'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 11:59 AM HST

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

Avery Keatley

See stories by Avery Keatley

Sarah McCammon

Sarah McCammon is a National Correspondent covering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for NPR. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion and reproductive rights, and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news magazines, podcasts and special coverage.

Jeanette Woods

Jason Fuller