Roots (2016)

The lauded small screen saga Roots (2016) is an impactful remake of the 1977 original which was responsible for redefining storytelling in regards to slavery in America. Following in the footsteps of the most watched television miniseries of all time is no easy task, but with an A-list cast and a first-rate production, this reboot rises to the occasion. Based on Alex Haley’s novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” (1976), both shows cover the legacy of a Mandinka warrior who was brought from West Africa to America by European slave traders. In this version, we meet Fiddler (Forest Whitaker) Chicken George (Regé-Jean Page), Mingo (Chad Coleman), Noah (Mandela Van Peebles), Jerusalem (Mekhi Phifer), Silla Ba Dibba (Derek Luke), and the main character Kunta Kinte (Malachi Kirby). The latter actor may give you wood when he runs shirtless through the woods. Speaking of chiseled physiques, we get to ogle the muscular back, chest, calves, and guns on Marcellus (Michael James Shaw) as he negotiates the freedom of Kizzy (Anika Noni Rose) with Tom Lea played by Irish eyeful Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The historical drama also features British beauties James Purefoy and Matthew Goode, both of whom look good even with their clothes on. At the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, Roots was nominated in plenty of categories, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Narrator (Laurence Fishburne) and Outstanding Costumes for a Limited Series. It might have won if Malachi and Michael flashed more flesh. Nevertheless, they earned a statuette in Mr. Man’s pants!