Skip to main content
Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.

Up Next

No Laughing Matter

No Laughing Matter

Season 5 Episode 7
52:41
Hard Times

Hard Times

Season 5 Episode 8
52:41
The Eye of the Beholder

The Eye of the Beholder

Season 5 Episode 9
52:41
All in the Family

All in the Family

Season 5 Episode 10
52:11
Born to Sing

Born to Sing

Season 10 Episode 1
52:09
Forever Young

Forever Young

Season 10 Episode 2
52:09
Fathers and Sons

Fathers and Sons

Season 10 Episode 3
52:09
Buried Secrets

Buried Secrets

Season 10 Episode 4
52:09
Hold the Laughter

Hold the Laughter

Season 10 Episode 5
52:09
Far and Away

Far and Away

Season 10 Episode 6
52:09
The Brick Wall Falls

The Brick Wall Falls

Season 10 Episode 7
52:09
Mean Streets

Mean Streets

Season 10 Episode 8
52:09
Back to Show
Finding Your Roots

Roots in Politics

Season 5 Episode 6

Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the diverse family histories of politicians Paul Ryan, Tulsi Gabbard and Marco Rubio. They each see a shared vision of the great American melting pot reflected in their ancestors’ stories.

Watch Preview
Support Provided By
Season
Artistic Roots
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of director Spike Lee and actor Kristin Chenoweth.
Family Harmonies
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces musicians Flea and Lizzo to their inspiring ancestors.
Westward Bound
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. heads west to map the family trees of Sara Haines and Tracy Letts.
Love & Basketball
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul.
The Road We Took
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of actor Lizzy Caplan and comedian Hasan Minhaj.
Caribbean Roots
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the Caribbean heritage of Liza Colón-Zayas and Delroy Lindo.
Great Migrations
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the family trees of rapper Wiz Khalifa and actor Sanaa Lathan.
Finding Your Roots Season 12
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers America Ferrera & Darren Criss’ immigrant ancestors.
Finding My Roots
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Family mysteries are solved for actor Laurence Fishburne & scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Moving On Up
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of actor Sheryl Lee Ralph & historian Lonnie Bunch.
The Butterfly Effect
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the family trees of actors Debra Messing & Melanie Lynskey.
The Ties That Bind
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of married actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.
Active loading indicator