Show cover for Roots

The Best Episodes of Roots

Every episode of Roots ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Roots!

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

Genres:DramaAction & Adventure
Network:History

Top Episode Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Roots" is "Part 3", rated 8.1/10 from 393 user votes. It was directed by Thomas Carter and written by N/A. "Part 3" aired on 6/1/2016 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Part 2".

  • Part 3
    8.1/10 393 votes

    #1 - Part 3

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 6/1/2016

    George becomes an accomplished trainer of gamecocks and earns the nickname of Chicken George. George marries Matilda, a preacher's daughter, and fathers many children. Tom Lea loses a wager with an Englishman and sells George to save his farm.

    Director: Thomas Carter

    Writer: N/A

  • Part 2
    8.0/10 438 votes

    #2 - Part 2

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 5/31/2016

    Redcoats attempt to persuade slaves to run away and join the English army. Kunta escapes but slave catchers apprehend him and amputate half of his foot to ensure he never runs off again. John Waller sells Kunta to his younger brother, William.

    Director: Mario Van Peebles

    Writer: N/A

  • Part 1
    7.9/10 536 votes

    #3 - Part 1

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 5/30/2016

    In the river region of The Gambia in 1750, Omoro Kinte and his wife, Binta, give birth to a son, Kunta. Kunta is kidnapped in 1767 and sold to British slave traders. After arriving in Maryland, Virginia planter John Waller purchases Kunta.

    Director: Phillip Noyce

    Writer: N/A

  • Part 4
    7.8/10 382 votes

    #4 - Part 4

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 6/2/2016

    Chicken George returns to the Lea farm after 20 years. George's son, Tom, nurses a grudge against his father. George and Cyrus join the Memphis Colored Battery. Tom returns home after the war to embark on a new life with his family.

    Director: Bruce Beresford

    Writer: N/A