Roots

Overview

The epic tale of celebrated Pulitzer-prize winning author Alex Haley's ancestors as portrayed in the acclaimed twelve hour mini-series Roots, was first told in his 1976 bestseller Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The docu-drama covers a period of history that begins in mid-1700s Gambia, West Africa and concludes during post-Civil War United States, over 100 years later. This 1977 miniseries eventually won 9 Emmy awards, a Golden Globe award, and a Peabody award, and still stands as the most watched miniseries in U.S. history.

Episodes

Part I

S01E01 Part I

January 23, 1977 6.7 97 min
In Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself in manhood training rituals. But he does not enjoy his new status long: slave traders sweeping the countryside seize him. Chained with...
Part II

S01E02 Part II

January 24, 1977 6.5 97 min
Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indignity of an Annapolis slave auction. Fiddler, the slave in charge of Kunta's training, becomes his only friend,...
Part III

S01E03 Part III

January 25, 1977 5.5 91 min
In 1776, a nation fights for freedom - but not for all. Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka "fighting man," Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes once more.
Part IV

S01E04 Part IV

January 26, 1977 6.0 51 min
After Genelva's nighttime dalliance with Junta deflects suspicion so she can flee with her lover, Kunta forms a romantic attachment to the worldly-wise Bell, whom he marries.
Part V

S01E05 Part V

January 27, 1977 9.0 51 min
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Part VI

S01E06 Part VI

January 28, 1977 9.0 51 min
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Part VII

S01E07 Part VII

January 29, 1977 51 min
Chicken George returns to North Carolina to find his sons have married and started families - and to learn about a state law that says his status as a free man is forfeited if he...
Part VIII

S01E08 Part VIII

January 30, 1977 8.0 96 min
The Civil War is over but night riders terrorize ex-slaves. By marking his clients' horseshoes, Tom identifies the raiders but endangers his own life. Chicken George, who fought for the Union, rejoins his family. He...

Cast

John Amos
John Amos
Older Kunta Kinte
Madge Sinclair
Madge Sinclair
Bell Reynolds
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
Kunta Kinte
Olivia Cole
Olivia Cole
Mathilda
Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen
Chicken George Moore
Robert Reed
Robert Reed
Dr. William Reynolds

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