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. damcoole
    Jun 10, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I went into this hoping for something great. It was very good, with a lot of emphasis on parts that the original didn't get into. I felt that it really got into Kunta's emotional state and how it affected him more than the original version. He seemed less childlike than the 1977 version. I appreciated the updated changes to the Mandinka tribe before he was captured, which apparently is more accurate due to facts discovered after Haley wrote the original story.

    All in all, it was a very good story, albeit quite a bit different in feel than with the original 1977 version. There was some impact missing from it that I felt, like everything felt too over dramatic. The 1977 version definitely felt more raw and real to me. Especially scenes like when Bell is begging Master Waller to not sell Kizzy. That scene alone is a perfect example of how different the two versions are. Re-watching it today compared to how it played out in the 2016 version still blows me away.

    The ending with Laurence Fishburne as Alex Haley was a bit heavy handed and questionable. The effects they used and the acting just felt out of place and really ended it on a low note. The message was good, but the execution was poor.

    All in all, I would recommend watching it - but if you haven't seen the original, do yourself a favor and watch it afterwards. The impact of slavery is a piece of history we need to never forget, and to learn from... and both versions made an impact on me.    … Expand
  2. cylixdemas
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    Roots is a very well developed remake on the classic series. The opening episode reveals great performances by an inspiring cast. You generally feel very engaged with main character - and the supporting cast does bring some intrigue. The production quality and cinematography were excellent. This could be the show to bring relevance back to the History Channel.
  3. Gaylene
    Jun 12, 2016
    10
    This was an excellent remake!!!! Much more authentic and realistic from the first. Can't wait to buy this new series!!!! The acting was magnificent...WELL DONE!!!!!!
  4. Bamaabby
    Jun 28, 2016
    9
    I am very fortunate to have seen the original Roots and Roots 2016.In 1977 I was a young woman of 26
    and shocked to see how cruel slavery was. Although my great grandfather had been born in slave times
    do not know if he were free or slave. I did not get a chance to meet him. The only thing I knew about slavery was what history books said. Many hurt feelings arose in me. Watching    I am very fortunate to have seen the original Roots and Roots 2016.In 1977 I was a young woman of 26
    and shocked to see how cruel slavery was. Although my great grandfather had been born in slave times
    do not know if he were free or slave. I did not get a chance to meet him. The only thing I knew about slavery was what history books said. Many hurt feelings arose in me.

    Watching Roots 2016 portrayed one family's will to survive and survive they did. I can identify with that. I know what it's like to be a single parent like Kizzie.. Although my circumstances were not as extreme I had to struggle in the times we live in.

    Great cast and a an outstanding portrayal of the early struggle of an African-American family !    … Expand
  5. RatedRex
    Jul 1, 2016
    8
    I think some of these poor ratings are from people who never even watched the show. They are just giving low ratings to deter you from watching it. "Roots" is not quite as dramatic, or as good, as the original series, but it does have some very good moments, and even a few great moments. It gets a little bogged down will melodrama from time to time. However it is a worthy of your time.I think some of these poor ratings are from people who never even watched the show. They are just giving low ratings to deter you from watching it. "Roots" is not quite as dramatic, or as good, as the original series, but it does have some very good moments, and even a few great moments. It gets a little bogged down will melodrama from time to time. However it is a worthy of your time. Some of the performances are outstanding.… Expand
  6. jeeta
    Mar 29, 2017
    10
    Amazing re-make. Must watch for every human being. Some seriously insulted white people here marking the show down without even watching it. Urge all to watch.

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.
    Read full review
  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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