Finding Your Roots

Culture Series / 7 Seasons

For more than a decade, renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has helped to expand America’s sense of itself, stimulating a national conversation about identity with humor, wisdom, and compassion. Professor Gates has explored the ancestry of dozens of influential people from diverse backgrounds, taking millions of viewers deep into the past to reveal the connections that bind us all.

Watch Latest: S11 E7

52m 10s / TV-PG

The Secret Marriage in Valerie Bertinelli's Family History

7m 4s

Historical records reveal that Valerie Bertinelli's grandfather left behind his pregnant wife in his home country of Italy, immigrating to the United States and meeting Valerie's actual grandmother.

Brendan Fraser's Ancestor Attempted Murder!

3m 47s

Brendan Fraser discovers his great-great grandfather was fired for striking, and responded by shooting at the man who replaced him in the job! It appears that no criminal case was ever brought against the man, an Irish immigrant making his way in the turbulent Pennsylvania coal mines.

Journey From Brazil to Becoming a Baker

7m 43s

Valerie Bertinelli explores her mother's family history, uncovering the hardships and challenges they faced. She discovers her great-great-grandfather William's remarkable journey to Brazil and the demanding work he undertook. Despite the difficulties, Valerie finds a strong connection with her ancestor, especially when she learns that they both share a passion for baking.

Forever Young Preview

31s

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser—two actors who found fame when they were young and lived their lives in the limelight, cut off from their roots. Each discovers ancestors who paved the way for their success.

The Mystery of Alanis Morissette's Missing Family Members

5m 6s

Alanis Morissette discusses her Hungarian Jewish heritage and learns about her grandfather's search for his lost brothers during the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust. Alanis Morissette is one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians/artists in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise, 14 Canadian Juno Awards, 7 Grammys®

Ciara Discovers Her Ancestors' Hidden Relationship

6m 37s

DNA research helps Ciara Harris discover one of her biological ancestors was not who the records show, and that a relationship must have occurred between this mystery man and her great-great grandmother. Ciara is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. During her 20-year career, she has sold over 23 million records and 22 million singles worldwide.

Alanis Morissette's Daredevil Ancestors Memorialized in Song

4m 3s

In 1815, an ancestor of Alanis Morissette, and his companions, attempted a daring feat of riding a boat over the Chaudière Falls in Ontario, Canada. A folk song recounts their bravery, with some losing their lives in the attempt.

Born to Sing Preview

32s

Henry Louis Gates , Jr. explores the roots of singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara — using DNA analysis and genealogical detective work to trace lineages that run from shtetls in Eastern Europe to Jazz Age Harlem. Along the way, Alanis and Ciara reimagine their families and meet the people who laid the groundwork for their success — including one ancestor who was at the center of a song.

Season 10 Inside Look

30s

In addition to exploring the family mysteries of three members of the viewing public, chosen for the series following a casting call, Season 10 of "Finding Your Roots" dives into the ancestral backgrounds and stories of Valerie Bertinelli, Danielle Brooks, LeVar Burton, Ciara, Michael Douglas, Lena Dunham, Brendan Fraser, Sammy Hagar, Sunny Hostin, Tracy Morgan, Alanis Morissette and more.

Extended Trailer

3m 15s

Check out the incredible guests who will be joining Henry Louis Gates, Jr. this season to uncover their roots. And for the first time in our show’s 10 season history, three *viewers like you* will be featured on the show. This season is remarkable in many ways, and we will see you in January, only on PBS!

Out of the Past Preview

32s / TV-PG

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the lost roots of actors Billy Crudup and Tamera Mowry-Housley, traveling back generations to recount significant events in history—from the American Revolution to the journey of the Mayflower—in a deeply personal way.

Anchormen Preview

32s / TV-PG

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces trail-blazing journalists Jim Acosta and Van Jones to the ancestors who blazed a trail for them, meeting runaway slaves and immigrant settlers who took enormous chances so that their descendants might thrive.

And Still I Rise Preview

32s / TV-PG

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the unexpected family trees of activist Angela Y. Davis and statesman Jeh Johnson, using DNA and long-lost records to redefine notions of the black experience—and challenge preconceptions of America’s past.

Jeh Johnson's Grandfather was a Renowned Sociologist at Fisk

7m 14s / TV-PG

"If you know your legacy, you know your history, you will find many interesting things." -- Jeh Johnson remarking on the long line of accomplished ancestors on the maternal and paternal sides of his family.

Angela Davis' Great-Grandfather Took a Slaveowner to Court

5m 42s / TV-PG

Angela Davis' great-grandfather, Isom, not only marks her family's transition from slavery to freedom, he's also at the center of a fascinating story involving the Freedmen's Bureau.

I'm Gonna Cry Aren't I?:Richard Kind's Holocaust Connection

5m 34s / TV-PG

Actor Richard Kind had always considered himself fortunate that he didn't have relatives who were in the Holocaust. But in this clip, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals that the actor had a number of ancestors who were killed in the Holocaust, and one who survived.

Why Did David Duchovny's Family Come to America Then Leave?

7m 19s / TV-PG

David Duchovny and Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. trace the story of David's family journey to New York, the separation, reunion and tragic circumstances that later led to his great-grandfather relocating to Israel.

Chosen Preview

32s / TV-PG

Henry Louis Gates helps actors David Duchovny and Richard Kind trace their roots from Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and the Middle East to the United States. Telling stories of triumph and tragedy, Gates reveals how his guest’s ancestors tested the limits of luck and familial love as they battled to escape oppression and build a better life for future generations.

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