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Roots

• Watchlist

• 1977-1977
• 1 Season
• ABC
• Documentary, Drama, Action & Adventure
• TV-14

• Watchlist

• Watchlist

A saga of African-American life, based on Alex Haley's family history. Kunta Kinte is abducted from his African village, sold into slavery, and taken to America. He makes several escape attempts until he is finally caught and maimed. He marries Bell, his plantation's cook, and they have a daughter, Kizzy, who is eventually sold away from them. Kizzy has a son by her new master, and the boy grows up to become Chicken George. He's a legendary cock fighter who leads his family into freedom. Throughout the series, the family observes notable events in U.S. history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings, and emancipation.

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Cast & Crew See All

LeVar Burton

Kunta Kinte

Robert Reed

Dr. William Reynolds

John Amos

Older Kunta Kinte

See Full Cast & Crew

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Part I

Sun, Jan 23, 197797 mins

In 1750, in Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself among his tribesmen 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.

Where to Watch

Awards

• 1978 - Golden Globe - Best Television Series - Drama - winner
• 1978 - Golden Globe - Best Actress in a Television Series - Drama - nominated
• 1978 - Eddie - Best Edited Television Special - nominated
• 1978 - DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series - Night - winner

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Latest News See All

The Best Shows and Movies Leaving HBO Max (March 2022)

Watch these movies before they HBO Go away

Sat, Mar 12, 2022

Roots Miniseries ups Star Power with Mekhi Phifer, T.I. and Matthew Goode

See who else is joining the cast!

Thu, Dec 3, 2015

Laurence Fishburne to Star in Roots Remake

The Hannibal star will play Alex Haley

Wed, Jul 1, 2015

LeVar Burton Will Co-Executive-Produce the Roots Reboot

Burton played Kinta Kinte in the original miniseries

Thu, Apr 30, 2015

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