Winning nine Emmys and viewed by more than 130 million Americans, the NBC mini-series ROOTS greatly impacted American views of slavery and the black experience. It was followed by this massive 14-hour mini-series two years later later in 1979. Although not as popular as the original, this series did garner high ratings and earned an Emmy for Marlon Brando and a nomination for Ruby Dee. Beginning in 1882 where the original series left off, this epic tale follows the African-American experience after the slaves were freed, but when their opportunities were still greatly limited. The journey takes the audience through the life of writer Alex Haley (played by James Earl Jones), including a dramatic concluding episode studying the influence of Malcolm X, and Haley's discovery of Kunta Kinte.