Roots: The Next Generations is a 1979 American television miniseries that serves as a sequel to the groundbreaking 1977 series, Roots. Based on the last seven chapters of Alex Haley's novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family, this miniseries continues the story of Kunta Kinte's descendants from 1882 to 1967. With a significantly larger budget than its predecessor, Roots: The Next Generations aimed to capture the complex history and evolution of an African
American family through generations.
A New Chapter in Television
Roots: The Next Generations was produced with a budget of $16.6 million, nearly three times larger than the original series. This increase in funding allowed for a more expansive portrayal of the story, covering a broader timeline and incorporating more detailed settings and costumes. The screenplay, written by Ernest Kinoy, was based on the final chapters of Alex Haley's novel, as well as additional family recollections dictated by Haley himself.
The production team, led by producers Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper, initially hesitated to create a sequel. However, the success of the original Roots series and the compelling continuation of the story convinced them to move forward. The larger budget and the commitment to high-quality storytelling were crucial in bringing this ambitious project to life.
Casting and Performance
The casting of Roots: The Next Generations was a significant aspect of its production. The producers aimed to attract high-quality actors, and the success of the first miniseries made it easier to sign the talent they desired. James Earl Jones was cast in part due to his physical resemblance to Alex Haley, while Georg Stanford Brown reprised his role as Tom Harvey.
Marlon Brando, a legendary actor, expressed interest in participating in the miniseries and was cast in a small yet memorable role as George Lincoln Rockwell. His performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special. The casting choices contributed to the series' ability to convey the depth and complexity of the characters' experiences.
Broadcast and Reception
Roots: The Next Generations originally aired on ABC as seven two-hour episodes over consecutive nights in February 1979. The miniseries was watched by an estimated 110 million viewers, achieving a 30.1 rating and a 45% share of the audience. This impressive viewership demonstrated the continued interest in the story of Kunta Kinte's descendants and the impact of the original Roots series.
The miniseries received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Limited Series. Its success further solidified the cultural significance of the Roots saga and its role in raising awareness of African American history and genealogy. Roots: The Next Generations remains a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the complexities of family, identity, and heritage.
