Ep 7. No Laughing Matter

In Finding Your Roots season 5 episode 7, named No Laughing Matter, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the family histories of three comedians – Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, and Roy Wood Jr.

The episode begins with Jordan Peele, best known for his work on the comedy sketch series Key & Peele, exploring his father’s side of the family. Gates reveals that Peele’s great-grandfather was a successful lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee, during segregation. He then turns to Peele’s mother’s side of the family, uncovering stories of enslavement and resistance in North Carolina. Peele reflects on the significance of his ancestry, saying, “To know that the strength to endure and survive is in my blood, it just gives me a lot more firepower as a creative person.”

Next, Gates dives into the roots of Issa Rae, creator and star of the hit HBO series Insecure. He reveals that Rae’s father’s side of the family traces back to Louisiana, where her great-great-grandfather was an enslaved carpenter. Rae is moved to tears when learning about the work her ancestors did to make a better life for their children despite unimaginable hardship. Gates also uncovers a surprising relation to a historical figure that left Rae in shock.

The final comedian featured in this episode is Roy Wood Jr., a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Gates explores Wood’s roots in Alabama, revealing ancestors who fought for freedom during the Civil War. He also delves into Wood’s family’s history in the coal mines, learning about the dangerous and exploitative working conditions they endured. Wood reflects on the resiliency of his forebears, saying, “I’m related to a bunch of people who’ve survived, who’ve been tested at every turn, and they’ve still made something out of [their lives]. It puts into perspective how small our problems in modernity really are.”

As with all episodes of Finding Your Roots, No Laughing Matter is a poignant exploration of the power of ancestry and genealogy. Through the stories of these three comedians, viewers are reminded that our past informs our present, and that the resilience and perseverance of our forebears can inspire us to make the most of our own lives.