Roots
Roots
TV ShowEnded

Roots

The Saga of an American Family.

7.4 / 10
1977
1 season
8 episodes
Drama

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.

Sign in to add to your list

What critics are saying

Verdicts use the same scale as your list: highly recommended through avoid — plus optional scores and blurbs.

Highly recommended Recommend Give it a go Neutral Avoid

Nobody on Critic, Sir! has logged a verdict for this title yet. The silence is either respectful or suspicious.

Sign in and use Add to My List below to share your own verdict.

Trailer

Trailer

Cast

Seasons

  • Part I

    1.Part I

    6.7
    23-01-197797m

    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...

  • Part II

    2.Part II

    6.5
    24-01-197797m

    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...

  • Part III

    3.Part III

    5.5
    25-01-197791m

    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

    4.Part IV

    6.0
    26-01-197751m

    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

    5.Part V

    9.0
    27-01-197751m

    The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.

  • Part VI

    6.Part VI

    9.0
    28-01-197751m

    Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.

  • Part VII

    7.Part VII

    29-01-197751m

    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...

  • Part VIII

    8.Part VIII

    8.0
    30-01-197796m

    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...

Watching Lists

Sign in to create and edit public lists.

Loading lists…

Purchase & Discovery

Find this title on Amazon

Digital

Prime Video & digital

Amazon mixes rent, buy, and Prime in one place — one search covers the usual options.

As an Amazon Associate, Critic, Sir! earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure