'Roots' Cast on Remaking Iconic Miniseries

The 1977 ABC show forced Americans to confront the issues of slavery and now History Channel has updated the historical classic.

[@CeCeTyshay]

Malachi did such an amazing job I didn't compare him at all. His performance was so strong. All the performances were.

[@tamiacarter6169]

Thank God for everything we have to day but it's a shame how black people got treated

[@wildwaning9427]

Malachi - Real Name is MalakiYAH = "Messenger of YAHUAH"

[@AM-pk4sg]

This is the best serie I have ever watched. The Actor who plays Kunta in the new series deserves an Oscar. God bless the director of Roots for this spectacular work. Amen

[@CaptainSpalding72]

Don't win Oscars for television, genius.

[@Kazemilover-12345]

Nah niggah relax.

[@PurpleCloudsYT]

@@CaptainSpalding72 no need to be rude

[@TNGURL08]

This remake of Roots was very good, it touched my heart! Cried so many times watching this remake. Good job!

[@alejandrosakai1744]

I agreed with you!

[@yolandamccrary7205]

My 5th graders are watching it now and its amazing to see how excited they are about learning about their heritage and, how passionate they are about learning history. American and, African. They are truly enjoying this!

[@pksmith8750]

Also teach them about there history before slavery. Teach them about ancient Africa. Teach them about ancient Egypt. If you have not already done so. 💜

[@Simon-pl2zi]

Roots is not entirely historically accurate. Alex Haley conveniently left out of the Roots story the fact that it was the African tribes who were oppressing, enslaving and selling millions of Africans into the Trans Atlantic slave trade. In fact during the 1700s more Africans were being oppressed by African tribes than by Europeans.

[@jesushateswood]

I hope Malachi gets a part in the Black Panther movie.

[@souphanitvinavong6390]

this show makes me cry 😭😭😭😢

[@emilywilks5165]

Me too!😭😭😭

[@lysandras-henry4082]

Having watched this I need to watch the original . I love the actor who portrayed kunta kinte. All the actors were really good.

[@gtrprincess1]

He is sooooo handsome 💚

[@TYB1970]

I haven't watched the new version. Been dying to see it. Hope it's as good as the first one.

[@tracyleesmith781]

​@@TYB1970 I know I'm too late to comment u. However, make sure u have your tissues(a lot) nearby bc I've seen it about 5x now. And don't expect the same from the original bc they did put in some extra history that we didn't hear or mention about. Good luck & I assured u, u will do some more research & it was very good. ❤prayers & peace

[@paytonacosta1564]

Why is Malachi so cute?!

[@hikari2827]

Because dark is beautiful.

[@beans2605]

Nobody asks why remake Spiderman...

[@manjsher3094]

So ture

[@sapphael.]

Phenomenal series, the acting from everyone was so emotional I have never felt more anger or sadness or joy from a character before, let alone from a whole cast.

[@peterpisspotty3052]

Malachi Kirby was so fantastic in this series - he is destined for international fame

[@ghott0cqr527]

It brought tears to my eyes!

[@bigal650]

I like the look of the actor they picked for Chicken George much better than in the original. George was the son of a slave and her master. The original actor didn't look multiracial at all while the new actor could be so

[@sylvestergraham4921]

Did you get anything out of this movie what a stupid comment comment but then again you wanted a reaction

[@allanschuster7928]

No it was an honest comment. I felt the movie looked more authentic but I felt the acting was much better in the original mini-series. If anyone is looking for a reaction it was you

[@sylvestergraham4921]

Allan Schuster​​ what does how he looks has anything to do with this movie this is what's wrong with this world today you're judged by the color of your skin that's my reaction it didn't matter if he look like he was biracial or black he was still a slave and so was his mother 

[@allanschuster7928]

Because he actually looks how I'd expect the character to look. If you don't like my opinion then go get over yourself

[@sylvestergraham4921]

You responded to me so you get over it

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

LeVar Burton is so well spoken. Very articulate.

[@sergeygladkov1718]

Why wouldn't he be? Since he's Black?

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

+Michael Charalambous well I mean, I've only heard him speak as a slave and not as himself. To hear him speak is like a breath of fresh air.

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

+Yvonne Watkins lol nah you're not gonna sit up here and tell me what my assumption was. Ive only seen him as slave in roots that could barely speak English to fiddler. To see him out of character and so articulate was a breath of fresh air.

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

+Yvonne Watkins I'm black but if I wasn't I can see why other races get sensitive when we pull the race card. Literally had nothing to do with him being black. Just the fact he played an inarticulate slave and now years later I see him in an interview giving back and is well spoken. Never saw him like that. This is people get annoyed with us. Nothing everything is racist, you're comments are totally absurd. You're like Al sharpton. Take several seats.

[@sergeygladkov1718]

Josiah Townsend lmao I bet you're just a white dude pretending to be black

[@shistudragon5202]

This actor did a good job

[@karluslamark9321]

LaVar Burton was dyslexic but he didn't let it stop him, slow him down, or hinder him in any way. He's Brilliant!!!

[@naturalblessing3334]

Malachi is so fine

[@abaddie563]

+LuvLuv Yess

[@no1nestandsalone387]

READDIIINNNGGG RAINBOW! I used to walk home to watch that amazing man’s show! He is an American treasure like Mr. Rogers ❤️

[@namajjaracheal3685]

Best version for the new generation!! Love it so much!! Real African spirit!

[@tracyleesmith781]

I watched this series about 4 times & i just love it. All of the cast did the awesome jobs for remaking it & God bless them for doing this ❤🖤✌🏾

[@kurdishqueen1084]

So addicted and just finished 3rd episode. In tears!!!!!!!😭

[@user-ez1fm7jx5m]

the only movie in my life that made me shade tears 💔

[@faridaquaye4633]

I was drown in tears when I first watched it , a heart touching movie and a great African history .... ROOTS ❤️

[@Dinoblaque40]

I like the new mini series a lot more than I did the first one! it was raw and unfiltered not like the watered down version of the first one!!! Good job...

[@brooklynstoute8150]

I am currently in a history class in college, where I had to write an essay for each of the first three episodes. I cannot explain just how much impact the remake had on me. I am a changed individual because of Roots.

[@brooklynstoute8150]

Rambo Baggins Yes I was taught that.

[@lawrenceburishel704]

it shouldn't be a remake the first one still stands strong

[@pashaj92]

Soooo true. Hasn't lost it's grit.

[@feliciawhite8190]

I agree! I watched both and the original is still the best to me.💯

[@ebonyhouseofbeauty4492]

I Agree brother.

[@user-bx2cg2ec8c]

Original better.

[@maiajones9765]

They say the newer version o f roots is more accurate

[@CaptainSpalding72]

Levar was always almost wasted on Star Trek: TNG..... He's a phenomenal actor....

[@no1nestandsalone387]

4:47 Omg Johnathan Rhys Meyers is in this series! Phenomenal actor! Irish actor in the grey suit..

[@joshglynn7811]

He really does look like laurence fishbern

[@saramarshall2957]

It just was so powerful and well done

[@cecej306]

I LOVE YOU KUNTA KINTE!!!!😙😀🤗

[@satosmanaco1996]

Kunta kintes is from the Gambia my country when I watch Kunta kintes movie I feel very bad

[@tracyleesmith781]

I truly enjoyed seeing the original Kinte, LeVar Burton & Malachi Kirby embraced themselves for the greatness & blessing jobs that they did for everyone else. 🙏🏽 ❤ They did the spectacular jobs for being Kunte Kinte.

[@deborahminter6231]

Wow! It's a great story and a true one. It was written by a man's journey to discover the roots of his family.

[@coolchick5688]

Yeah they were great l also like the actor (Malachi kirby ) who portrayed Kunta Kinte ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 😊

[@dorisday400]

Lavar Burton killed the part of Kunta. The series moved me and it made me proud to know how strong my ancestors were. They are my heroes.

[@AfricanPrince]

I just finished Episode 4. The whole series was so good, I really got into it with episode 2. The only minor thing I might have changed is at the end, I would have showed that Alex Haley was the son of Bertha Palmer who was the daughter of Cynthia who was the baby Tom was holding (if I remember the lineage right). Nothing can take away from the original but I loved it. So many great scenes (tempted to write them out but I won't. I'm going to be going over them in my mind hoping I remember them all). I really liked it.

[@destinycollier9400]

AfricanPrince I Wonder how Kunte,Lizzie and Old George would feel knowing that World Wide ? Even Now in the. Year 2018 We. Are Still Enslaved and living on. Masters. Plantations, Check the Prisoners Institutions Who are still shackled? and. look. at. the. shacks and housing issues in. America and. around. the. World. Reality. Only. A. few. escaped the Hoods Ghettos, And. They forgot to. look back. at Who and What were left out. Remind. You. The Majority? But. We. Are still. hoping. and waiting on. A lifta, lifeboat, ship, Because JESUS didn't. swim on. Water He WALKED! 2018 , JESUS = US = Equality? I did appreciate the messages in the first versions of the. Roots. Episodes even if there shacks displayed on tv and their furniture looked better than what most people have in the twenty first century. I know. they're just. acting but. I. Did not like that. Rifle Man Chuck Connors role? clue It's to realistic with What is Going ON. Today! Now what happened to the. movie. Ken. Norton starred in? Truth hurts and makes. you. angry. MANDINGO!

[@MrDrakko3]

I love this mini series

[@akosuaayim888]

Tbh I prefer the old version of roots....but the new version is good too tho they're all very good actors

[@patricklewis2745]

Commander Geordi la Forge is a great guy.

[@serlomcole2958]

omfg levar burton was so handsome when young soo lush

[@User429cassu]

Levar Burton is a gift to us

[@TYB1970]

I remember when this first aired on TV. And to those who have read the book I STILL have a hard time getting past Kunta's part. Excellent writing. And I keep saying that we all know how horrible slavery was but not enough is written about that damn boat ride over here. The one's that survived that are beyond strong! Physically, mentally and emotionally, baby!!

[@erickanew]

Although old I liked the first one better. But the new one is good too.

[@erickanew]

+Jane G Seda The remake is too harsh.

[@erickanew]

+Jane G Seda The older one was more detail & wasn't bad the whole time the old one did have some good times, and the quincy jones music was great. The only thing I liked about the new one was the guy that played Kunta,,Kirby,,he was fine.

[@chelseaoliver5404]

Tiara Wright I agree I absolutely loved this remake but I do think in parts the original was a bit more detailed I do love the fact the orignal kunte was part of the production team

[@femkemoshood1852]

the beginning of a battle of human rights violations. makes me proud that my ancestors fought. We know freedom by their sacrifice. July 1st I commemorate the brave men and women children who were kidnapped from Africa and as a child who is half Nigerian half Dutch myself I also commemorate the slave children who are mixed that this should never happen again no one is a slave 🌹🌹

[@henk5928]

Where are the movies about the North African slave trade?? I'm still butt hurt about that. I also expect remakes. Never forget!!

[@orianelemairemariette850]

How about the Brazilian slave trade or the Haitian Revolution

[@kevinrichmond6513]

i love roots

[@icilmaa]

There is a film about the Haitian Revolution.

[@manjsher3094]

How about the north america genocide of the native American Indians. Outrageous.

[@TYB1970]

I remember EVERYONE stayed at home and watched this!!

[@racheal8871]

Rege-jean Page bridgerton!!! How exited I was to see him in roots😃

[@cocobenji6123]

we need to put this back on tv today.

[@K4R3N]

No one watches TV anymore today

[@Tfichtenbaum]

I saw the clip of the whipping scene in the new remake where they force Kunta Kinte to use his slave name and he refused , that was even more brutal , then the original ...it is a powerful but heartbreaking scene .

[@loc1k]

It must be told again and again until we all hear it. Healing is a way of life. If we aren't healing, we aren't living.

[@marshacreary9771]

Chicken George reminds me of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney in 'Say, Say, Say'

[@johndalton7810]

2016 roots 1 and 2 how do I see the whole movie after Kizzy had geaorge

[@ILLGOOD]

HEBREWS our names were changed and the world knows their deceit. Deuteronomy 28:68 And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. And....Psalm 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years. We started from Abraham, but our father is Jacob (Israel). Genesis 46:6-34 And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him. HEBREWS what else do you need to know?!

[@newjerseylion4804]

I was kind of stunned they just left of with Tom and chicken George and they continued on into the Jim Crow era and civil rights movement.

[@technodrone313]

whats your name? geordi

[@SaluteTheRealEnt]

I am the descendant of Fiddler 🧡☺️

[@chelesmith1079]

I don't really mind that most of the black actors or all the black cast are british. It doesn't bother me. At all. I don't let it. In fact, i LOVE it. They are closer to the TRUE History of the story of Roots in "EVERY" ASPECT. "ORIGINALLY FROM" Or, "DESCENDING FROM" Africa, but, carrying The White Man's English names. NOT THEIR OWN African names. And we ALL KNOW, "WHY"- just like Malachi said

[@stef012]

Malachi is cute❤️

[@jasmineagyakwa]

ikr

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

this wayyyyyy better than the original

[@MrBrennanmoriarty]

Bigger than the #Olympics and football . It was definitely a family event at my home. Sherlock Holmes in Africa is elementary.

[@rastawella1]

OH LEVAR, LEVAR, LEVAR !!! I THANK GOD FOR HIS BIRTH !

[@poeticjustice985]

i dont care what nobody say nobody can play chicken george like the original chicken george

[@KDawg92801]

Why didn’t John Amos show up

[@datmox]

“WHERES MY ICONIC SLAVE ROLE” -Lance Riddick

[@wrinthiak3431]

You cant remake perfection.

[@Rob749s]

I'm actually a little disappointed most of the actors are British. You'd think the parts would have so much more meaning for Americans.

[@peterconnell3240]

Rob749s Because the British are better actors. Sorry.

[@alaziz2887]

Rob749s in amerika the most blacks are mixed, in england not

[@ibrahimjalloh6603]

It’s not Like we’re Suffering Today

[@thescoobymike]

Why did ABC give itself that shameless plug at the very end lol

[@BryonLetterman]

Scooby MiKE because they can say what they want about their property

[@emeldabradwell]

The History Channel is part OWNED by ABC telwvision" lol!

[@cecej306]

he is cute and hot

[@sarahnjoki1656]

Carla Jones I knooooooow!!!! I xamtw take my eyes of him.

[@mayagold10]

the original kunta kinte looks so much like uzo aduba lol

[@Stealthful_]

Awesome! I love Roots! By the way I am the 960th person to like this video and this is the 156th comment on this video.

[@Zeeboklown]

Everytime this has aired, Ive been harassed for months after. I can't help but hate this movie. My ancestors are Russian and Czech Jews. And moved to the states in 1910 on the Czech side, and after WW2 (escaped a camp). My ppl weren't ever slave owners anyway.

[@marshacreary9771]

1st Floor Back in Effect

[@peterpisspotty3052]

You know, slavery didn't only happen in the USA ... just saying 😌

[@K4R3N]

But it almost split the USA

[@lilchief1117]

I don't think anyone believes it did. But this is a story about American chattel slavery created by an African American man

[@JoseVazquez-pr6qc]

I love show

[@stephenstainsby6091]

Why they had to do a remake i will never know the new one was rubbish compared to the original.roots was once in a lifetime mini series never to be remade

[@mastchekm1923]

ignore previous cookie

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

I think it should be a general rule of thumb. Don't remake something that was great the first time. That's why I predict the West Side Story remake will fall flat.

[@K4R3N]

You were proven correct

[@user-bx2cg2ec8c]

@@K4R3N💯

[@josephsuarez1476]

I liked it first lol

[@wabejoo]

KUNTA! KUNTA KINTE!!!

[@MYLife-xt2js]

Grits...dummy😋😋😆

[@tenteralfred3614]

Hello. My. Fb. Friends

[@elsakristina2689]

Two Kunta Kintes!

[@flagcoco69]

I watched the original Roots in 1977 and have watched it completely a couple of times since, I have always appreciated Levar Burton and have admired him in this and Star Trek, but I'm sorry, the remake was a money grab. Just like every other remake out there. It's probably a good remake, but I don't care, just like I would never watch a remake of Citizen Kane or Casablanca. Hollywood has run out of ideas, which I don't understand, there are plenty of stories to be told, especially about the experience of Africans in the Americas. The story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants, as told by Alex Haley, deserves to be one of those stories everyone who can read English. Recycling Roots doesn't cut it for me, especially when the feel of the original still give me and those in my generation such a visceral reaction. It was a flawless jewel, in and of itself, its story and acting and actors and writing and timing were perfect. Are you really telling me there aren't more stories about African-Americans that aren't compelling? I hope it made a lot of people a lot of money, because I can't see any other reason for this to be made than to just make a buck, which I suppose is the only thing that matters in 21st Century America, isn't it?

[@corsicanlulu]

all of hollywood nowadays is all about remakes, not just black stories. just unoriginality all around

[@kbreezy10501]

Flag Coco the new series is by faaaarrrr better and far more accurate

[@K4R3N]

Hidden Figures

[@holysmoke8439]

Fiction

[@pamelafrenchie687]

I like African movies,,so this is one that I will add to the kind of movies I watch,,I like culture,,so good job to the cast,,Lavar Burton,Alex Haley,,

[@lukeschlicter5858]

The remake made zero impact.

[@yuubokumin415]

A lot of British playing American roles.Why????

[@puppetuchiha7289]

why tf does it matter

[@lovejones2880]

look at the American Soup Opera's many are European and in movies. americans are great actors and so are Europeans. I don't care I think they act great.

[@RosesCaliente]

u mean a British playing an Africans role?

[@Child_of_Amun]

+Rose Valdovinos It's supposed to be telling the story of slavery, so who cares if a black British person plays a African American or Caribbean or Brazilian, it doesn't matter we're all black people so why does it matter where the actor comes from as long as he's black?

[@kaderdao-cp9xl]

why? but they did a very good job i taught that they was mostly Americans expect for Malachi which a taught was African

[@willyssmooth8917]

Why are all the actors immigrants? and seriously, how is this suppose to help race relations?

[@fightttttt]

Just we need blacks thinking about slavery times and always being opressed,, they didnt do enough of that yet

[@daem1962]

Shut up. It's American history.

[@fightttttt]

You can talk about the history more then the present and future if you want, but that makes you stupid so you shut up

[@daem1962]

+Derek Bao lol what do you mean? This story is being retold because many people myself included have never seen the original. We have a right to know our history right? It's not being retold because we want to be oppressed, that's just stupid. So like I said it's American history, shut up. :)

[@daem1962]

+Derek Bao p.s. Everyone should know their history so that past events don't repeat themselves. i.e. present & future.

[@lovejones2880]

+Derek Bao It would be disrespectful to not remember and pay homage to people who built this country on blood sweat and tears. Families separated, women raped kids killed men lynched. Be happy you are not a slave.

[@peterpisspotty3052]

I went to a predominantly black school and I got bullied and threatened every day. Poetic justice?

[@CaptainSpalding72]

these remakes are so stupid and foolhardy. No one ever cares or remembers them..... dumb....

[@Rob749s]

I'm actually a little disappointed most of the actors are British. You'd think the parts would have so much more meaning for Americans.

[@mahirhussain4890]

Rob749s Why? lol they speak in an American accent why does it matter ?

[@chelseaoliver5404]

Rob749s and to be honest yes slavery was far more prevalent in America it happened in England to

[@mahirhussain4890]

Chelsea Oliver America was colonised by the British, therefore slavery from Africa was established by the British along with the Portuguese and Dutch, so the idea that British actors can't be in this because it's "only an American thing" is so naiive, people ought to read history, tbh I though every American knew about America being colonised by the British through their school system

[@chelseaoliver5404]

yes I know America was colonised by Britain having been originally discovered by Columbus and british crews came to America or the "new world" (America and beyond) in the 15/16oos and in saying that it was actually vikings who were the first settlers

[@mahirhussain4890]

Chelsea Oliver Yes I know hence why the Minnesota Vikings are called Vikings