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.
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 th…
S01E02
Part II
⭐ 3.8
Jan 24, 197797 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 …
S01E03
Part III
⭐ 3.3
Jan 25, 197791 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.
S01E04
Part IV
⭐ 3.5
Jan 26, 197751 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.
S01E05
Part V
⭐ 3.7
Jan 27, 197751 min
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
S01E06
Part VI
⭐ 3.7
Jan 28, 197751 min
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
S01E07
Part VII
⭐ 1.0
Jan 29, 197751 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 s…
S01E08
Part VIII
⭐ 3.3
Jan 30, 197796 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 fo…