TV series

Roots

Name: Roots
Released: 1977
Cast: John Amos, Olivia Cole, Ben Vereen, Madge Sinclair

1977· 1 season· 90 min episodesNR★ 7.4Ended

On ABC — From David L. Wolper Productions · Warner Bros. Television

The Saga of an American Family.

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Synopsis

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.

Themes

africa slavery plantation family history miniseries historical drama captivity genealogy

Episodes

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E1 Part INext upJan 23, 1977 · 97 min · ★ 5.0
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: LeVar Burton (Kunta Kinte), Cicely Tyson (Binta), Ji-Tu Cumbuka (Wrestler), O. J. Simpson (Kadi Touray), Maya Angelou (Nyo Boto), Moses Gunn (Kintango), Thalmus Rasulala (Omoro), Hari Rhodes (Brima Cesay)
E2 Part IIJan 24, 1977 · 97 min · ★ 4.6
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: LeVar Burton (Kunta Kinte), Louis Gossett Jr. (Fiddler), Ji-Tu Cumbuka (Wrestler), Lorne Greene (John Reynolds), Ralph Waite (Slater), Lynda Day George (Mrs. Reynolds), Paul Shenar (John Carrington), Tina Andrews (Aurelia)
E3 Part IIIJan 25, 1977 · 49 min · ★ 4.2
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Louis Gossett Jr. (Fiddler), Lorne Greene (John Reynolds), Lynda Day George (Mrs. Reynolds), Tanya Boyd (Genelva), Thayer David (Harlan), Ed Asner (Capt. Thomas Davies), Lee de Broux (Trumbull), Allen Williams (Robert Calvert)
E4 Part IVJan 26, 1977 · 51 min · ★ 4.4
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Leslie Uggams (Kizzy Reynolds), Louis Gossett Jr. (Fiddler), Lynda Day George (Mrs. Reynolds), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Noah), Raymond St. Jacques (The Drummer), Tanya Boyd (Genelva), Thayer David (Harlan), John Amos (Kunta Kinte)
E5 Part VJan 27, 1977 · 51 min · ★ 4.8
Synopsis
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Guest stars: Chuck Connors (Tom Moore), Sandy Duncan (Missy Anne Reynolds), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Noah), John Schuck (Ordell), Brion James (Slaver), Richard Farnsworth (Trumbull), Leslie Uggams (Kizzy Reynolds Moore), John Amos (Kunta Kinte)
E6 Part VIJan 28, 1977 · 98 min · ★ 4.8
Synopsis
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Guest stars: Olivia Cole (Mathilda), Leslie Uggams (Kizzy Reynolds), Ben Vereen (Chicken George Moore), Chuck Connors (Tom Moore), Carolyn Jones (Mrs. Moore), Sandy Duncan (Missy Anne Reynolds), Richard Roundtree (Sam Bennett), Macdonald Carey (Squire James)
E7 Part VIIJan 29, 1977 · 51 min · ★ 3.3
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Olivia Cole (Mathilda), Ben Vereen (Chicken George Moore), Lloyd Bridges (Evan Brent), Georg Stanford Brown (Tom Harvey), Brad Davis ('Old' George Johnson), Hilly Hicks (Lewis Harvey), Lynne Moody (Irene Harvey), Richard McKenzie (Sam Harvey)
E8 Part VIIIJan 30, 1977 · 96 min · ★ 4.5
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Olivia Cole (Mathilda), Ben Vereen (Chicken George Moore), Macon McCalman (Poston), Robert Phalen (Rufus Jackson), Wayne Heffley (Telegrapher), Charles Cyphers (Fred Drake), Lloyd Bridges (Evan Brent), Georg Stanford Brown (Tom Harvey)