Atlanta-filmed Aretha Franklin series for National Geographic channel will miss premiere date due to coronavirus

Cynthia Erivo stars in the National Geographic series, "Genius: Aretha." Photo: National Geographic

Cynthia Erivo stars in the National Geographic series, "Genius: Aretha." Photo: National Geographic

In January, Cynthia Erivo talked about how happy she was to be back in Atlanta filming.

She excitedly recalled an "amazing vegan pizza place" and considers the Slutty Vegan to have "the best burgers in the world!"

The Tony-winning actress/singer had wrapped production a few months prior on the HBO series, “The Outsider,” and was back in Georgia to portray Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s “Genius” series.

Now add that TV anthology to the list of productions impacted by the coronavirus.

"Genus: Aretha Franklin" was set to premiere May 25 on the NatGeo channel. But because production has been suspended, the series will not be completed on time, according to Variety.

A new date has not yet been announced, but the delay means the limited series likely won’t be able to compete in the 72nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards in September because of a May 31 eligibility deadline.

The third installment of the “Genius” anthology series filmed at Marietta Square and the Fox Theatre, among other Atlanta locations, in recent months.

Along with Erivo, the show also stars Courtney B. Vance, David Cross, Malcolm Barrett, Pauletta Washington, Patrice Covington and Rebecca Naomi Jones.

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