Finding Your Roots: Season 6
Season 6 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Finding Your Roots Season 5.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 6 Progress Shield
Hollywood Royalty
Oct 8, 2019 · 60 min
Actresses Isabella Rossellini, Anjelica Huston and Mia Farrow explore their family histories, generations beyond their cinematic forebears.
Off the Farm
Oct 15, 2019 · 60 min
Actors Melissa McCarthy and Eric Stonestreet retrace their ancestral journeys.
Homecomings
Jan 7, 2020 · 60 min
Sterling K. Brown, Jon Batiste and Sasheer Zamata learn about the unexpected places their ancestors called home.
This Land is My Land
Jan 14, 2020 · 60 min
The unexpected family trees of Queen Latifah and Jeffrey Wright challenge preconceptions about America's past.
Beyond the Pale
Jan 21, 2020 · 60 min
Exploring the Jewish heritages of actor Jeff Goldblum, radio host Terry Gross and comic Marc Maron.
Secrets & Lies
Jan 28, 2020 · 60 min
Sigourney Weaver, Justina Machado and Amy Ryan explore their ancestry.
Science Pioneers
Feb 4, 2020 · 60 min
Tracing the family histories of scientists Harold Varmus, Francis Collins and Shirley Ann Jackson.
Slave Trade
Feb 11, 2020 · 60 min
Questlove, S. Epatha Merkerson and Ava DuVernay explore the unexpected places where their ancestors were scattered by slavery.
Italian Roots
Feb 18, 2020 · 60 min
Marisa Tomei, Jimmy Kimmel and John Turturro learn about the sacrifices their ancestors made to bring their families from Italy to America.
Criminal Kind
Feb 25, 2020 · 60 min
The family histories of Laura Linney, Lisa Ling and Soledad O'Brien reveal tricksters, scoundrels and criminals.
Fashion's Roots
Oct 13, 2020 · 60 min
Guests: Diane von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez, RuPaul. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. steps into the world of fashion and meets three icons of style — Diane Von Furstenberg, Narciso Rod
DNA Mysteries
Oct 20, 2020 · 60 min
Guests: Téa Leoni, Joe Madison. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uses DNA detective work to solve mysteries in the family trees of actor Téa Leoni, and radio host Joe Madison, introducing ea
War Stories
Nov 10, 2020 · 60 min
Guests: Kehinde Wiley, Julianne Moore, Bill Hader. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Julianne Moore, comedian Bill Hader, and painter Kehinde Wiley, revealing how
Flight
Nov 17, 2020 · 60 min
Guests: Lupita Nyong’o, Lidia Bastianich, Scarlett Johansson. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets actors Scarlett Johansson and Lupita Nyong’o, and chef Lidia Bastianich — three women who
Breaking Silences
Jan 5, 2021 · 60 min
Guests: Gayle King, Jordan Peele, Issa Rae. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the family secrets of journalist Gayle King, film director Jordan Peele, and comedian Issa Rae, introduc
Coming to America
Jan 12, 2021 · 60 min
Guests: Nancy Pelosi, Norah O'Donnell, Zac Posen. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, news anchor Norah O’Donnell and fashion designer Zac Posen explore their