BBC Four has announced that it will premiere the Roots reboot this February. The four-night event series reimagines the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries, chronicling the harrowing journey of Kunta Kinte and his descendants across generations.
This contemporary adaptation stays faithful to the original’s powerful storytelling while incorporating modern production techniques and a refreshed perspective on history. Malachi Kirby stars as Kunta Kinte, with supporting roles filled by Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
The reboot explores slavery’s brutal legacy through the eyes of one family, offering emotional depth and historical resonance. Each episode spans a significant chapter in the family’s lineage, from capture in Africa to the fight for freedom in America.
Critically acclaimed for its performances and visuals, the series has sparked conversation about heritage, resilience, and the lasting effects of systemic oppression. It aims to educate and move audiences anew.
BBC Four’s broadcast brings the powerful legacy of Roots to a new generation of UK viewers.