Ep 1. Hidden Kin

In the first episode of season 9 of Finding Your Roots, titled "Hidden Kin", host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the family histories of three celebrity guests: comedian Jim Gaffigan, journalist Soledad O'Brien, and political consultant Linda Chavez.

Each guest is presented with surprising revelations about their ancestry, as well as the opportunity to connect with living relatives they never knew existed.

Gaffigan discovers that his great-great-grandfather was a successful Irish immigrant who owned several businesses in Indiana. He also learns about the tragic death of his great-great-great-grandfather, who drowned in the Chicago River while trying to save a stranger's life.

O'Brien, who has always been proud of her Afro-Cuban heritage, learns that her Irish ancestors played a significant role in shaping her family's history. She is particularly moved by the story of her great-grandfather, who immigrated to the United States in search of a better life for his family.

Chavez, who has long been interested in her Mexican and Spanish ancestry, is thrilled to discover that she is also descended from Sephardic Jews who fled the Spanish Inquisition. She is surprised to learn that one of her ancestors was a famous opera singer who performed for Queen Victoria.

As Gates uncovers each guest's ancestral history, he also reveals the stories of their hidden kin - family members who were previously unknown to them. Through genealogical research and DNA testing, Gates is able to connect Gaffigan, O'Brien, and Chavez with living relatives in Ireland, Cuba, and New Mexico, respectively.

The episode also explores the broader themes of immigration, assimilation, and identity. Gates discusses the challenges that immigrants faced in the past, as well as the ways in which their descendants have integrated into American society while still preserving their cultural traditions.

Overall, "Hidden Kin" is a fascinating and heartwarming episode that showcases the power of genealogy to connect us with our past and present. Through the stories of Gaffigan, O'Brien, and Chavez, we see how the search for our roots can lead to unexpected discoveries and a deeper sense of identity.