Finding Your Roots (2012)
The acclaimed PBS documentary series where Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the hidden ancestral stories of celebrated public figures.
Finding Your Roots - Series Information
- Original Title: Finding Your Roots
- First Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Number of Episodes: 120
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 24, 2012 (United States - TV-PG), March 24, 2012 (Germany - 12), March 24, 2012 (France - 12), March 24, 2012 (Australia - PG), March 24, 2012 (Mexico - A), March 24, 2012 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: PBS
- Alternative Titles: Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (US)
- Production Companies: Kunhardt McGee Productions, Ark Media, Inkwell Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Finding Your Roots - Plot
Noted Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has been helping people discover long-lost relatives hidden for generations within the branches of their family trees. Professor Gates utilizes a team of genealogists to reconstruct the paper trail left behind by our ancestors and the world's leading geneticists to decode our DNA and help us travel thousands of years into the past to discover the origins of our earliest forebears.
Finding Your Roots - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the remarkable genealogical journeys ahead:
Where to Watch Finding Your Roots
Looking for where to watch Finding Your Roots?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Finding Your Roots - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
- CeCe Moore
- Derek Jeter
- Anderson Cooper
- Tom Colicchio
- Angela Bassett
- Valerie Jarrett
- Alan Dershowitz
- Tony Kushner
- Sally Field
Writers
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Executive Producers
- Dyllan McGee
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
- Peter W. Kunhardt
Finding Your Roots - FAQs
Where can you watch Finding Your Roots?
Finding Your Roots is available on PBS and streams on several platforms including YouTube TV, PBS Documentaries on Amazon Channel, PBS Living on Amazon Channel, and Thirteen. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, KQED, and Plex. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.
Who hosts Finding Your Roots on PBS?
Finding Your Roots is hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a celebrated Harvard professor and scholar. Gates guides each episode, presenting genealogical discoveries and DNA findings to celebrity guests, helping them uncover surprising and often deeply moving truths about their family histories.
How many seasons does Finding Your Roots have?
Finding Your Roots has 12 seasons and 120 episodes in total. Each season typically features 10 episodes, with Season 6 being an exception at 16 episodes. The series premiered in March 2012 on PBS and continues to air as a returning series.
What is Finding Your Roots about?
Finding Your Roots follows Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as he investigates the family trees of well-known celebrities and public figures. Using expert genealogists and cutting-edge DNA analysis, Gates traces ancestral lines back generations, revealing hidden relatives, forgotten histories, and the deep roots of identity.
Who are the guests on Finding Your Roots?
The series features a wide range of prominent guests including Derek Jeter, Anderson Cooper, Angela Bassett, Sally Field, Tom Colicchio, Valerie Jarrett, Alan Dershowitz, Tony Kushner, Tina Fey, Nas, Sting, and George Stephanopoulos, among many others across its 12 seasons.
Is Finding Your Roots still airing new episodes?
Yes, Finding Your Roots is still an active series. It holds a "Returning Series" status and remains in production. With 12 seasons completed and episodes airing through 2025, the show continues to be one of PBS's most enduring documentary programs.
What is the content rating for Finding Your Roots?
Finding Your Roots is rated TV-PG, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The series deals with historical and genealogical content, including some emotionally sensitive topics such as slavery and immigration, presented in a thoughtful and educational manner.
Has Finding Your Roots won any awards?
Finding Your Roots has received considerable recognition over the years. The series has earned multiple Emmy Award nominations and wins, particularly in the Outstanding Informational Series or Special category. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has also been individually recognized for his work bringing genealogical storytelling to mainstream television audiences.
More About Finding Your Roots
Explore additional details and official listings for the series on these trusted resources.