Roc

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  • TV-PG
  • 1991
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.4  (1,862)

Roc is a sitcom that aired on FOX from 1991 to 1994. The show starred Charles S. Dutton as the titular character Roc Emerson, a hard-working garbage collector in Baltimore, Maryland. Ella Joyce played his wife, Eleanor, while Rocky Carroll portrayed Roc's younger brother, Joey.

The show was primarily set in Roc and Eleanor's home, where they lived with their young son, Joey, and Roc's father, Andrew Emerson, who was played by Carl Gordon. Andrew was a retired carpenter and was largely confined to a wheelchair. He often provided a chorus of moral guidance for the family and served as a voice of reason for Roc.

Roc was a proud family man who worked hard to provide for his wife and son despite the challenges posed by his blue-collar job. In the first season, Roc's dream was to open up his own auto mechanic shop, but in later seasons, he was content with his job as a garbage collector.

Roc and Eleanor's marriage was a central part of the show, and their love for each other was evident despite the occasional marital spat. Eleanor was a pragmatic person who often served as a calm counterpoint to Roc's more impulsive nature. The couple's differing approaches to life often led to humorous conflicts and misunderstandings.

Joey, Roc's younger brother, was a troubled young man who had spent time in prison for drug-related crimes. With Roc's help, he tried to turn his life around and find a sense of purpose. Joey's redemption arc was an important part of the show's narrative, showing that even those who have made mistakes can still find a path to a better life.

Roc's father, Andrew, was a cantankerous but wise patriarch who was always ready with a bit of wisdom for his family. He offered Roc tough-love advice and urged him to be a better man. Andrew's relationship with his granddaughter, Sheila, was especially heartwarming, as he served as a positive male role model in her life.

The show dealt with a variety of social issues, often with humor and sensitivity. One episode focused on the family's reaction to Sheila's newfound interest in African American history, while another tackled the issue of gun violence in Roc's neighborhood. The show also dealt with topics such as homelessness, racism, and drug addiction.

Although Roc had a strong following and garnered critical acclaim during its three-year run, it was ultimately cancelled due to poor ratings. Despite its short run, the show left a lasting legacy and is remembered as a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled serious social issues with heart and humor.

In conclusion, Roc was a classic sitcom that tackled serious social issues with humor and sensitivity. The show's strong focus on family and the relationships between its characters made it a beloved classic that is still remembered fondly today.

Roc is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (72 episodes). The series first aired on August 24, 1991.

Roc
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Seasons
You Shouldn't Have to Lie
22. You Shouldn't Have to Lie
May 10, 1994
Roc gets a drug dealer to help a young hood; Eleanor learns that a friend's daughter is HIV-positive.
Emerson vs. Emerson
21. Emerson vs. Emerson
May 3, 1994
Eleanor tries to change Roc's bad habits; Joey seeks a date.
Brothers
20. Brothers
April 5, 1994
Andrew's brother visits; Joey and Roc have a run-in with a drug dealer.
The Last Temptation of Roc
19. The Last Temptation of Roc
February 15, 1994
While attending a convention in Miami, Roc is romantically tempted by a former childhood friend, who is now a beautiful woman. After sharing an innocent day visiting local tourist attractions, Diane returns with Roc to the hotel lounge and they exchange a passionate kiss.
The Concert
18. The Concert
February 8, 1994
Joey convinces Roc that he's learning to be more responsible when he produces a benefit concert for his new music school. Joey's efforts are threatened by a last-minute emergency, so his family lends him money -- while worrying that the funds might really be going to a bookie.
No Place Like a Home
17. No Place Like a Home
February 1, 1994
With the arrival of the new baby, Andrew feelis like a burden to the Emerson family and moves into the local senior citizens home. Joey volunteers to be the baby's guardian in Roc and Eleanor's will, and to prove that he isn't irresponsible, Joey cares for the baby in his apartment while Roc and Eleanor have a romantic evening together.
Citizen Roc (2)
16. Citizen Roc (2)
January 18, 1994
A contributor to Roc's opponent may be linked to Andrew, who gets a visit from Roc's varied group of supporters. (Part 2 of 2)
Citizen Roc (1)
15. Citizen Roc (1)
January 11, 1994
Frustrated by the gang members and drug dealers in his neighborhood, Roc campaigns for political office to try and reduce the crime rate. (Part 1 of 2)
Terence Got His Gun
14. Terence Got His Gun
January 4, 1994
Roc and Eleanor are outraged when they learn that Sheila's new friend, Terence, carries a handgun to school to defend himself against the violent gang members. Meanwhile, Joey organizes his musician friends to fund their own music school to educate and occupy the neighborhood children.
Shove It up Your Asprin
13. Shove It up Your Asprin
December 7, 1993
When Roc is burdened with an excessive hospital bill for the birth of his baby and Sheila's fractured arm, he leads an angry protest against the hospital's pricing policy.
God Bless the Child
12. God Bless the Child
November 23, 1993
When Roc and Eleanor bring their new baby home from the hospital, Eleanor's mother, Margaret, immediately accuses Roc of raising the child incorrectly. Meanwhile, Joey arrives home wearing an expensive new suit. After confessing that he won a large amount of money by gambling, Roc accuses Joey of ignoring his promise not to gamble.
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father
11. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father
November 16, 1993
As Sheila is about to celebrate her twelfth birthday, Roc wonders why she refuses to visit her father, Calvin, in prison. Meanwhile, the Emerson's doctor offers to reveal the sex of their baby, which is due to be born at any time. Eleanor insists that she wants to be surprised during the birth, but Roc is impatient to know what kinds of baby clothes and toys he should scavenge from his garbage route.
Final Analysis
10. Final Analysis
November 9, 1993
The therapist that Joey consults about his gambling addiction accuses Roc of being the problem. Meanwhile, Eleanor takes care of their crazy neighbor, George, when his guardian leaves town for a week.
The Graduate
9. The Graduate
November 2, 1993
Roc wants a management job with the Sanitation Department, but he's lacking one qualification, a high school diploma. When he learns that he can get his diploma by achieving a good grade on the GED Test, Roc prepares for the examination with the help of his family.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
8. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
October 19, 1993
Eleanor instructs Sheila on how to defend her dignity against sexist remarks made by a rude boy at school. Meanwhile, Andrew asks Joey to take his senior citizens group to the horse racing track. When Joey addresses the seniors about betting on horses, they criticize him for gambling instead of working at a job.
Unforgiven
7. Unforgiven
October 12, 1993
When Andrew's goddaughter Nina comes to town, Andrew warns Joey to stay away from her. Joey agrees. Nina takes a shine to Joey, and has him show her the sights of the city. Then Nina seduces Joey back at her hotel room, and Joey naturally gives in despite his better judgement.
Labor Intensive
6. Labor Intensive
October 5, 1993
When Roc finally realizes the importance of prenatal care for the health of their baby, he obsessively pampers Eleanor with food, exercise and music. Meanwhile, Joey and Andrew meet Al Fontaine, a dishonest acquaintance who enjoys gambling on silly stunts and party games. Joey tries to win back a large wager that he lost to Al in the past but is unsuccessful.
Crime and Punishment
5. Crime and Punishment
September 28, 1993
When Sheila is out two hours past her curfew, the family worries; and when she shows up, saying she lost track of time at the movies, Roc and Joey have to punish her.
Joey the Bartender
4. Joey the Bartender
September 21, 1993
Charlaine hires Joey to be a bartender at her restaurant, but he quickly demonstrates his irresponsibility by transforming it into a gambling casino.
The Poker Hand That Rocks the Cradle
3. The Poker Hand That Rocks the Cradle
September 14, 1993
When Eleanor's baby party interferes with Roc's weekly poker game, the expectant couple worry that the baby may interfere in their fun and romance. Then Roc loses the money for Eleanor's anniversary gift in a game.
The Garbageman's Apprentice
2. The Garbageman's Apprentice
September 7, 1993
When Roc's crazy neighbor George is hired by the Sanitation Department, Roc is assigned to teach the annoying man how to be a garbage collector. Meanwhile, Joey persuades the Emersons' foster daughter Sheila to use the computer's mathematical probability program to determine the winning horses at the racetrack.
Sheila in the House
1. Sheila in the House
August 31, 1993
After being sentenced to prison for the attempted murder of a local drug dealer, Calvin asks Roc to take care of his 11 year old daughte, Sheila. Roc agrees to assume custody of Sheila as a favor to Calvin, whom he admires for his courage and sacrifice in wounding a powerful drug dealer. Roc learns that Sheila is angry with her father for leaving her homeless. Roc explains to Sheila that Calvin believes he was protecting her and the other neighborhood children by committing the crime.
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Where to Watch Roc
Roc is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Roc on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon, Apple TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    August 24, 1991
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (1,862)