8.4
Where can I stream Roots legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Roots
1977·Show
Roots fingerprint
High energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Spectacle7
- Violence7
Heart
Nostalgic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Nostalgia10
- Pathos9
- Catharsis9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
World
History, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Roots is tense, spectacular, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighNostalgic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, deeply moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The Saga of an American Family.
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.
SlaveryHistorical DramaAmerican HistoryFamily SagaSocial CommentaryEmmy WinnerBiographicalIntenseImportantPoignant
Actors
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Roots
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Roots worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 8.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 77%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Roots rated?
NRViolenceNudityDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Roots have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 8 episodes of about 90 minutes each.
Is Roots based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Roots?
Critics77
Audiences76
Yes. Critics average 77 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see Roots much the same way.
When did Roots air?
S1
It ran from 1977 to 1977 and has ended.
What language is Roots in?
English
It was made in English.
In how many countries can I watch Roots?
9
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Roots in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Roots use?
Genre DeconstructionBut Not Too WhiteBig Guy Fatality SyndromeSpared by the AdaptationTime SkipEven Evil Has StandardsFamous Ancestor2 + Torture = 5Named After Somebody FamousNo Historical Figures Were HarmedI Die Free"Not So Different" Remarkand 77 more
TV Tropes lists 89 storytelling tropes for Roots, including Genre Deconstruction, But Not Too White, Big Guy Fatality Syndrome.