8.3/10435 votesLoading...#1 - Part I
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/23/1977
In Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself in manhood training rituals. But he does not enjoy his new status long: slave traders sweeping the countryside seize him. Chained with other captives, Kunta begins an agonized odyssey to the New World.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10366 votesLoading...#2 - Part II
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/24/1977
Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indignity of an Annapolis slave auction. Fiddler, the slave in charge of Kunta's training, becomes his only friend, a friendship that's tested when Kunta plans his escape.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10327 votesLoading...#3 - Part IV
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/26/1977
After Genelva's nighttime dalliance with Junta deflects suspicion so she can flee with her lover, Kunta forms a romantic attachment to the worldly-wise Bell, whom he marries.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10287 votesLoading...#4 - Part VIII
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 1/30/1977
The Civil War is over but night riders terrorize ex-slaves. By marking his clients' horseshoes, Tom identifies the raiders but endangers his own life. Chicken George, who fought for the Union, rejoins his family. He leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/10332 votesLoading...#5 - Part III
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/25/1977
In 1776, a nation fights for freedom - but not for all. Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka "fighting man," Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes once more.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/10281 votesLoading...#6 - Part VII
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 1/29/1977
Chicken George returns to North Carolina to find his sons have married and started families - and to learn about a state law that says his status as a free man is forfeited if he stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.9/10302 votesLoading...#7 - Part V
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 1/27/1977
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.9/10304 votesLoading...#8 - Part VI
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 1/28/1977
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Roots
Every episode of Roots ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Roots!
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...
Genre:Drama
Network:ABC
Best Episodes Summary
"Part I" is the best rated episode of "Roots". It scored 8.3/10 based on 435 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 1/23/1977. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Part II".