Episode Hive Logo
Show cover for Roots

The Worst Episodes of Roots

Every episode of Roots ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst 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 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.

Genre:Drama
Network:ABC

Lowest Rated Episodes Summary

The worst episode of "Roots" is "Part V", rated 7.9/10 from 297 user votes. It was directed by N/A and written by N/A. "Part V" aired on 1/27/1977 and is rated 0.0 point(s) lower than the second lowest rated, "Part VI".

  • Part V
    7.9/10 297 votes

    #1 - 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

  • Part VI
    7.9/10 300 votes

    #2 - 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

  • Part III
    8.0/10 325 votes

    #3 - 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

  • Part VII
    8.0/10 277 votes

    #4 - 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

  • Part IV
    8.1/10 323 votes

    #5 - 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

  • Part VIII
    8.1/10 282 votes

    #6 - 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

  • Part I
    8.3/10 428 votes

    #7 - 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

  • Part II
    8.3/10 360 votes

    #8 - 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