Roots
“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.
Where to watch Roots in United States
Can I watch Roots in United States? Roots isn't on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Roots there. Availability last verified on October 20, 2026.
Where is Roots streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store |
| South Korea | Watcha | — |
About Roots
Roots is a 1977 English-language drama series created by Alex Haley. The cast is led by John Amos, Olivia Cole, Ben Vereen. It spans 1 season and 8 episodes and has concluded. Viewers rate it 7.4/10 across 300 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Roots was produced by David L. Wolper Productions and Warner Bros. Television. It was first aired on January 23, 1977, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman
- Created by
- Alex Haley
- Writers
- Alex Haley, James Lee, William Blinn
- First aired
- January 23, 1977
- Last aired
- January 30, 1977
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 (8 episodes)
- Network
- ABC
- Production
- David L. Wolper Productions, Warner Bros. Television
Roots cast & crew
Roots was created by Alex Haley and written by Alex Haley, James Lee, and William Blinn.
The cast features John Amos as Older Kunta Kinte, Olivia Cole as Mathilda Moore, Ben Vereen as Chicken Joe Moore, and Madge Sinclair as Belle Reynolds.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Gerald Fried.
Is Roots worth watching?
Roots holds an audience score of 7.4/10 from 253 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama series.
With 1 season and 8 episodes, it's a quick, bingeable run.
If you enjoy drama, Roots is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Roots
Roots isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Roots
John Amos
Older Kunta Kinte
Olivia Cole
Mathilda Moore
Ben Vereen
Chicken Joe Moore
Madge Sinclair
Belle Reynolds
Roots — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Roots in United States?
Roots is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home.
▸What language is Roots in?
Roots is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How many seasons of Roots are there?
Roots has 1 season with 8 episodes in total.
▸What is Roots rated?
Roots is rated NR. It holds a 7.4/10 audience score from 253 ratings.
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