Series synopsis
Roots is an American drama television series that premiered on ABC on January 23, 1977. It ended on January 30, 1977. It was created by Alex Haley. It stars LeVar Burton, Olivia Cole, Ben Vereen and Cicely Tyson.
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 mos ...
Premise
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.
Premise: The Saga of an American Family.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- LeVar Burton as Kunta Kinte
- Olivia Cole as Mathilda
- Ben Vereen as Chicken George Moore
- Cicely Tyson as Binta
- Louis Gossett Jr. as Fiddler
- Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Wrestler
- Chuck Connors as Tom Moore
- Carolyn Jones as Mrs. Moore
Supporting cast
- Leslie Uggams as Kizzy Reynolds
- O. J. Simpson as Kadi Touray
- Maya Angelou as Nyo Boto
- Moses Gunn as Kintango
- Thalmus Rasulala as Omoro
- Hari Rhodes as Brima Cesay
- William Watson as Gardner
- Ernest Lee Thomas as Kailuba
- Lorne Greene as John Reynolds
- Ralph Waite as Slater
- Lynda Day George as Mrs. Reynolds
- Paul Shenar as John Carrington
Guest cast
- Leslie Uggams as Kizzy Reynolds
- O. J. Simpson as Kadi Touray
- Maya Angelou as Nyo Boto
- Moses Gunn as Kintango
- Thalmus Rasulala as Omoro
- Hari Rhodes as Brima Cesay
- William Watson as Gardner
- Ernest Lee Thomas as Kailuba
- Lorne Greene as John Reynolds
- Ralph Waite as Slater
- Lynda Day George as Mrs. Reynolds
- Paul Shenar as John Carrington
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 16 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 8 | May 22, 2007 | |
| Season 1 | 8 | January 23, 1977 | January 30, 1977 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Phenomenon of Roots Author of "Roots" Alex Haley goes on a voyage to his ancestral home village in Africa and to the grave site of his relative Kunta Kinte in Virginia with LeVar Burton who portrayed Kinte in "Roots". Narrated by Louis Gossett, Jr. |
|
| 2 |
Crossing Over: How Roots Captivated an Entire Nation An examination of "Roots" impact on society in the 1970's from a modern perspective. |
May 22, 2007 |
| 3 |
Roots: One Year Later Hosted by Louis Gossett Jr. |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Part I In Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself 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. |
January 23, 1977 |
| 2 |
Part II Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indignity of an Annapolis slave auction. Fiddler, the slave in charge of Kunta's training, becomes his only friend, a friendship that's tested when Kunta plans his escape. |
January 24, 1977 |
| 3 |
Part III In 1776, a nation fights for freedom - but not for all. Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka "fighting man," Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes once more. |
January 25, 1977 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ABC |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 23, 1977 |
| Last aired | January 30, 1977 |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 20:00:00 |