Name: Roots: The Complete Miniseries
Released: 1977-01-23T16:00:00.000Z
Cast: LeVar Burton, Ed Asner, Georg Stanford Brown

TV Show · Drama · History

Based on Alex Haley's family history. Kunta Kinte is sold into the slave trade after being abducted from his African village, and is taken to the United States. Kinte and his family observe notable events in American history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings and emancipation.

1977 · 1h 36m

Starring LeVar Burton, Ed Asner, Georg Stanford Brown

Director Gilbert Moses, John Erman

EPISODE 1

Episode 1

Kunta Kinte, born in Gambia, West Africa, is kidnapped by invading foreigners while on the way back from his ritual manhood training and transferred to a ship bound for America.

1h 30 min
EPISODE 2

Episode 2

After three months, Kunta is put up for auction; he goes to the Reynolds plantation in Spotsylvania, Va., where he is befriended by Fiddler, the American.

1h 29 min
EPISODE 3

Episode 3

Finding strength in his memories as a Mandinka warrior, Kunta (Toby) escapes. He gets recaptured, but Belle, the family cook, sets out to raise his spirits.

45 min
EPISODE 4

Episode 4

Kunta happily marries Belle, and his long-time friend Fiddler dies. Kunta considers an escape with Belle, but the birth of a daughter changes his mind.

47 min
EPISODE 5

Episode 5

Kizzy, who can read and write, is forced to reveal her role in helping Noah escape; Kizzy is sold to tom Moore.

47 min
EPISODE 6

Episode 6

Kizzy's son has earned the name "Chicken George" for his skill in cock-fighting; after a loss George is sent to England to pay off a debt.

1h 30 min