CLEVELAND, Ohio — Despite the fast-moving digital world, it’s our family past that continues to pique interest.

Every family seemingly has that one member who takes it upon themselves to go down the genealogy rabbit hole becoming an online sleuth or simply using 23andMe’s DNA testing lab for ancestry roots.

It’s also this interest in our personal history that draws viewers to “Finding Your Roots,” which debuts its ninth season Jan. 3 on PBS.

Using genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis revealing buried secrets and inspiring stories, the fascinating series features influential actors, athletes and celebrities learning about their detailed family trees.

This season’s list of guests includes actors Carol Burnett, Jamie Chung, Brian Cox, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Viola Davis, David Duchovny, Richard Kind, Joe Manganiello, Tamera Mowry, Edward Norton, Julia Roberts and Danny Trejo, as well as comedian Niecy Nash.

There’s also pop star Cyndi Lauper, athlete and sportscaster Tony Gonzalez, journalists Jim Acosta and Van Jones, activist Angela Y. Davis and statesman Jeh Johnson.

We recently caught up with acclaimed scholar, lecturer, social critic, writer and “Finding Your Roots” host Henry Louis Gates Jr. to discuss his love of Cleveland and this season of the popular show seen locally on WVIZ-TV, Channel 25.

Hello, Henry, congrats on yet another season of “Finding Your Roots.” Before we talk about this year’s guests, what’s…