History is currently developing a remake of the 1977 acclaimed miniseries Roots.
Variety confirmed the news that History acquired the rights to Roots from late executive producer David L. Wolper's son Mark Wolper. The network also has the rights to the 1976 book Roots: The Saga of an American Family."
History plans on remaking Roots into an eight-hour miniseries, using both the book and the miniseries while also coming at this new version from a contemporary viewpoint. The original miniseries was 12 hours long.
According to Deadline, who first reported the news, Wolper will executive produce the new series. No writers have been hired yet, but the cable network is preparing to meet with some.
History Executive Vice President and GM Dirk Hoogstra said, "We would like to revive that cultural icon for a new audience." History secured the rights ahead of FX, who was also looking into producing a remake.
Roots aired on consecutive nights on ABC in 1977. The miniseries broke records, both by earning 36 Emmy nominations and ratings records, with 100 million having watched the show. The miniseries won nine of the nominations, including for best limited series and supporting actor - for Ed Asner.
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