstein, but for its second season, it’ll tackle a genius of a different kind.
National Geographic announced Wednesday that the series’ Season 2 will follow the life of Spanish painter Pablo Picasso.
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Ken Biller, Francie Calfo and Gigi Pritzker will return as executive producers, with Biller returning as showrunner.
“The remarkable story of artistic visionary Pablo Picasso is the perfect subject for season two of ‘Genius’” said executive producer Ron Howard in a statement. “Picasso was a trailblazer who left a profound artistic and cultural impact on the world and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios in telling the untold story behind the brilliant individual.”
Most people can pinpoint a Picasso work — abstract, surreal and personal. He saw the world differently, which led to almost a century of iconic artwork.
Beyond just his artwork, his personal life was full of drama and colorful characters. He had multiple marriages and affairs and was involved with some of the early 20th century’s most iconic artists, including Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Henri Matisse and Gertrude Stein.
“Picasso is arguably one of the most influential artists of the last century with a life story almost too fantastic to be reality. It’s the perfect next chapter for Ron, Brian, Ken and this franchise,” Bert Salke, president of Fox 21 Television Studios said.
The first 10-episode season of “Genius” concluded Tuesday night and according to the network, was National Geographic’s best performing new series launch. It starred Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn as Einstein in different moments of his life and how he came to be the celebrity scientist we know him to be.