The four-night miniseries is set to premiere on Memorial Day on A&E, Lifetime and History.
- Feb 12, 2016
AceShowbiz - The first trailer for History's "Roots" reboot has been released online. The revival of the classic TV miniseries will premiere on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, and will continue over four consecutive nights on A&E, Lifetime and History.
"Roots" is based on Alex Haley's 1976 book of the same name about a historical portrait of American slavery that recounts the journey of one family and their will to survive and ultimately carry on their legacy despite hardship.
The eight-hour event series stars Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose, Tip "T.I." Harris, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Matthew Goode, Mekhi Phifer, James Purefoy, Rege-Jean Page and Malachi Kirby.
Paul Buccieri, president of History and A&E, said in a statement, "Roots will allow new audiences to experience this epic family saga with a new vision that is both inspiring and tremendously entertaining. We are proud that History will be able to bring new life to this powerful story that remains as important today as it did when the original Roots first premiered."
Co-executive producer LeVar Burton, who starred as Kunta Kinte in the original 1977 series, added, "Nearly 40 years ago I had the privilege to be a part of an epic television event that started an important conversation in America. 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."
