Roots (1977)
The groundbreaking ABC miniseries that brought Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning family saga to life and changed American television forever.
Roots - Series Information
- Original Title: Roots
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: Alex Haley
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 68 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 23, 1977 (United States - NR), January 23, 1977 (United Kingdom - PG), January 23, 1977 (Germany - 16), January 23, 1977 (France - NR), January 23, 1977 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Korzenie (PL), Racines (FR), Radici (IT), Roots (US)
- Production Companies: David L. Wolper Productions, Warner Bros. Television
Roots - Plot
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.
Roots - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the scope of this landmark miniseries:
The Saga of an American Family.
Where to Watch Roots
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Roots - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Alex Haley
Main Cast
- Robert Reed
- Olivia Cole
- Ben Vereen
- Louis Gossett Jr.
- Leslie Uggams
- Lynda Day George
- John Amos
- Madge Sinclair
- LeVar Burton
- Ji-Tu Cumbuka
Writers
- James Lee
- Ernest Kinoy
- William Blinn
- M. Charles Cohen
- Alex Haley
Roots - FAQs
Is Roots based on a true story?
Roots is based on Alex Haley's 1976 bestseller, which traces his own family lineage from an 18th-century Gambian ancestor named Kunta Kinte through generations of slavery to freedom. While Haley conducted extensive genealogical research, some details were later disputed by historians, though the series' emotional and historical core remains deeply rooted in documented African American experience.
How many Emmy Awards did Roots win?
Roots won 9 Emmy Awards following its 1977 broadcast, a remarkable achievement for any television production. It also took home a Golden Globe Award and a Peabody Award, cementing its place as one of the most decorated and culturally significant miniseries in television history.
Is Roots still the most watched miniseries ever?
Roots remains the most watched miniseries in U.S. television history. Its 1977 broadcast on ABC drew an estimated 130 million viewers across its eight episodes — a staggering figure that has never been surpassed by any other miniseries. The finale alone attracted around 100 million viewers, a record-breaking audience for its time.
Who are the main actors in Roots?
The ensemble cast includes LeVar Burton as the young Kunta Kinte, John Amos as the adult Kunta Kinte, Ben Vereen as Chicken George, Louis Gossett Jr. as Fiddler, Leslie Uggams as Kizzy, Olivia Cole as Mathilda, Madge Sinclair as Bell, and Robert Reed as Dr. William Reynolds, among many others.
Where can I watch Roots (1977)?
Roots (1977) is available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. For the most up-to-date streaming availability in your region, check JustWatch, which tracks all current viewing options across platforms.
What is Roots (1977) about?
Roots follows the journey of Kunta Kinte, a young man captured in Gambia in the mid-1700s and sold into American slavery, and traces his descendants across generations through the Civil War era. Based on Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, it's a sweeping chronicle of resilience, identity, and the African American experience.
When did Roots first air on television?
Roots premiered on January 23, 1977, on ABC. The network made the bold decision to air all eight episodes on consecutive nights, a format that was unusual at the time. The gamble paid off spectacularly, as audiences tuned in night after night in record-breaking numbers.
Is there a modern remake of Roots available?
A reimagined version of Roots was produced in 2016, airing on History Channel, A&E, and Lifetime. That four-part miniseries retold the story with a new cast and updated production values. Both versions are considered essential viewing, though the 1977 original remains the definitive cultural landmark.
More About Roots
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