TV series
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An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", chronicling the history of an African slave, Kunta Kinte sold to America and his descendants.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", chronicling the history of an African slave, Kunta Kinte sold to America and his descendants.
Cast, crew and production details
Malachi KirbyKunta Kinte
Jonathan Rhys MeyersTom Lea
Forest WhitakerFiddler
Laurence FishburneAlex Haley
Babs OlusanmokunOmoro Kinte
Kelvin Harrison Jr.Winslow
Emyri CrutchfieldTeen Miss Kizzy
Brett LapeyrouseWhite Man #3
HistoryUnited States
A+E StudiosUnited States
Will Packer ProductionsUnited StatesWatch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 1
In the river region of The Gambia in 1750, Omoro Kinte and his wife, Binta, give birth to a son, Kunta. Kunta is kidnapped in 1767 and sold to British slave traders. After arriving in Maryland, Virginia planter John Waller purchases Kunta.
Directed by Phillip NoyceWritten by Mark Rosenthal, Lawrence KonnerGuest stars Simona Brown, LeVar Burton, Colby Arps, Jared Bankens, Tony Caprari, Matthew Goode, James Purefoy, Roman L. Armstrong
Where to watch Roots
Episode 2
Redcoats attempt to persuade slaves to run away and join the English army. Kunta escapes but slave catchers apprehend him and amputate half of his foot to ensure he never runs off again. John Waller sells Kunta to his younger brother, William.
Directed by Mario Van PeeblesWritten by Alison McDonaldGuest stars Emyri Crutchfield, Matthew Goode, James Purefoy, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Roman L. Armstrong, Genevieve Hannelius, Saniyya Sidney, Chris Obi
Where to watch Roots
Episode 3
George becomes an accomplished trainer of gamecocks and earns the nickname of Chicken George. George marries Matilda, a preacher's daughter, and fathers many children. Tom Lea loses a wager with an Englishman and sells George to save his farm.
Directed by Thomas CarterWritten by Charles MurrayGuest stars Brett Lapeyrouse, Anika Noni Rose, Shannon Lucio, Erica Tazel, Maile Zox, Holly Bonney, Jaylin Ogle, David Shiflett
Where to watch Roots
Episode 4
Chicken George returns to the Lea farm after 20 years. George's son, Tom, nurses a grudge against his father. George and Cyrus join the Memphis Colored Battery. Tom returns home after the war to embark on a new life with his family.
Directed by Bruce BeresfordWritten by Mark Rosenthal, Lawrence KonnerGuest stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Renell Gibbs, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Anika Noni Rose, Anna Paquin, Mekhi Phifer, T.I., Carlacia Grant
Where to watch RootsEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
