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.
Seasons
1
Episodes
8
Country
—
Status
Ended
Cast
LeVar Burton
Kunta Kinte · 2 eps
Robert Reed
Dr. William Reynolds · 4 eps
Louis Gossett Jr.
Fiddler · 3 eps
John Amos
Kunta Kinte · 3 eps
Leslie Uggams
Kizzy Reynolds · 3 eps
Ben Vereen
Chicken George Moore · 3 eps
Lynda Day George
Mrs. Reynolds · 3 eps
Madge Sinclair
Bell Reynolds · 3 eps
Olivia Cole
Mathilda · 3 eps
Ian McShane
Sir Eric Russell · 1 eps
Ed Asner
Capt. Thomas Davies · 2 eps
Chuck Connors
Tom Moore · 2 eps
Lorne Greene
John Reynolds · 2 eps
Lloyd Bridges
Evan Brent · 2 eps
Vic Morrow
Ames · 2 eps
Ralph Waite
Slater · 2 eps
Georg Stanford Brown
Tom Harvey · 2 eps
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Noah · 2 eps
Thayer David
Harlan · 2 eps
Sandy Duncan
Missy Anne Reynolds · 2 eps
Brad Davis
'Old' George Johnson · 2 eps
Lynne Moody
Irene Harvey · 2 eps
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
Wrestler · 2 eps
Ren Woods
Fanta · 2 eps
Hilly Hicks
Lewis Harvey · 2 eps
Lillian Randolph
Sister Sara · 2 eps
George Hamilton
Stephen Bennett · 1 eps
Brion James
Slaver · 1 eps
Richard McKenzie
Sam Harvey · 2 eps
Austin Stoker
Virgil Harvey · 2 eps
Reviews
TMDB
7.4/10
★★★★★★★★★★
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Trailer
Official trailer
Roots
Where to Watch
Rent or Buy
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Fandango At HomeBuy Episode Guide
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Part V
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
6
Part VI
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
7
Part VII
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 stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
8
Part VIII
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 leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
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