Parents' Guide to

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Informative docu uncovers family history and ancestry.

TV PBS Educational 2012
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Candace B.
Candace B. Adult
February 1, 2023
age 12+

Wonderfully informative show about DNA, history, & family

I love the history, the stories, the discoveries of past relatives and how they got here, what they went through, it's fascinating. Each episode teaches me more than the last, things I thought I knew about history, it really takes a deep dive into important information I didn't receive in school in the 90s. This show has motivated me to be more informed and I'm watching everything I can with Henry Louis Gates Jr, he's such a wonderful host and keeps you engaged. There hasn't been an episode I haven't shed tears though, it's emotional to hear the truth about a lot of our history, but there is a lot of beauty in overcoming and achieving the impossible, getting to see that in the guest's reactions is very moving. I hope to see many more seasons of this show, it's a gem!!! I will note that there are photos from war situations, illness, and things of that nature that small children may not understand. I'd suggest previewing the episodes if you're concerned about that.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Andrea K.
Andrea K. Adult
January 21, 2023
age 13+

Ruins childhoods

I love this show but watch out with kids around. One episode told my daughter in approx three seconds that there was no Santa, no Easter bunny, and no tooth fairy. Thx a lot
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (3):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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