South Carolina ETV is proud to announce that the half-hour series Reconnecting Roots received an award nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. Reconnecting Roots has been nominated in the “Main Title and Graphic Design” category. Winners of the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards competition will be announced on Oct. 17.
The Daytime Emmy® Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime. All awards are judged by a pool of more than 1,000 peer professionals from across the television industry.
Reconnecting Roots is a half-hour television series featuring stories of America told through music, history and a series of field trips alongside host Gabe McCauley. Produced by lilDRAGON and presented by South Carolina ETV, Reconnecting Roots is distributed to public television stations across the U.S. by American Public Television (APT). The series portrays American life across the past six generations, showcasing the American journey of progress with the hope of understanding how exactly we fit in and why.
Reconnecting Roots premiered in 2019 and released season 4 in 2024. Production funding for Reconnecting Roots season 4 is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Lem’s Shoes, Muletown Coffee Roasters, Music Ranch Montana and Taylor Stitch.
The Reconnecting Roots series producer is Joel McAfee, the owner and producer/editor of the production company lilDRAGON. The series is hosted by Gabe McCauley, an actor and film director as well as the founder of lilDRAGON. As the host of Reconnecting Roots, McCauley combines his own comedic personality with his passion for telling stories with purpose.
A complete list of 2025 Daytime Emmy® Awards nominees can be found on the Daytime Emmy® Awards website.
QUOTES
“This nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the creativity and care poured into every aspect of Reconnecting Roots. We’re proud to support a series that continues to engage viewers with meaningful stories that document the evolution of American culture and community.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“This recognition highlights the commitment and talent of the entire team behind Reconnecting Roots. The series continues to find new and compelling ways to explore American life and history, and we’re proud to see that work celebrated by our peers.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
“Our team takes their craft seriously and its validating when we are recognized for our hard work and talent. Every part of our show is curated with intention and the graphics, design and animation are no exception.” –Reconnecting Roots Host Gabe McCauley
FAST FACTS
- The half-hour series Reconnecting Roots has received an award nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards.
- Reconnecting Roots has been nominated in the “Main Title and Graphic Design” category.
- Winners of the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards competition will be announced on Oct. 17.
- The Daytime Emmy® Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts.
- A complete list of 2025 Daytime Emmy® Awards nominees can be found on the Daytime Emmy® Awards website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
South Carolina ETV series Reconnecting Roots nominated for Daytime EMMY® award (PDF)
