Roots
"The Saga of an American Family."
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.
First Aired
1977-01-23
Status
Ended
Network
ABC
Seasons
Season 1 Episodes
Watch All β
E1. Part I
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 other captives, Kunta begins an agonized odyssey to the New World.
β 5.0
E2. Part II
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, a friendship that's tested when Kunta plans his escape.
β 4.6
E3. Part III
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.
β 4.2
E4. Part IV
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.
β 4.4
E5. Part V
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
β 4.8
E6. Part VI
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
β 4.8
More Like This
Roots: The Next Generations
Alex Haley's Queen
The Blue and the Gray
Parenthood
The Bible
Brothers and Sisters
The Thorn Birds
Fosse/Verdon
ShΕgun
The Long Song
Upstairs, Downstairs
Flowers in the Attic: The Origin
When We Rise
Doctor Thorne
Scarlett
Life Unexpected
Bleak House
The Village
Chesapeake Shores
The Casual Vacancy