'You need this knowledge,' says Henry Louis Gates Jr. as new season of Finding Your Roots premieres

By Avery Keatley,

Sarah McCammon, Jeanette Woods, Jason Fuller

Published January 17, 2026 at 4:59 PM EST

Henry Louis Gates Jr. previews the complex, multi-generational stories shaping the newest season of PBS' Finding Your Roots.

Avery Keatley

Sarah McCammon

Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion policy and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news programs.

Jeanette Woods

Jason Fuller

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'You need this knowledge,' says Henry Louis Gates Jr. as new season of Finding Your Roots premieres

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.