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Finding Your Roots
Stranger Than Fiction
Season 11
Episode 3
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of two award-winning writers: novelist Amy Tan and poet Rita Dove, tracing lineages that run from a plantation in Maryland to a speakeasy in Washington, DC to a village in central China. Along the way, Amy and Rita reimagine themselves as they learn the true stories of the people who laid the groundwork for their success—and inspired their art.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the family trees of actors Debra Messing & Melanie Lynskey.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of married actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets musician Rubén Blades & journalist Natalie Morales.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the ancestry of notable chefs José Andrés & Sean Sherman.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the ancestry of actor Sharon Stone & model Chrissy Teigen.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.

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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.

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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.

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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos.

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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shares ancestry with actor Danielle Brooks & singer Dionne Warwick.

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52:09
Sunny Hostin and Jesse Williams discover ancestors from very diverse places.