History Channel to Remake 'Roots'

After the success of Hatfields & McCoys and The Bible, this was probably inevitable.

The History Channel is planning an eight-hour remake of the legendary miniseries Roots. The original series broke ratings records in January 1977, airing on eight consecutive nights and becoming one of the best-loved television productions of all-time. Roots is based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, which centers on the story of African slave Kunta Kinte and the struggle of his descendants 18th- and 19th-century America. The original miniseries was nominated for a staggering 37 Emmys, winning 9.

While this upcoming version may be a new take on the miniseries, it has significant ties to the Roots of old: the remake will be executive-produced by Mark Wolper, son of original Roots executive producer David L. Wolper.

No word yet on when the remake is expected to begin production.

Via: HitFix