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The Best Episodes of Roots

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

Binge this in 9h 45m•Peaking at 8.3/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Roots Season 1 Episode 1 - Part I
    8.3/10(483 votes)

    #1 - Part I

    S1:E1

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Roots Season 1 Episode 2 - Part II
    8.3/10(407 votes)

    #2 - Part II

    S1:E2

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Roots Season 1 Episode 4 - Part IV
    8.1/10(366 votes)

    #3 - Part IV

    S1:E4

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Roots Season 1 Episode 7 - Part VII
    8.1/10(318 votes)

    #4 - Part VII

    S1:E7

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Roots Season 1 Episode 8 - Part VIII
    8.1/10(325 votes)

    #5 - Part VIII

    S1:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Roots Season 1 Episode 3 - Part III
    8.0/10(371 votes)

    #6 - Part III

    S1:E3

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Roots

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  7. Roots Season 1 Episode 6 - Part VI
    8.0/10(340 votes)

    #7 - Part VI

    S1:E6

    Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Roots Season 1 Episode 5 - Part V
    7.9/10(339 votes)

    #8 - Part V

    S1:E5

    The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Part I" is the best rated episode of "Roots". It scored 8.3/10 based on 483 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/23/1977. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Part II".