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Trailer+1 trailer

Roots

2016Show1 season4 episodesNR

Action & AdventureDrama
80
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.9Metacritic836.1Rotten Tomatoes96%75%
80
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.9Metacritic836.1Rotten Tomatoes96%75%

Summary

An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", chronicling the history of an African slave, Kunta Kinte sold to America and his descendants.

Good for

  • Date night
  • Family movie night
  • Friends night

Skip it if

  • You want fast pacing
  • You want to half-watch while scrolling
  • Graphic violence bothers you

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

Shows with

Roots episodes

1 season · 4 episodes

  1. S1 E1 Part 1, 7.9
  2. S1 E2 Part 2, 8.0
  3. S1 E3 Part 3, 8.1
  4. S1 E4 Part 4, 7.8

Cast

24 of 35 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
Mario Van Peebles, Thomas Carter, Bruce Beresford
Written by
Alex Haley
Produced by
Alissa M. Kantrow, Ann Kindberg
Music by
Alex Heffes, Philip Miller

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 30, 2016 · June 2, 2016 · Ended

First aired
May 30, 2016
Last aired
June 2, 2016
Status
Ended
Length
1 season · 4 episodes
Age rating
NR
Content
Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure
Original language
English
Made in
United States, Brazil, Estonia
Available in
9 countries
Keywords
based on novel or book

Tropes

2 + Torture = 5, Rape as Drama, Establishing Character Moment +9

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream Roots?"

Questions about Roots

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Roots?

PrimeTubi TV

In the United States, Roots streams on Prime, and it is free with ads on Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 4 other countries.

Is Roots worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 83). Critics rate it higher (90 out of 100) than audiences (72).

Is Roots okay for kids?

NRViolenceNudityStrong languageDisturbing imagery

Yes: it's rated NR in the United States for violence, nudity, strong language, and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

How long does it take to watch Roots?

6 h

About 6 hours: 4 episodes in 1 season of about 90 minutes each, aired from 2016 to 2016.

Is Roots plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

What tropes does Roots use?

2 + Torture = 5Rape as DramaEstablishing Character MomentHope SpotThe BlacksmithWe Used to Be FriendsI Die FreeInternalized CategorismToken MinorityPatricidePrison RiotCalling the Old Man Outand 74 more

TV Tropes lists 86 tropes for it, including 2 + Torture = 5, Rape as Drama, and Establishing Character Moment.