ROOTS is a historical portrait that recounts one family’s struggle to resist the institution of American slavery, as they carry on the legacy of Kunta Kinte despite enormous hardship and inhumanity. Based on Alex Haley’s best-selling novel.
EPISODE 101
Part 1
In 1750 in the river region of The Gambia in West Africa, Omoro Kinte and his wife, Binta, have their first child, a son named Kunta. Kunta is trained in Mandinka customs and is a dedicated student who dreams of traveling to the university.
EPISODE 102
Part 2
In 1775, Kunta is working on the Waller farm when he meets English Redcoats encouraging slaves to run away and join the English army. The slaves are promised freedom if they fight for King George.
EPISODE 103
Part 3
As George grows to manhood, he exhibits traits of both parents. Like Tom Lea, he loves cockfighting and carousing; an accomplished trainer of gamecocks, he earns the nickname "Chicken George."
EPISODE 104
Part 4
After more than 20 years in England, Chicken George is given his freedom and he returns to the Lea farm. In his absence, his family was sold off to North Carolina, where he tracks them down.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Malachi Kirby
Forest Whitaker
Emayatzy Corinealdi
Laurence Fishburne
Matthew Goode
Anna Paquin
Mekhi Phifer
James Purefoy
Regé-Jean Page
T.I.
