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
Latin Roots
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets musician Rubén Blades & journalist Natalie Morales.
Family Recipes
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the ancestry of notable chefs José Andrés & Sean Sherman.
Dreamers One And All
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the ancestry of actor Sharon Stone & model Chrissy Teigen.
Stranger Than Fiction
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals inspiring ancestors of novelist Amy Tan & poet Rita Dove.
La Famiglia
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.
Larger Than Life
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.
Viewers Like You
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.
In the Blood
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.
Mean Streets
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos.
The Brick Wall Falls
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shares ancestry with actor Danielle Brooks & singer Dionne Warwick.
Far and Away
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Sunny Hostin and Jesse Williams discover ancestors from very diverse places.
Hold the Laughter
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger—two very funny people whose family trees brim with drama
Active loading indicator