Watch Genius Factory

Genius Factory is a fascinating docuseries that uncovers the true story of the world's largest sperm bank and the eccentric millionaire who founded it. The show explores the controversial legacy of Robert K. Graham and his vision to create a superior race through selective breeding.

Narrated by David Plotz, Genius Factory takes viewers on a journey through the history of the Repository for Germinal Choice, a sperm bank founded by Graham in the late 1970s. Graham was a wealthy inventor, entrepreneur, and eugenicist who believed that intelligence was the most important trait to pass on to future generations. He envisioned a world where only the smartest, most successful people would breed and raise children, leading to a superior human race.

The show delves into Graham's personal life and the events that led him to establish the sperm bank, including his obsession with genetics and his belief that women were inferior and needed to be controlled. Viewers learn about the various donors who contributed to the sperm bank, including Nobel laureates, Ivy League professors, and even celebrities like William Buckley.

The show also features interviews with some of the children who were born from Graham's sperm bank, offering a unique perspective on what it was like to be part of an experiment in selective breeding. Many of these children had no idea that their biological father was a donor at the Repository for Germinal Choice until they were adults, leading to a range of emotions and reactions.

Throughout the series, viewers also see how the public and the media reacted to the announcement of the sperm bank's creation and the controversies that surrounded it. While some saw it as a noble experiment in advancing human evolution, others criticized it as elitist, sexist, and even racist.

Genius Factory is a thought-provoking and eye-opening look at one man's quest to create a better world through science and technology. It addresses complex issues around genetics, eugenics, and the ethics of artificial selection. The show is both informative and engaging, with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and reenactments that bring the story to life.

Overall, Genius Factory is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of science, medicine, and genetics, as well as those who want to better understand the origins of contemporary debates around artificial selection and the role of science in shaping our future.