Name: Roots
Released: 2016-05-30T19:13:48.000Z
Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Malachi Kirby, Forest Whitaker

TV Show · Drama · History

A dramatic depiction of American slavery spanning the lives of author Alex Haley's ancestors as they face tragedies and triumphs while being caught up in slave uprisings, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and emancipation.

2016 · 1h 38m

Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Malachi Kirby, Forest Whitaker

Director Mario Van Peebles, Thomas Carter

EPISODE 101

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.

1h 38m
EPISODE 102

Series 1 Ep 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.

1h 36m
EPISODE 103

Series 1 Ep 3

George becomes an accomplished trainer of gamecocks and earns the nickname `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.

1h 44m
EPISODE 104

Series 1 Ep 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.

1h 28m