Roots (2016)
A landmark miniseries adaptation of Alex Haley's novel, following Kunta Kinte from West Africa into American slavery and tracing his descendants across generations.
Roots - Series Information
- Original Title: Roots
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 30, 2016 (United States - NR), May 30, 2016 (Germany - 16), May 30, 2016 (France - 16), May 30, 2016 (India - U), May 30, 2016 (Australia - M), May 30, 2016 (Brazil - 18), May 30, 2016 (Mexico - B-15), May 30, 2016 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: History
- Production Companies: A+E Studios, Will Packer Productions, Wolper Organization
- Production Countries: United States of America, Brazil, Estonia
- Alternative Titles: Korzenie (PL)
Roots - Plot
An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", chronicling the history of an African slave, Kunta Kinte sold to America and his descendants.
Roots - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the epic saga unfold:
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Roots - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Malachi Kirby
- Jonathan Rhys Meyers
- Forest Whitaker
- Laurence Fishburne
- Babs Olusanmokun
- Matthew Goode
- James Purefoy
- Emayatzy Corinealdi
- Anika Noni Rose
- Roman L. Armstrong
Executive Producers
- Will Packer
- Mark Wolper
- Marc Toberoff
- Barry Jossen
Roots - FAQs
Is Roots (2016) based on a true story?
Roots is based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, which blended Haley's own genealogical research with historical fiction. Haley traced his ancestry back to Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior captured in Gambia and sold into slavery in colonial America, making the story deeply rooted in real history.
Who plays Kunta Kinte in Roots (2016)?
British actor Malachi Kirby takes on the central role of Kunta Kinte, the young Mandinka warrior whose capture and enslavement sets the entire saga in motion. Kirby delivers a physically and emotionally demanding performance that anchors the miniseries, earning widespread praise for his portrayal of resilience and identity under brutal oppression.
How does the 2016 Roots differ from the 1977 original?
The 2016 remake expands the African sequences and gives more screen time to Kunta Kinte's life in Gambia before his capture, offering a richer cultural context. It also incorporates perspectives from enslaved characters more fully and updates the storytelling style with a contemporary visual language, while remaining faithful to Haley's source material.
Where can you stream Roots (2016)?
Roots (2016) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on Tubi TV.
Is Roots (2016) worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. The 2016 Roots is a gripping, emotionally resonant miniseries featuring outstanding performances from Malachi Kirby, Forest Whitaker, and Laurence Fishburne. It brings a vital chapter of American history to life with unflinching honesty and cinematic ambition, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in historical drama.
What role does Laurence Fishburne play in Roots?
Laurence Fishburne portrays Alex Haley himself, the author whose decades-long genealogical quest gave birth to the original Roots novel. His framing presence connects the historical narrative to the real-world act of remembrance and documentation, grounding the miniseries in the personal stakes that drove Haley to recover his family's buried history.
Where was Roots (2016) filmed?
The 2016 Roots was filmed across multiple countries to authentically represent its sweeping geography. Production took place in the United States, Brazil, and Estonia. The diverse locations allowed filmmakers to recreate both the West African homeland of Kunta Kinte and the American plantation landscapes that define the later episodes of the saga.
What are similar series to Roots (2016)?
If Roots captivated you, consider exploring the original Roots (1977) miniseries, The Book of Negroes (2015), Underground (2016), or Alex Haley's Queen (1993). For broader historical epics, Shōgun (both the 1980 and 2024 versions) and Washington Black (2025) offer similarly immersive storytelling rooted in history and identity.
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