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

Up Next

Secret Lives

Secret Lives

Season 9 Episode 3
52:09
Far from Home

Far from Home

Season 9 Episode 4
52:09
Rising From the Ashes

Rising From the Ashes

Season 9 Episode 5
52:09
Family: Lost and Found Preview

Family: Lost and Found

Season 9 Episode 6
52:09
Chosen

Chosen

Season 9 Episode 7
52:09
And Still I Rise

And Still I Rise

Season 9 Episode 8
52:09
Anchormen

Anchormen

Season 9 Episode 9
52:09
Out of the Past

Out of the Past

Season 9 Episode 10
52:09
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
Back to Show
Finding Your Roots

Salem's Lot

Season 9 Episode 2

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes actors Claire Danes and Jeff Daniels on a journey into their roots, uncovering primal scenes from our nation’s past. Weaving together stories of soldiers, settlers, immigrants and entrepreneurs, Gates travels from World War I battlefields to Civil War prison camps to America’s most infamous witch hunt—offering his guests insight into what made them who they are today.

Watch Preview
Support Provided By
Season
Hidden in the Genes
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. investigates the family history of Rebecca Hall & Lee Daniels
Laughing on the Inside
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. investigates the family history of Roy Wood, Jr. and Lewis Black.
On Broadway
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. examines the family histories of Audra McDonald and Mandy Patinkin.
Anchored to the Past
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages of Gretchen Carlson and Don Lemon.
The New World
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces ancestors of John Lithgow and Maria Hinojosa.
Country Roots
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the diverse backgrounds of Clint Black and Rosanne Cash.
Write My Name in the Book of Life
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons.
The Shirts on Their Backs
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the immigrant roots of actors Tony Shalhoub and Christopher
No Irish Need Apply
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
Against All Odds
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Andy Cohen and Nina Totenberg.
To the Manor Born
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Glenn Close and John Waters.
Coming to America
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Nancy Pelosi, Norah O’Donnell, and Zac Posen discover surprising roots.
Active loading indicator