Ep 6. Family: Lost and Found
- February 7, 2023
- 52 min
In Finding Your Roots season 9 episode 6, titled "Family: Lost and Found," host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes viewers on a journey as he helps uncover the family histories of three well-known guests: actor Tony Shalhoub, journalist Gretchen Carlson, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy.
The episode opens with Gates exploring the story of Tony Shalhoub's family, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in the early 20th century. Along the way, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of the Lebanese diaspora and learn about the challenges and triumphs Shalhoub's ancestors faced as they made their way in a new country.
Next, Gates turns his attention to Gretchen Carlson, who discovers a surprising link to the Swedish monarchs and learns about her family's deep roots in Minnesota. Along the way, Carlson reflects on the importance of uncovering one's family history and the ways it can help one feel a sense of connection to the past.
Finally, Jeff Foxworthy takes the stage as Gates helps him uncover the story of his family, including a surprising connection to the American Revolutionary War. Along the way, Foxworthy reflects on what it means to know one's family history and the ways in which it can offer insight into one's own sense of self.
Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to explore the travails and triumphs of each of these guests' families as they make their way through history, navigating obstacles and finding connection in the process. Along the way, Gates offers insight into the history of each guest's family and the ways in which events that happened generations ago can still shape our lives today.
By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sense of the power of family and the ways in which uncovering our own family histories can help us understand our place in the world. With its blend of history, genealogy, and storytelling, "Family: Lost and Found" is a must-see for anyone interested in the power of family and the complexities of navigating the past.