First Look: Official Trailer History Channel 'ROOTS' Remake

February 17, 2016

Roots History Channel remake


The History Channel released the first official trailer for its adaptation of Roots. Roots first aired as a miniseries in 1977 which captured America and created a space in which many felt comfortable engaging in dialogue about racial, political, social and cultural issues that were part of the history of America, the narrative of African American people, and also relevant to then present day.

LeVar Burton, star of the original Roots miniseries and co-executive producer of the remake of this captivating story, said, "Nearly 40 years ago I had the privilege to be a part of an epic television event that started an important conversation in America," according to History.com. The story told in Roots is as relevant today as it was in the 1970's. Burton further commented, "I am incredibly proud to be a part of this new retelling and start the dialogue again, at a time when it is needed more than ever.




"Roots" is based on Alex Haley's seminal book, Roots: The Saga of an American Family, in which he traces his lineage through the telling of the story of how his family came to be in America, with a particular focus on the life of Kunta Kinte. Haley's story is representative of the story and heritage of many African Americans to some extent.

I have a very personal connection to Roots. My name is Kizzy. I have always loved my name along with the meaning and history behind it. Names have power. When I introduce myself to people I meet, they often respond in one of two ways: 1. Is that short for something? Or 2. That's such a cute name. I usually smile and think to myself; I guess you've never read or watched Roots.

I hope that some of those people and you will tune in to watch the History Channel remake of Roots. The series stars Brittish actor Malachi Kirby (Doctor Who, Jekyll & Hyde) as Kunta Kinte, Anika Noni Rose (Power) as Kizzy, Regé-Jean Page (Waterloo Road) as Chicken George, and Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish, Hannibal) as author Alex Haley. Roots is executively produced by Will Packer and also stars Forest Whitaker, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anna Paquin, Emayatzy Corinealdi, and Mathew Goode.

Take a peek at the upcoming retelling of Roots with the trailer below.






HISTORY will premiere its retelling of Roots beginning on 30 May 2016, Memorial Day. The eight-hour miniseries event will air over four consecutive nights and will simulcast on A&E and Lifetime, in addition to HISTORY.

Photo credit: A+E Studios


Will you tune in to watch ROOTS? Did you watch the original miniseries or read the book? Let us know in the comments.

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1 comments

  1. i had no idea they were doing a remake, so thanks for the info.

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