Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vivid MLK and Malcolm X biopic has racial violence, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Genius: MLK/X
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GENIUS: MLK/X begins with two Civil Rights leaders meeting in Washington D.C. the day that the 1964 Civil Rights Act was to be signed into law. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr., Monster) arrived at the capitol espousing a non-violent movement intent on lifting laws that oppressed Black citizens. Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre, The Underground Railroad) arrived with views to create a separate society for Blacks in the U.S. and in Africa. They both stood for equality. But their backgrounds and their visions were vastly different. Can both leaders work peacefully together? Or are their respective factions destined to be fractious?
Is It Any Good?
Fascinating, but not flawless, this NatGeo biopic doesn't shy away from the human side of two powerful men. Genius: MLK/X suffers at times from clunky directing, but compelling performances from both Kelvin Harrison, Jr as MLK and Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X make this series very much worth the watch.
Teens and parents can count on having important conversations after viewing this one together. Do expect some lightly sexy moments and a little vice, but the historical importance of two extraordinary lives shines through.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Genius: MLK/X. When is an act of courage a necessary thing? What defines necessary in this case?
Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were extraordinary speakers. What goes into preparation for communication at such a high level?
Malcolm X went down a road of criminal behavior that landed him in prison. How did he discover a sense of integrity? Is finding religion the same thing as finding integrity?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 1, 2024
- Cast : Aaron Pierre , Kelvin Harrison Jr , Weruche Opia
- Network : NatGeo
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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