Roots

This legendary TV miniseries -- an adaptation of author Alex Haley's groundbreaking novel that details the history of his own family from slavery to emancipation -- received five Emmy Awards, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Dramatic TV Series. With a dynamic ensemble cast, this rousing epic features LeVar Burton, in his acting debut, portraying Haley's ancestor, Kunta Kinte, who was kidnapped from his African village and sold into slavery.