Genius: Aretha is the next installment of the acclaimed global anthology series on National Geographic.

Following its previous critically acclaimed series of Genius: Einstein and Genius: Picasso, Genius: Aretha dramatizes the story of the famous singer Aretha Franklin.

The cast includes Cynthia Erivo (Harriet) as Aretha Franklin, Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story), David Cross (Goliath), Malcolm Barrett (Timeless), Paulette Washington (She’s Gotta Have It), Patrice Covington (Broadway’s The Color Purple), Rebecca Naomi Jones (The Big Sick), Steven Norfleet (Watchmen), Kimberly Hebert Gregory (Vice Principals), Omar J. Dorsey (Queen Sugar), Marque Richardson (Dear White People) and Shaian Jordan as Little Re.

The national first-look teaser promo airs at tonight’s Oscars telecast on ABC. Erivo is nominated in two categories tonight with Actress in a Leading Role and Music (Original Song) from the film Harriet.

Genius: Aretha premieres over four consecutive nights, beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9/8c. The eight-part series explores Franklin’s career that had an immeasurable impact and influence on music and culture worldwide.

The program series plays in 172 countries and 43 languages on National Geographic Channels.

Aretha Franklin is known as the Queen of Soul. As a Grammy Award winner, Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion. She received countless honors and considered one of the greatest singers in the past 50 years. Her hit songs included “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” and “I Say a Little Prayer).” Also, she became the first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information about Genius: Aretha, visit its official web site here.

Check out the first-look trailer of Genius: Aretha below.

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Source: National Geographic