Roots

Roots

8/10
ABC Ended Drama • History

1 Season · 8 Episodes · Premiered January 23, 1977 · Ended January 30, 1977

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.

Where to Watch: ABC

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Seasons & Episodes

Season 1

8 episodes
E01
Part I
Mon, Jan 24 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 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 other captives, Kunta begins an agonized odyssey to the New World.
E02
Part II
Tue, Jan 25 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 min
Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indiginity 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.
E03
Part III
Wed, Jan 26 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 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.
E04
Part IV
Thu, Jan 27 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 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.
E05
Part V
Fri, Jan 28 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 min
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
E06
Part VI
Sat, Jan 29 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 min
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
E07
Part VII
Sun, Jan 30 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 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 stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
E08
Part VIII
Mon, Jan 31 1977 1:00 AM GMT+0000 120 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 leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
Robert Reed
Robert Reed as Dr. William Reynolds
Olivia Cole
Olivia Cole as Mathilda
John Amos
John Amos as Toby
Madge Sinclair
Madge Sinclair as Bell Reynolds
Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen as 'Chicken' George Moore
Leslie Uggams
Leslie Uggams as Kizzy Reynolds
Sandy Duncan
Sandy Duncan as Missy Anne Reynolds
Chuck Connors
Chuck Connors as Tom Moore
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton as Kunta Kinte
Louis Gossett, Jr.
Louis Gossett, Jr. as Fiddler
Vic Morrow
Vic Morrow as Ames
Lynda Day George
Lynda Day George as Mrs. Reynolds

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