Viewers Like You
After a national casting call that received over nine thousand submissions, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets 3 everyday Americans. Each has a family mystery that they have spent years trying to solve—only to reach dead ends. Using genetic genealogy and old-fashioned detective work, Gates unravels these mysteries, allowing each of his guests to understand themselves—and their families--as never before.
Episodes
-
Viewers Like You
S10 E10 - 52m 10s
After a national casting call that received over nine thousand submissions, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets 3 everyday Americans. Each has a family mystery that they have spent years trying to solve—only to reach dead ends. Using genetic genealogy and old-fashioned detective work, Gates unravels these mysteries, allowing each of his guests to understand themselves—and their families--as never before.
-
Moving soon to WETA Passport
In the Blood
S10 E9 - 52m 10s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Michael Douglas & writer-director Lena Dunham. Both guests are the children of famous artists—and both proudly followed in their parents’ footsteps. But their family trees contain a cast of characters whose lives were forgotten. Gates recovers them, telling fascinating stories from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the streets of colonial America.
-
Mean Streets
S10 E8 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos—two native New Yorkers whose roots stretch to surprising places and contain inspiring stories. Moving from the Canary Islands to battlefields in Europe & Asia to slave plantations in Virginia, long-lost records reveal ancestors who laid the groundwork for Tracy and Anthony’s success by fighting to survive.
-
The Brick Wall Falls
S10 E7 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Dionne Warwick and actor Danielle Brooks break down the barriers imposed by slavery to learn the names and stories of their ancestors who endured bondage. Facing one of the greatest genealogical challenges, Gates uses his detective skills to piece together the lives of women and men who survived unimaginable ordeals—but emerged to forge families that thrived.
-
Far and Away
S10 E6 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of journalist Sunny Hostin & actor Jesse Williams—revealing the tremendous diversity hidden within their family trees. Sifting through stories of Swedish musical prodigies, Spanish slave traders, Southern plantations, and Salem Witch Trials, Gates unravels deep secrets and uncovers lost ancestors—compelling each of his guests to rethink their identities.
-
Hold the Laughter
S10 E5 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the roots of comedians Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger—two very funny people whose family trees brim with stories that are more drama than comedy. Moving from Napoleonic France to Nazi-occupied Poland to the castle of a European duke, Gates introduces them to relatives who took great risks and overcame enormous hardships for the sake of their families.
-
Buried Secrets
S10 E4 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps singer Sammy Hagar and actor Ed O’Neill uncover their hidden roots, revealing scandals and secrets that their ancestors went to great lengths to conceal. Traveling from criminal underworlds to Civil War battlefields, they explore the meaning of family bonds—meet heroes and villains—and celebrate the virtue of accepting one’s relatives, whoever they may be.
-
Fathers and Sons
S10 E3 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi—two men who grew up without their fathers, haunted by questions about entire branches of their family trees. With only a handful of clues to guide him, Gates uncovers stories his guests have long wanted to hear, introducing them to ancestors whose names they’ve never known-—and revealing their connections to key moments in history.
-
Forever Young
S10 E2 - 52m 11s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser—two actors who found fame when they were young and lived much of their lives in the limelight, cut off from their roots. Moving from war-torn Europe to the coal mines of Pennsylvania to the Amazon jungle, each discovers the places their ancestors once called home—providing new insight into what made them who they are today.
-
Born to Sing
S10 E1 - 52m 12s
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.
Extras + Features
-
Levar Burton's Emotional Connection to His Ancestors
S10 E3 - 4m 57s
LeVar Burton is overcome with emotion when when he reads the 1940 census for Arkansas that reveals that he and his father's ancestors share something truly profound.
-
Journey From Brazil to Becoming a Baker
S10 E2 - 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.
-
Brendan Fraser's Ancestor Attempted Murder!
S10 E2 - 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.
-
The Secret Marriage in Valerie Bertinelli's Family History
S10 E2 - 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.
-
Forever Young Preview
S10 E2 - 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.
-
Brendan Fraser's Austrian Ancestry Revealed
S10 E2 - 4m 5s
Brendan learns that his great-grandfather, Herman Drobesch, was Austrian, not German, and served in the Austrian artillery corps during World War I.
-
Alanis Morissette's Daredevil Ancestors Memorialized in Song
S10 E1 - 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.
-
The Mystery of Alanis Morissette's Missing Family Members
S10 E1 - 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®
-
Born to Sing Preview
S10 E1 - 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.
-
Ciara's Deep Southern Roots
S10 E1 - 6m 11s
Ciara learns about her great-grandfather Luther's upbringing on a cotton farm with numerous siblings, shedding light on her deep roots in South Carolina.
-
Ciara Discovers Her Ancestors' Hidden Relationship
S10 E1 - 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.
-
Season 10 Inside Look
S10 - 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.
Schedule
-
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Sunday
Apr 28
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Sunday
Apr 28
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Sunday
Apr 28
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Monday
Apr 29
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Monday
Apr 29
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Monday
Apr 29
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Forever Young
Tuesday
Apr 30
1 Hour
Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Tuesday
Apr 30
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Tuesday
Apr 30
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Wednesday
May 1
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Wednesday
May 1
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Wednesday
May 1
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Wednesday
May 1
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Saturday
May 4
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Saturday
May 4
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Sunday
May 5
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Sunday
May 5
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Sunday
May 5
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Monday
May 6
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories. -
Image
Finding Your Roots
Fathers and Sons
Monday
May 6
1 Hour
Actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi, two men who grew up without their fathers, explore their family histories.
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.
Similar Shows
It's Lit!
Culture
Earth's Sacred Wonders
Culture
Brushstroke
Culture
You're Doing It Wrong
Culture
Living in the Big Empty
Culture
Looking for the Helpers
Culture
Racing the Rez
Culture
