'Finding Your Roots' host reveals his list of dream guests

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. joins TODAY to talk about season 10 of the hit PBS series “Finding Your Roots.” He shares what to expect this season, his most memorable moments from the last decade and reveals who he'd like to have on the show - including Al Roker!
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#findingyourroots #pbs #television

[@niechellejeffery7246]

Dr Gates is a national treasure 😊

[@DickNasty480]

No, he is not.

[@nanasewdear]

He really is!

[@skipfluck4299]

Ease your White guilt.

[@UPB78]

And if the 3rd installment ever gets made (which i doubt at this point) he should be part of it 😃

[@305mom7]

Dr. Gates, Jr. has the temperment to deliver shocking family history.

[@348Tobico]

And he makes sure you are happy about it, no matter how awful the news is.

[@reedykat30]

I adore this show. Congrats on 10 season.

[@dianemanson7756]

I agree that "average" people should be included & regularly - not once in awhile. A great show I try not to miss. Congratulations on 10 seasons.

[@barb572000]

My 16 yr old grandson and I watch Finding Your Roots every week together. We love that show and it always sparks conversation about "our past"...

[@seasont276]

I so love that you have gifted your grandson with this amazing show & the quality time you share with him! 💜

[@cherylalt101]

I'm sure your grandson will appreciate the time and the family knowledge you are giving to him for the rest of his life. It truly is a gift. So many of us don't realize until it's too late and our relatives are gone the opportunity we missed. When we're young, we often aren't interested in our family histories, but you and your grandson are both very lucky to have this time together. Thanks for sharing with us. It's heartwarming to hear!

[@laman8914]

This show has opened the eyas of many to become aware that knowledge about ancestors is knowing about ourselves as time progressed. It creates this inner bond that feels like a never ending chain of memories, recognition, belonging and identity.

[@reneemarie1203]

Al Roker is one of the best dressed men on TV, but Dr. Gates is impeccable - especially with his walking stick!

[@teenchy]

His suits are always on point.

[@lisanester3338]

Oh boy. I wish I had known about you opening this up to the public. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to try for a spot. Hats off to Dr. Gates for ten wonderful, informative and inspiring years. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@etherealtb6021]

I saw it and told my friend to apply, but she put it off too long and wasn't chosen. Lol.

[@nanfrostsfashionfocusstyle6250]

I love watching and listening to Dr. Gates. Because of him, I just found a first cousin 2X removed who was on the USS Pennsylvania on the day of Pearl Harbor. He survived. The point is, Dr. Gates work inspires the average, regular people like me, to explore our pasts and finding our roots.

[@soundgal_sine_qua_non]

I adore Finding Your Roots.

[@livinginthenow]

I love his show, as well as his enthusiasm for history and genealogy.

[@jadeh2699]

I love Dr. Gates' show and I am so happy to hear that there will be non-celebrities highlighted! Can't wait!

[@livieperfetto7280]

Dr.Gates is so engaging and passionate about what he does💕

[@lissamk3990]

One thing about this show is that it's presentation is doable for average people. Now, of course, some situations/trees are easier to navigate than others, but many people can find the names, the records, even some photos and put together their own little book similar to the ones presented in each of these episodes. While I love watching Who Do You Think You Are, and seeing the guests travel the world, traveling to multiple places where your ancestors lived is not doable for a lot of people, either due to finances, health, areas that are now considered problematic to travel to, other responsibilities, etc. So Finding Your Roots definitely showcases family history in a way that may be more achievable for a larger number of people.

[@alexbenson245]

I love this man! He is such a gift to the entire world. Bless you Dr. Gates

[@veronicaferguson8548]

I love Dr.Gates! He is a man among men.True national treasure

[@ric7044]

I know a lot of people criticize scientists and intellectuals that show up in general media too often, saying that they just want the attention etc. But that's the way that you open the doors and show people that science and information are not that far away, that everyone can reach out and be better informed. I'd love to have more people like Dr. Gates, Bill Nye, Neil D. Tyson and even the Mythbusters guys out there, just breaking walls and showing people that knowledge is a good thing and when you don't have information all you have is the word of your buddy or someone you heard of, and you will never know if they are lying to your face. We need more knowledge and more information as a country

[@jacquelineperry8515]

We need more men like this man a great American

[@brkaz5864]

I adore Dr Gates. Congratulations on 10 seasons and hope many more.

[@goeshen4359]

I love his work and him. He is just such a beautiful soul.

[@melissaford717]

This is one of my favorite shows on TV. And you don't need cable to watch it either. Happy New Year to all, and happy watching this season 😀

[@maryzambrana7141]

I am happily obsessed with his show and the other people who delve into the history of noted people. Thank you all for enlightening us all 😊

[@sarahgordino6695]

Can we pause and revel in all this beautiful melanin on the today show? Like… can’t handle it. Also, absolutely love Dr. Henry Louis Gates.

[@annieclaire2348]

Dr Gates is fabulous and Finding Your Roots is one of the best, most fascinating, educational and inspiring tv programmes EVER!

[@deborahlustig4956]

I love this show I am obsessed with Dr Gates I am glad you are doing Dolly Parton I always wondered how the people settled in the mountains thankyou Dr Gates

[@josswoman4191]

He said she is a dream guest.... not scheduled.

[@janeforever]

We try to never miss an episode of "Finding You Roots". Because of Dr Gates' show we joined our local genealogical group. My hubby's ancestry is fascinating from the stories we've heard, altho they're unverified. On his mom's side he's supposed to be descended from King Ludwig (Germany? altho his grandparents immigrated from what was Leipzig East Germany.) On his Dad's side there's supposed to be Native American but we haven't been able to trace that side from OK back to TN & GA. & we've been told about the Dawes Rolls but they're not dependable because so many Native Americans did not register so their identities could be kept secret. Don't know what it would take to be on a show like his, but we'd love to go about "finding hubby's roots." Many thanks to Dr Gates for his show & letting us see how we are all so closely related to each other in 1 way or another.

[@user-ln4zr4pz4f]

Fascinating program and beautifully produced. Please continue.

[@lisaharrington6488]

I love Dr. Gates and his show. I am fascinated by what you can find out about yourself through Genealogy. I am sure that I would never have been picked but I have been saying for years that I wished Dr. gates and his team would start researching "the average person's" roots. I am so glad that they did that this season and am so looking forward to watching everyone's story,

[@caroldunham8316]

Love the show "Finding your Roots" Look forward to it every week. I scan for the repeats over and over. Mr. Gates is perfect for the show.❤

[@caroldunham8316]

Sorry. DR. GATES.

[@cvodthemod2103]

I’ve been watching this show since its inception and it only gets better. The show and Professor Gates are a gift to everyone. Just think how this show has changed the face of how we look at ourselves and shows us all how truly are all the same race - human.

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Dr Gates. I love your show. I am a black Texan. I can trace my family to the 1700s in the USA. What I do not know is the first black in my family to come to this country. DNA we are Nigerians. I can guarantee you cannot find my first ancestor who came to this country and how and why. Challenge for you, Dr Gates.

[@nitaatkinson4707]

Can’t wait for new season

[@yaszit2210]

I cannot wait for the LeVar Burton episode… this gives me goosebumps… 🤎👍🏾

[@funkibloo3811]

It already came out...His Great -3Xs Grandfather is white❗️🤣

[@angelacurry6548]

That episode was so emotional!!

[@davidabbett7011]

Simply an AMAZING person!

[@kimbare7434]

If i would have know about average people getting the chance to have this.... I would have tried for a chance. Love the show. Dr. Gates is awesome at everything he does. His shows are informative and brings light to the forgotten and hidden.

[@jlcollins14]

I love Dr. Gates show. I'm looking forward to next week's episode with Brendan Fraser. I recently learned his father comes from the same area as my Fraser family. But haven't been able to connect them together. They might be two different lines. I've no idea. But I'm hoping for clues! I've loved Brendan since he appeared on the movie scene in the 90's.

[@stargazer5073]

Yes, Dolly

[@thisoldjapanesehouse]

I love this show. I wish I could get it subtitled in Japanese for my relatives. I would subtitle it if they would pay me. Lol. I think having regular people on the show sounds wonderful. ❤ One celeb and one non-celeb might be the magic mix.

[@audraeden8923]

Have you tried? Open the name of the episode, on the it left. See Transcript comes out on the right. Take screenshots of the copy. The screenshots will appear in your Photos. It has to be picked up and moved to a blank email or become a document, move it. From there you can highlight, a box appears, same bar as appears cut, paste……look for translate to Japanese. Take that screenshot too. Truth to tell, Finding Your Roots is so richly done, you could get a lot out of it if the sound was completely off. I love the expressions on the faces of the people as they see it all for the first time. Heaven chose HLG for this …he is so interested, charming and wise. A delight, a great American historian and journalist. He gives voice to the people. The people speak. Can you ever see the ancestors beaming back at this young one? They’d be just as surprised at the mirror reflection of their great great great.

[@thisoldjapanesehouse]

@@audraeden8923 I love Prof. Gates. He comes across as being so likeable and a genuine good person. Not saying that auto translators don't work well but it would need to be professionally subtitled in natural Japanese for it to do justice to this work of art. I certainly wouldn't watch the show without sound.

[@johnwebb2442]

Love the show Finding Your Roots.

[@crystalwright1504]

This is one of my most favourite shows. I have been watching it for years. I can't wait to see this new season. Episode 1 was great .

[@pamelaoneil1170]

I love this show, and adore Dr. Gates!

[@mirfir]

He’s THE BEST… GOAT

[@cf0106]

I LOVE this show ❤

[@tracyleesmith781]

My paternal grandfather's side is still a mystery to us all. This show is a great inspiration to know & understand about ur roots.

[@dandmdavis9301]

Absolutely love Dr. gates and his team!

[@babykots]

I love Dr. Gates.

[@brendaaccetta2662]

I love this show!

[@freespirit2593]

Just now catching this clip. I love Dr. Gate’s (and the show)! I can’t wait to see the special episodes.

[@eileenderheim3768]

Love watching Dr. Gates take folks through their family history. side note.. Derek Jeter seems to be related to a few on his show. 😊

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

I rent from a Navajo woman who works at a Big Box store in Santa Fe. Wes Studi comes in sometimes. She is SO excited for him to be on the show.

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

This last year I found out that Mary Barnes is my ancestor who was hung as a witch in 1662. When I was 35 I found out I had an older brother who was adopted by the Family who ran THE most famous store in the US. He had some great stories.

[@Fluuuv]

​@@redmoondesignbeth9119what's the most famous store in the US?

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

@@Fluuuv His sibling owns a very large international law firm and I do NOT want to draw attention to myself.

[@SusieGr187]

I’m Jewish and my whole family was in the Holocaust. I know almost nothing about my family history and I would literally give anything to be on this show. I’ve tried to find records but nothing is in English and my family lost everyone and the fact that we lost our history, our names, or stories feels so heartbreaking. I’m So glad others get the opportunity to know their background. Dr Gates Is a treasure.

[@etherealtb6021]

Keep looking! I finally found out where my Jewish grandfather was from, from some silly clue from one of my mom's stories! You never know! 🤷‍♀️

[@enzos711]

Most come from the same General areas between (around) Poland & Ukraine .. You can find a "ton" of DNA Relatives (23andme) ..

[@susanr5546]

Dr. Gates is such an insightful researcher. I love his show.

[@LEM19284]

Whew!! thank God he’s still here!!

[@SusieGr187]

This man is just fantastic

[@MarthelleLancaster]

My MIL was the Registrar at a church that merged with a church that Dr. Gates relatives attended. She and I created a searchable spreadsheet of the merged churches paper records and forwarded it to the national church offices. It was an honor to handle these family records with as much dignity and care as we could. Adore 6:28 that Dr. Gates touches so many lives

[@callicordova4066]

LeVar Burton!! Yes!! Come on Al, do it!

[@user-of6ch2le7e]

Every Tuesday night I'm tuned in to fining your roots cuz it's not just family history it's black history. And we need more shows like this. Hope to see many more seasons 4 years too come. This show has made a difference in so many ppls lives ❤

[@marjane4344]

When I researched my Mothers side of the family ... My oldest Son starts out with Momsie wth so we looked into it with more depth and careful accurate statistics. We found 2 ancestors who were taken and enslaved. I am Tsalgi from my Mothers side. I knew many atrocities befell slaves of African heritage but I never knew of enslaved Tsalgi. I cry out of anger and frustration at the enslavement of any race but esp African and Tsalgi. Dr. Gates thank you for all you do in search of families . Blessings and may Mother Earth guide you daily.

[@TXGirlinVA]

Love this show and Dr Gates!

[@ruthlewis9234]

Dr, Gates is fantastic ❤❤❤

[@katherinebeebe8293]

Love Dr. Gates Jr.

[@charleslewis6815]

Love the show.. bringing light on the people that came before us…

[@lauraautry6992]

I love Finding your Roots and Dr Gates is awesome. I would love to meet him and have my family history done. Best wishes on your 10th season and I will be watching.

[@nanasewdear]

Love "Finding Your Roots". I always learn something.

[@edwardcasper5231]

Get your butt on Finding Your Roots, Al! 🤣

[@angelacurry6548]

I respect his comment stating he had to discuss with his siblings.

[@edwardcasper5231]

@@angelacurry6548 Did you notice the laughing emoji?

[@angelacurry6548]

@edwardcasper5231 Yes...still think it's wise of him to consider others before doing this.

[@edwardcasper5231]

@@angelacurry6548 I didn't write that it wasn't. My comment was facetious.

[@lollolowski8956]

Love the show❤❤❤🎉

[@MarthelleLancaster]

Love Dr. Gates

[@tml9174]

Oh, Dr Gates, please do Kareem Abdul Jabbar! I'm not a big basketball fan, but I am a HUGE fan of his writing of Sherlockian stories. He's a brilliant author, and his story needs to be told.

[@frankpaquet295]

Love his show and I love that there are so many people that have black ancestors and don't know it! That's great. I'd love to be on that show, just to see who my French, English, Scottish and Irish relatives are and to be surprised at someone that shows up! Thank you Dr. Gates for this fantastic show. We tape it and watch it. (from Sandi)

[@d.m.5017]

Awesome Show🗽🏙🙏🏽❤Brooklyn Love

[@Clellisfindlay]

Congrats on 10 years! 😀

[@tonistokes1790]

The episode with Pharrell Williams touched me.

[@mepulley7913]

Give it to Dr. Gates to make the coolest, toughest, and funniest people, laugh and cry larder than they ever have.

[@kristyscheide]

I absolutely love the show and cry every time. ❤❤❤

[@camdennorris646]

great segment

[@anncata7368]

Finding Your Roots a great PBS show. Actually the difficulty would be locating documents in war torn countries.

[@JohnnyPunish]

Awesome guy

[@etherealtb6021]

I've always loved geneology and I'm so glad this show exists!

[@adriawinfield7913]

My favorite TV show

[@jessd4048]

I’d like to know if Gates has ‘expanded the brand’ to include any Native American family trees?

[@virginiac6898]

Wes Studi, an actor and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, will be featured this season on episode 3 (1-16-24).

[@doubled3962]

I absolutely love ❤️ Dr Gates ! 🎉🎈

[@juanitacrump2740]

I admire this man. I started looking back to my ancestors

[@kathlynsteinman3599]

I love listening to and watching the doctor's show.

[@OhItsJustKaelyn]

I love Dr. Gates! What a cool, smart man.

[@jeffereesch]

I love this show

[@maryannjacobs4946]

3:09 Love the show Finding Your Roots and Dr. Gates.

[@lilbie2329]

I love this show. Can't wait to see who's on each week... & to hear their stories. ❤

[@amygareis6276]

I would love to do this show because I've heard quite a few stories, but they'd be busy because my family is from all over the place.

[@goldwingerppg5953]

I’m addicted to his show “Finding Your Roots”.

[@WenD1908]

If my Mom was chosen, I would fall out😳I love the show, it’s doing a lot for us to study on our own.

[@ElimanGibba]

Great Historian .

[@chevalierdenoir754]

Beyonce one full episode dedicated to her, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Trace Ellis Ross, Barry Gordy, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tamron Hall, Idris Elba, David Oyelowo, Maxwell, Mike Tyson, Kerry Washington, Wesley Snipes. Naomi Campbell and Hoda Kotb should have a really interesting past too.

[@lenabedford4915]

Please help me find my roots ..I truly admire your work...HELP ❤

[@caandbak9084]

I love this show!!

[@TinaLouiseAlbrecht]

I would be so glad to have his expertise on some of the DNA relatives I have. He is my favourite of the experts.

[@hartubmoses6645]

I hope Dr.Gates open up for contestants for his show again, this time nationally.

[@latoyajoslyn8116]

I hope Al Roker take part. Finding any information about West Indian heritage is difficult. I would love to see what Dr. Gates finds in the Bahamas.

[@nananess8269]

Al Roker motherwas a Jamaican and his father was Bahamian.

[@user-ti4dt8vn5d]

My favorite show 😊

[@flyinv3663]

Please consider the last living Bee Gee for finding your roots, Dr.Gates.

[@AnnieSaunders-nv6jt]

We are very fortunate that our families - maternal, paternal and my husband's family - have always kept us informed (sins included) about our history through stories and photos. Of course this is passed to my grandkids.

[@ellenflanagan2220]

Love him. He’s my hero!