January 23rd, 1977 - The TV mini-series "Roots," began airing on ABC. The show was based on the Alex Haley novel.

On January 23, 1977, ABC aired the first of eight consecutive episodes of the twelve-hour mini-series Roots. Arguably the most successful television movie of all time -- it was nominated for a combined 35 awards, and won 14, including nine Emmy awards. Roots had a lasting impact on viewers, television, and its cast.

http://www.thegrio.com/assets_c/2012/01/roots-35-years-later-thumb-400xauto-29199.jpg

OMGosh.. Upon seeing this thread, I was flooded with the good memory of having watched the show religiously with my mom but then, it made feel really old :(

I remember watching 'Roots' in my high school history class. It still holds up well today.