Roots

1977 TV-14 9h 48m 8.4

A dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendants' liberation.

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.

Roots background

Episodes:

Episode 1 Part I

1. Part I

Aired: Jan 23, 1977

In 1750, in Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, disting...

Episode 2 Part II

2. Part II

Aired: Jan 24, 1977

Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyag...

Episode 3 Part III

3. Part III

Aired: Jan 25, 1977

In 1776, John Reynolds sells the now adult Kunta Kinte to his brother William...

Episode 4 Part IV

4. Part IV

Aired: Jan 26, 1977

By 1780, Kunta accepts his fate, settles down with Bell and they have a daugh...

Episode 5 Part V

5. Part V

Aired: Jan 27, 1977

In 1806, Kunta's teenage daughter Kizzy falls in love with a slave called Noa...

Episode 6 Part VI

6. Part VI

Aired: Jan 28, 1977

In 1824, Kizzy is allowed to visit the plantation of her previous owner, Dr. ...

Episode 7 Part VII

7. Part VII

Aired: Jan 29, 1977

In 1861, "Chicken George" returns home hoping to free his enslaved family.

Episode 8 Part VIII

8. Part VIII

Aired: Jan 30, 1977

The war is over, the Confederacy having surrendered, freeing the slaves. Mr. ...

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Info about Roots

Current Status: Ended

Network: ABC

Genres: Drama, War, History, Biography