Roots is taking hold at History, with original star LeVar Burton set to co-executive produce a remake of the 1977 American slavery miniseries that launched his career, won nine Emmy Awards and still stands as one of the most-watched television events in history.
“My career began with Roots and I am proud to be a part of this new adaptation,” Burton said in a Thursday statement. “There is a huge audience of contemporary young Americans who do not know the story of Roots or its importance."
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A&E and Lifetime will simulcast the History production in 2016. Will Packer (producer of Ride Along, Think Like a Man) and Mark Wolper will serve with Burton as co-executive producers.
Burton's portrayal of lead character Kunta Kinte was one of 37 Emmy nominations for Roots, a breakout role for the newcomer who went on to star in Star Trek: The Next Generation and host the popular children's program Reading Rainbow.
Aside from Burton, big name stars like Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou and O.J. Simpson starred in the original miniseries.
A team of screenwriters is set for the 2016 version, including Lawrence Konner (Boardwalk Empire), Mark Rosenthal (Planet of the Apes), Alison McDonald (Nurse Jackie) and Charles Murray (Sons of Anarchy).
When it aired, Roots was the most watched TV series in U.S. history, according to PBS. About 100 million viewers watched the final episode.
No pressure, folks.