← Back to explore

Roots

1977 · Miniseries · NR · 90 min · ★ 7.4

Drama

The epic tale of celebrated Pulitzer-prize winning author Alex Haley's ancestors as portrayed in the acclaimed twelve hour mini-series Roots, was first told in his 1976 bestseller Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The docu-drama covers a period of history that begins in mid-1700s Gambia, West Africa and concludes during post-Civil War United States, over 100 years later. This 1977 miniseries eventually won 9 Emmy awards, a Golden Globe award, and a Peabody award, and still stands as the most watched miniseries in U.S. history.

Based on Roots: The Saga of an American Family

IMDb

Where to watch

Not currently available to stream in the US.

10 hours to watch · 8 episodes.

Buy

Apple TV+HD
Buy →
Amazon Prime Video
Buy →

Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.

unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.

More value for your money

Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.

Details
Years
1977
Release date
1977-01-23
Language
English
Rated
NR
Runtime
90 min
TMDB rating
7.4/10 (241 votes)

Themes

  • africa
  • slavery
  • plantation
  • family history
  • miniseries
  • historical drama
  • captivity
  • genealogy

Awards & recognition

  • Directors Guild of America Award — Outstanding Directing – Drama Series · 1977
  • Peabody Awards · 1977
  • Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Limited Miniseries · 1977
  • Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) · 1977

Cast & crew

Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman, Gilbert Moses +1 more

Episodes1 season · 8 episodes

Season 18 episodes
  • S1E1Part I97m
  • S1E2Part II97m
  • S1E3Part III91m
  • S1E4Part IV51m
  • S1E5Part V51m
  • S1E6Part VI51m
  • S1E7Part VII51m
  • S1E8Part VIII96m