Genius: Season 4

2024 · 8 episodes · ★ 3.7

MLK/X

What Season 4 of Genius

MLK/X follows Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X from their formative years to their rich, parallel stories as they shape their identities and become the change they wish to see in the world; the two visionaries ultimately rise to pioneer a movement.

8episodes

Feb 1, 2024premiered

Feb 22, 2024last episode

6.9 hrtotal runtime

Season 4 Episodes

4x01 Graduation
Feb 1, 2024 · 56 min · ★ 3.6
An intense focus on the formative years of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and their experiences and relationships as young children and teens that shape and influence the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and King’s graduation from Boston University begin their respective journeys that will one day change the nation, but also begin a budding rivalry.
Directing: Channing Godfrey Peoples · Writing: Jeff Stetson · Starring: LisaGay Hamilton, Margaret Avery, Ashley Romans, Joshua Caleb Johnson
4x02 Who We Are
Feb 1, 2024 · 53 min · ★ 3.7
Malcolm is introduced to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who takes him under his wing after recognizing his potential with the NOI, but temptations from an old flame and the bonds of family test his strength. Martin introduces and brings Coretta into the King family. Martin finds his voice within the church and is faced with a career decision that will alter his relationship with Daddy King.
Directing: Marta Cunningham · Writing: Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon · Starring: LisaGay Hamilton, Freddie Fulton, Lennie James, Mallori Johnson
4x03 Protect Us
Feb 8, 2024 · 52 min · ★ 3.6
Malcolm builds space for Muslims in the Harlem community, meeting new member Betty Saunders. As romance builds between the two, a confrontation with the police puts Malcolm in the spotlight. As the Montgomery bus boycott intensifies, Martin and his new family are faced with concerns about their safety. In the end, both find themselves ascending to heights they could have never imagined.
Directing: Marta Cunningham · Writing: Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon · Starring: Lennie James, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère, Griffin Matthews
4x04 Watch the Throne
Feb 8, 2024 · 53 min · ★ 3.6
After an attack leaves Martin grappling with his mortality, he must confront whether his fear is affecting his ability to lead. Malcolm sees an opportunity to grow the profile of the Nation in the form of a documentary about the NOI. However the consequences of his actions begin to bubble to the surface. All the while, Malcolm juggles a growing family as Betty finds herself feeling isolated.
Directing: Crystle Roberson Dorsey · Writing: Maria Warith-Wade · Starring: Ashley Romans, Sasha Compère, Griffin Matthews, Zuri James
4x05 Matriarchs
Feb 15, 2024 · 51 min · ★ 3.6
With Martin unjustly jailed, Coretta must call upon all her strength to keep pushing forward. When an opportunity to help Martin comes up, she takes it, despite pushback from Daddy King. With Malcolm refusing to listen to her needs, Betty takes drastic action to try to save her marriage. A reminder of her past, and a vision for her future, show her the way through.
Directing: Crystle Roberson Dorsey · Writing: Sigrid Gilmer · Starring: LisaGay Hamilton, Ashley Romans, Lennie James, Sasha Compère
4x06 The American Promise
Feb 15, 2024 · 52 min · ★ 3.7
In an effort to force the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Martin and his allies attempt their biggest undertaking yet – the March on Washington. As it draws near, Martin finds himself struggling to find the right words to unite the country. When Malcolm finds himself nearly suspended from the Nation, he evaluates his relationship with Elijah, especially in light of a dramatic revelation.
Directing: Crystle Roberson Dorsey · Writing: Marta Gene Camps · Starring: Wilbur Fitzgerald, Mallori Johnson, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère
4x07 The Sword and the Shield
Feb 22, 2024 · 51 min · ★ 3.7
After his break from the NOI, the pain of betrayal from Elijah takes a toll on Malcolm mentally, physically and emotionally. When further betrayals within the Nation come to both him and Betty, he decides to speak out. The FBI targets Martin and Coretta, causing stress and paranoia, but the passage of the Civil Rights Act gives both Martin and Malcolm hope - and the opportunity to meet each other.
Directing: Director X. · Writing: Quran Squire · Starring: Wilbur Fitzgerald, Donal Logue, Sasha Compère, Elle Lorraine
4x08 Can You Imagine Season Finale
Feb 22, 2024 · 46 min · ★ 3.8
Malcolm, knowing his death is likely imminent, works hard to care for his family, reconcile with his siblings, and speak truth to power about the Nation and the best way forward, up until his final moments. In the aftermath of Malcom’s death, Martin, feeling his own mortality, decides that he can no longer remain silent on the Vietnam War. A horrifying day in Memphis shocks the world.
Directing: Director X. · Writing: Maria Warith-Wade · Starring: LisaGay Hamilton, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Lennie James, Sasha Compère