Watch Roots: The Complete Miniseries

Roots: The Complete Miniseries from Warner Bros. is a historical drama television miniseries that first aired in 1977. The show is an adaptation of the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley. The miniseries tells the story of Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), an African man who is captured and sold into slavery in the United States.

The story begins in Gambia, West Africa in the 1760s, where Kunta Kinte is born into a Mandinka tribe. Kunta is captured by slave traders and taken to the United States, where he is sold to a plantation owner in Virginia. Over the course of the show, Kunta experiences the harsh realities of slavery, including brutal punishment, forced labor, and the separation of families.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Kunta maintains his strong spirit and identity as an African man. He inspires hope and resilience in his fellow slaves, and teaches them about their cultural heritage and history. Kunta's legacy continues through his daughter Kizzy (Leslie Uggams), who is also sold into slavery and faces her own challenges as a black woman in the United States.

The show spans several generations of Kunta's family, following their stories through the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. The show depicts the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.

The cast of Roots: The Complete Miniseries includes several notable actors, including Robert Reed, John Amos, and Ben Vereen. Robert Reed plays Dr. William Reynolds, a white plantation owner who struggles with his conscience over the treatment of his slaves. John Amos plays Kunta Kinte's father, Omoro, who teaches his son about their African heritage and traditions.

The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of slavery and its impact on African American culture. It was one of the first depictions of slavery on mainstream television, and it brought attention to the issue of racism in the United States. The show won numerous awards, including nine Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Roots: The Complete Miniseries has become a cultural touchstone and an important work of historical fiction. It continues to resonate with audiences today, as the United States continues to grapple with issues of race and inequality.

Overall, Roots: The Complete Miniseries is a powerful and moving portrayal of the legacy of slavery in the United States. Through its depiction of Kunta Kinte and his family, the show shines a light on the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. It is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, African American culture, or the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world.

Roots: The Complete Miniseries is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 23, 1977 and on Warner Bros.