TV series
The Saga of an American Family.
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 5, 2026
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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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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.
Guest stars LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, Ji-Tu Cumbuka, O. J. Simpson, Maya Angelou, Moses Gunn, Thalmus Rasulala, Hari Rhodes
Episode 2
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.
Guest stars LeVar Burton, Louis Gossett Jr., Ji-Tu Cumbuka, Lorne Greene, Ralph Waite, Lynda Day George, Paul Shenar, Tina Andrews
Episode 3
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.
Guest stars Louis Gossett Jr., Lorne Greene, Lynda Day George, Tanya Boyd, Thayer David, Ed Asner, Lee de Broux, Allen Williams
Episode 4
After Genelva's nighttime dalliance with Junta deflects suspicion so she can flee with her lover, Kunta forms a romantic attachment to the worldly-wise Bell, whom he marries.
Guest stars Leslie Uggams, Louis Gossett Jr., Lynda Day George, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Raymond St. Jacques, Tanya Boyd, Thayer David, John Amos
Episode 5
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Guest stars Chuck Connors, Sandy Duncan, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, John Schuck, Brion James, Richard Farnsworth, Leslie Uggams, John Amos
Episode 6
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Guest stars Olivia Cole, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Chuck Connors, Carolyn Jones, Sandy Duncan, Richard Roundtree, Macdonald Carey
Episode 7
Chicken George returns to North Carolina to find his sons have married and started families - and to learn about a state law that says his status as a free man is forfeited if he stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
Guest stars Olivia Cole, Ben Vereen, Lloyd Bridges, Georg Stanford Brown, Brad Davis, Hilly Hicks, Lynne Moody, Richard McKenzie
Episode 8
The Civil War is over but night riders terrorize ex-slaves. By marking his clients' horseshoes, Tom identifies the raiders but endangers his own life. Chicken George, who fought for the Union, rejoins his family. He leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
Guest stars Olivia Cole, Ben Vereen, Macon McCalman, Robert Phalen, Wayne Heffley, Charles Cyphers, Lloyd Bridges, Georg Stanford Brown
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
LeVar BurtonKunta Kinte
Olivia ColeMathilda
Ben VereenChicken George Moore
Louis Gossett Jr.Fiddler
Ji-Tu CumbukaWrestler
Chuck ConnorsTom Moore
Leslie UggamsKizzy Reynolds
Lorne GreeneJohn Reynolds
ABCUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States
