6.8
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Roots
1981·Show
Roots fingerprint
Relentless energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and brutally violent
- Tension9
- Violence9
- Spectacle5
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos10
- Family Dynamics10
- Melancholy9
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and brutally violent
Roots is nerve-racking and brutally violent.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational10Informative and instructive.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atGraphic violence bothers you
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Melvyn Solomons has a promising career in dentistry but he wants to pursue art school.
Epic Historical DramaAfrican American HistoryGenerational SagaResilience & SurvivalSocial Justice CommentaryHuman RightsPowerful PerformancesEmotional JourneyConfronting InjusticeCultural Landmark
Actors
Crew
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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?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 6.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Roots rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Roots have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes of about 30 minutes each.
Is Roots based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
When did Roots air?
S1
It ran from 1981 to 1981 and has ended.
What language is Roots in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.