Roc (1991–1994)

Roc Emerson, a city garbage collector, balances the pressures of work with the everyday crises of family life in an effort to do what he thinks is best for his wife and kids. Most of the ... See full summary »

Creator:

Stan Daniels

Stars:

Charles S. Dutton, Ella Joyce, Rocky Carroll

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Charles S. Dutton	...	Roc Emerson (72 episodes, 1991-1994)
Ella Joyce	...	Eleanor Emerson (72 episodes, 1991-1994)
Rocky Carroll	...	Joey Emerson (72 episodes, 1991-1994)
Carl Gordon	...	Andrew Emerson (72 episodes, 1991-1994)
Alexis Fields	...	Sheila Hendricks (22 episodes, 1993-1994)

Storyline

Roc Emerson, a city garbage collector, balances the pressures of work with the everyday crises of family life in an effort to do what he thinks is best for his wife and kids. Most of the episodes were fairly typical sit-com storylines, but occasionally more serious topics, such as racism, were dealt with.

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Plot Keywords:

sitcom | live broadcast | scavenger | african american | character name in title

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Roc Live

Filming Locations:

Stage 4, Hollywood Center Studios - 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Independent Productions, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (72 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During its second season, the show was presented live, enabling realistic performances from the main cast and breaking character between commercials and credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Married with Children: Proud to Be Your Bud? (1993)

User Reviews

One of the best 1990s sitcoms

This was an excellent show. It was like watching a play every week, as the cast members interacted perfectly with each other. It was free of the buffoonery and racial stereotypes that have permeated many other sitcoms with predominately African-American casts. In fact, the series premiered around the same time "Martin", another FOX sitcom did. Star Charles Dutton was very vocal about how it appeared that FOX promoted the buffoonery in the "Martin" show, while not giving enough attention to "Roc". "Roc" was one of few shows that focused on the lives of working class African-Americans.

Just like the equally excellent "Frank's Place" on CBS, "Roc" received critical praise but disappeared way too soon due to low ratings. It is not shown in reruns often, but please catch the episodes when they are. This is a real gem.