Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Informative docu uncovers family history and ancestry.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
What's the Story?
FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is a documentary series hosted by African-American history scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. that explores the ancestral past of some of America's most fascinating figures. From race-relations activist and congressman John Lewis to musicians like Harry Connick, Jr., and actors like Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, researchers scour public records, and family members are interviewed for details about their past. When necessary, DNA analysis is also conducted. Viewers get a chance to see some of the family ancestral images and documents, listen to descriptions about specific family members, and hear fascinating narratives about events that helped each person to become who she or he is today. Interviews with historians and other experts are interviewed to confirm certain details. The information is compiled to create a book of life that documents each individual's family history, offering them a concrete record of their family tree that they can share with other members of their family.
Is It Any Good?
The conversations between Gates and the various personages he is interviewing are emotional, especially when the missing details of their family histories are revealed to them. But the best part of Finding Your Roots is the way ancestors are identified to allow people to learn more about the folks who helped shape who they are today, and to pay homage to those who serve as their inspiration.
While each story is rich in different details, much of what is discussed in this series centers on the relationship between people's ancestors and African-American history, including slavery. But it also offers a fascinating exploration of people's family trees, and the various efforts made to solve some of the mysterious gaps in their life histories. Gates also offers some of his own personal history, as well as his thoughts about how we understand our ancestors and their role in American history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how family trees are used on Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Have you tried to trace your family ancestry? Are there specific things you want to know about your ancestors? How could you go about doing this? Who can share family histories with you?
What resources could you use to look into your family's past? Are you more interested in learning about celebrities' family history or regular peoples'?
How does Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. promote curiosity, empathy, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 25, 2012
- Cast : Henry Louis Gates Jr.
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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