Roots (2016)

:

Season 1
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 60
  3. Negative: 18 out of 60
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User Reviews

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  1. Thirdrail
    Jun 7, 2016
    5
    The first episode of this new Roots is so good, it does not at all prepare you for the drastic plunge in quality level which sets in with the second and subsequent episodes. Once it goes bad, it just gets sillier and sillier and sillier, to the point where you feel guilty for even being in the same room with it. It's like watching the story of slavery, as told by the writers of Dawson's Creek.
  2. fiesta9
    Jun 5, 2016
    6
    Not bad but if you must chose between remake or original pick original. original had better actors and a deeper story.Not bad but if you must chose between remake or original pick original. original had better actors and a deeper story. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx… Expand
  3. trmor1
    Feb 20, 2017
    5
    The first episode, compelling and wholly drew me in, Malachi Kirby (Kunta Kinte) is outstanding, couldn't wait for the second, what happened!?! shouldn't have bothered, its like someone turned on a tap and completely watered it down. The last two episodes haven't aired here yet, fingers crossed they are as good as the first ep.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best TV Season of 2016
90
#90 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
61
#61 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Brian P. Kelly
    May 31, 2016
    80
    This is a more intimate series, with extended looks at the personal relationships of the characters (the connection between Kizzy and her master’s niece, who grew up together, is just one example). It’s also a gorier series—yes, showing all the abuse put to slaves, but also showing many of the perpetrators of that violence getting their comeuppance. Added to flashbacks and spiritually charged dreams, this lends the show an occasional shade of magical realism.
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  2. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Chuck Barney
    May 31, 2016
    88
    Told with style and assurance, this "Roots" revival is packed with credible performances, including Anika Noni Rose's terrific portrayal of Kunta's daughter, Kizzy in her older years, and Rege-Jean Page's charismatic turn as her son, Chicken George.
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  3. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    May 31, 2016
    80
    It’s a magnetic production, one that’s filled with precious performances that sparkle.
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