Finding Your Roots

Larry David and Bernie Sanders, linked by one hilarious impersonation, trace their roots from 1940s Brooklyn back to Jewish communities in Europe. Through DNA testing they learn that there is more to their uncanny likeness than suspected.

Fred Armisen, Carly Simon and Christopher Walken learn about a grandparent whose real identity and background had been a mystery to them, then comes to see his or herself in a new light based on these freshly revealed facts.

Hollywood mainstays Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and William H. Macy discover family legacies that predate the United States itself. Taken together, these stories from the past show our guests how personal choices can change history.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ava DuVernay and Janet Mock find their identities challenged, but when their ancestors’ lives are placed in historical context, gain an appreciation for their family narratives and the diversity of the black experience.

Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd and John Turturro explore the challenges faced by their immigrant forebears.

Three African-American guests, Bryant Gumbel, Tonya Lewis-Lee and Suzanne Malveaux, delve deep into their family trees, discovering stories that challenge our assumptions about black history.

Lupita Nyong’o, Carmelo Anthony and Ana Navarro explore how their family trees were shaped by political turmoil and violence, discovering unexpected ancestry along the way.

Téa Leoni and Gaby Hoffman, whose lives have been shaped by family mysteries, are introduced to ancestors they never knew they had.

Questlove, Dr. Phil and Charlayne Hunter-Gault dig into their roots where slavery shaped families.

Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari and Maya Rudolph, who have mined their family stories for comedy, learn about ancestors who overcame immense suffering.