Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Roots (2016) is a remake of the critically acclaimed 1977 miniseries of the same name that won nine Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award. (Both miniseries are based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family.) The visuals are graphically violent and painfully realistic and range from whippings, hangings, amputations, and human branding to battle scenes involving shootings, stabbings, explosions, and executions. Sexual violence, including rape, is strongly suggested, but no sensitive parts are shown, and audible language includes the "N" word. Some characters drink socially to the point of drunkenness. As brutal as the content is, this update is an excellent conversation starter for families to use to discuss slavery.

Sexual Content

Kissing, implied sex, and simulated rape, though no sensitive parts are shown; discussion of "breeding" human beings like animals.

Violence

Violent imagery includes crude amputations, decapitations, hangings, beatings, whippings, and the branding of human beings like cattle; several key scenes are graphic in nature, with spurting blood, vomit, and open wounds.

Language

Audible language includes "damn," "bastard," and the "N" word.

Social Behavior

Love, survival, and family are major themes that rise above the series' otherwise sobering realities. The series also stresses the importance of honoring the past as a means to moving forward.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Social drinking; some characters drink to the point of drunkenness.