The SAD Truth About Roc | The Network's Disrespect of The Show Caused Its Cancelation?

[@stephencooper3583]

We all know why it got cancelled. FOX wanted buffoonery and Roc wanted to touch on serious subjects like drug dealers, guns, community, etc. Roc wasn't about to dance around and shuck n jive for them. Good for him for sticking to his principles.

[@brandonpage7087]

@stephencooper3583, exactly!! Because Charles S. Dutton, & the cast all stuck to their principles, we got a damn entertaining dramatic series, instead of the typical clown show.

[@Bully-mu1su]

They want black men to promote "bitches" and drugs aka jayz 50 cent diddy etc

[@vidhead85]

Titus was also shelved because FOX wanted to take it in a direction Christopher Titus didn't want to take it in. I believe he's released the full episodes here.

[@laurenreneebrittany1797]

One of my favorite sitcoms ever! They tackled some important issues in the black community. Its a shame Roc couldn't last for more seasons.

[@jayvandyke2972]

FOX just used the black shows like at what they did to living single martin and new york undercover

[@Alan_GA]

I concur, It was on of the few black sitcoms that faced head on issues facing the black community. Almost every sitting had a theme the viewer could learn from. I miss the days when we had so much choice in the number of sitcoms one could watch.

[@georgedafourth]

What you said is why it didn't last longer. The networks are okay with SOME issues being addressed as long as you have one or more characters that be on that clown behavior. They dont like Black shows that dont include some form of buffoonery.

[@teairramac1848]

Still watch on Pluto today!❤

[@mongoslade277]

​@@georgedafourthVery well said

[@antoinecampbell7473]

They weren’t ready for Roc. It was too real for them, they couldn’t handle it. Roc was definitely ahead of its time. Wish it had lasted longer.

[@mrsx7944]

So true. Roc was "woke".

[@PbtEntLLC]

I said the same thing

[@sha11235]

They'd rather have a show like Martin.

[@thegame]

Naaah they weren't ready for a cast not willing to bend to bullshyt. Too bad today's actors don't have that type of gumption

[@thebrownbaldy]

Gotta respect the fact that Mr. Dutton didn't want to portray Roc as a buffoonish character but instead focused on more pressing issues while blending comedy at the same time.

[@eastside_bee]

Stand up guy always have always will be #BALTIMOREMADE

[@maciomorris5468]

Yeah I have a lot of respect for Charles S. Dutton. He portrayed the character as a perfect every day person. So it made the comedic and dramatic elements blend together well.

[@SirPumpkinSlice]

I think the issue is that the comedy quotient was severely lacking. It got by on acting and great characters. But for a sitcom, you expect some comedy and they never figured that out.

[@spongebobsqarepants8049]

⁠​⁠@@SirPumpkinSliceexactly I personally think this show would have done 10x better had it put more comedy into it this show was just so serious most of the time and while it’s good to be serious need to throw in some comedy to lighten the mood so u can get a mix of both seriousness and laughter which is why shows my family mater fresh prince Martin etc did so well they had their serious episodes but on the same episode it has some comedy in it to lighten the load and balance out serious with comedy.

[@beaniegee5129]

Ella Joyce also appeared in TLC's Waterfalls video along with Shyheim and Bokeem Woodbine

[@Winnib7479]

I bet the critic who wrote that condescending review could not relate to the characters on Roc because he wasn't Black. Cheers, Taxi and the rest were more relatable for them. We as a people have open minds to see relatability in anything we watch.

[@TampaAries]

En Vogue was doing the theme song for a few shows back in the 90's, I remember they did one for Hanging with Mr. Cooper too.

[@jajuangordy4394]

Yes that's true. Not only that, they was making guest star appearances on different TV sitcoms like a different world and the Wayans Vros

[@mongoslade277]

They made guest appearances on Roc

[@respect_the_curv]

I swear I was just typing this!!!! I always thought they did sister sister too but I knew for sure they did Mr Cooper, they was out here working! Lol

[@andrewj.chappelliii9739]

That's right, they sure did. Great catch. Totally forgot about that. Then the jingle just entered my head. Coooooo-per. Lol.

[@dantefreely5850]

I was reading a book recently written by a guy that wrote for various 80/90s sitcoms and he briefly mentioned that around 1992-1993 they were developing a sitcom around EnVogue but that the project fell apart because it just didn't work. He said the girls weren't the best actors and they weren't very funny.

[@johnniejackson9794]

I'll never forget Clifton Powell's performance

[@jbuggggg]

dude killed that role, especially during the crack epidemic. didnt heavy D take him out?

[@INFAMOUSLSG]

@@jbuggggg Nah, he survived but was left with a limp. He was even starting to change his ways.

[@jbuggggg]

@@INFAMOUSLSG I just saw the episode when Powell limped into the bar. Roc hit on some serious topics thats still hitting today. Roc got arrested for being black in a white neighborhood, his wife had a dream about being molested. not going to keep a show on air with messages like that

[@NaturallyMarMar]

Thank God I own a digital copy of the series. This show was ahead of its time, and I'm *STILL MAD* about the cancellation.

[@sbrooks729]

Was cancelled around the same time as South Central.

[@NaturallyMarMar]

@sbrooks729 Yes, as well as "In Living Color"

[@cleftheart1969]

They're just so racist SMDH 🙄 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@jayvandyke2972]

@@sbrooks729 FOX said it was low ratings

[@larhondaburchett3271]

I wish I had it. Does anyone know where it can watch it??

[@mys3682]

Makes sense why the entire cast seemed so believable. They were trained stage actors. I just remember being glued to the screen watching Charles S. Dutton act. He was so believable as ROC.

[@nicolesherman8974]

Yessss! I’m so glad Juicy Pop is covering Roc! Charles S. Dutton alone deserves his flowers. An outstanding actor that goes unnoticed. Roc really is an underrated show.

[@kelearl3772]

Facts

[@LexDiamond270]

ROC was ahead of its time!! I loved ROC and Eleanor’s relationship.

[@VivaLaAsha]

Theme songs were everything back then.

[@sandraandrews9907]

For the first two seasons, the theme song was done with Take 6 doing background. 🎶🎶

[@GoddessOfLove-pr7ek]

Yes 💯. Great intro songs from the 70's, 80's to 90's films and tv series.

[@GoddessOfLove-pr7ek]

Yes definitely were amazing theme songs from 70's to 90's TV series and films.

[@eastsidereviews727]

Charles S. Dutton is one of those actors that I wish would get more love. Man does not miss and even in objectively mediocre stuff like Aliens 3, he still bring a good performance. Even in a small role in Menace II Society, he'll show up and often steal any scene he's in.

[@danavixen6274]

He's VERY talented. Loved him in Mississippi Masala and Nick of Time as well.

[@more2neika]

Yes! Agree!

[@tacotoosday42]

Remember him in the Sopranos as the one cop that wouldn't be paid off by the mob, had another job at a hardware store as a result.

[@jerseysowndjmartini6767]

Fucking LOVED him in Alien 3. Watch the workprint version tho, not the theatrical. It's a slightly better film. Also, check out a movie called First Time Fellon starring Omar Epps and Treach from Naughty By Nature. It was produced and I believe directed by Dutton and based on a true story.

[@tiffanymcdaniels5652]

Don't forget about sunny Low Down Dirty shame.😂

[@RajaReign78]

I’ll never forget the episode that I believe was called Terrace Get Your Gun. It really shook me up seeing I was about that age when it aired. Before seeing that episode I don’t remember any other sitcoms going that hard. To this day it still says with me.

[@zekefit]

This show is CRIMINALLY underrated. i love this show and it was so important to displaying the black experience at that time

[@mrsx7944]

It's not underrated for people who actually watched it. Everyone who watched it knew it was great.

[@Msbellared]

I found a digital channel called the365 that finally shows reruns of this show, eve, hanging with Mr Cooper, and for your love that starred Holly Robinson pete and Tamela Jones... Haven't seen these shows since they were actually on TV back in the day.. it's kinda alot like bounce tv..

[@kerry-j4m]

Wish we had a black sitcom like this on todays network,but,it problably wouldn't last long either. LOL. Roc was a stand-out tv series back in the 90s and the actress who played Roc's wife was so-PRETTY. Thanks for the retro-review of this out-standing tv series.

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

This sitcom is streaming on Pluto. Can we please get stories on the following underrated 90s sitcoms: The Parenthood The Wayans Bros Malcolm & Eddie

[@kittykat8110]

Omg!! I've looked for it for years on streaming or even bootleg! Thank you for your comment!!! 🥰🥰😘😘

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

@@kittykat8110 You’re welcome. I binged watched it a month ago.

[@franklin8618]

Didnt know it was on Pluto. Thanks! Tubi should add the show on its channel. I LOVE Tubi!

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

@@franklin8618 You’re welcome

[@Profess84]

I Roc was very underrated. I re-watched an episode about gun violence, and Charles S. Dutton spoke out maaking a passion speech. A lot of people tend to forget how many black shows touched on all different type of social commentary.

[@mschangingthegame425]

Tv wasn't ready for this type of show at the time

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

I always say the same thing about the show South Central.

[@jasminehill6312]

I loved South Central!!!!

[@yusefshakur669]

​@@jasminehill6312I remember that show smh

[@jburnett180]

Roc, great channel for covering this. I don’t hear people talk much about this show. Good show back in the day.

[@MrBeautiful2908]

One of my all time favorite television shows from my childhood. An absolute gem. ROC reminds me a lot of my father. Hardworking, loving, caring, compassionate, and a pillar of the community.

[@adotfelipe]

Thank you so much for covering this show! I am from Baltimore and I loved ROC!! I appreciate your content and all the work you put into it. And thank you for letting both theme songs play, it brought back memories as I was singing along.

[@beaniegee5129]

Roc is one of the most underrated sitcoms of the '90s next to Cousin Skeeter, The Parent'Hood, Malcolm & Eddie and Hangin with Mr. Cooper

[@cindyc12]

100 agreed!

[@kerry-j4m]

I've never seen Cousin Skeeter,may have to see if youtube has it.

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@kerry-j4mthere are full episodes on here

[@DurellPowell]

I agree with you up until Malcolm and Eddie, it wasnt bad but gimme the jamie foxx show any day

[@kerry-j4m]

@@DurellPowell I wish we had tv sitcoms like both those old shows in todays network television.

[@Sophisticated_Lady444]

Roc was ahead of its time and they didn’t want shows about the black experience and black positivity on their network. I love that show it tackled so many issues.

[@jayvandyke2972]

They want us to be ghetto loud and streotypical

[@shay_lah]

Charles Duttons life story need a movie. I loved how he changed his circumstance. always loved this show ❤

[@sheraydunbar729]

❤❤I agree

[@Iwant2BYRLova]

This channel is sooooo nostalgic! Luv the show Roc. It was real and genuine. Sending love From NYC!

[@princemastaking]

ROC is underrated, but funny at the same time. The show touched on serious issues such as gangs, drugs, violence, high risk pregnancy, gambling, politics, sexual harassment, H.I.V etc. I like both theme songs. Especially En Vogue's "Live your life today". IMO ROC ended because August of 1992 "Martin" came on and blew the ratings out the gate. And in September of 1993 "Living Single" were climbing the charts as well. So ROC was left out to dry. In May of 1994 along with ROC, In Living Color and The Arsenio Hall Show all 3 shows got cancelled R.I.P. Carl Gordon and Heavy D🕊💐🙏

[@beaniegee5129]

Ella Joyce also appeared in Set it Off, Who Made the Potatoe Salad, The Jamie Foxx Show, My Wife & Kids, In the House and the Sabrina the Teenage Witch episode Bundt Friday

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

Yep I couldn't stand her character in Set it Off. She could have offered Frankie some water. Lol

[@jacalynjohnson4656]

What a shame that Roc ended so abruptly…I always enjoyed the chemistry and storylines of the show.

[@kasino007]

I remember watching the first season with my parents and they would always say Roc isn't going to stay on TV because it's too real.

[@rosered3608]

Great show. I loved Roc and Eleanor’s love. Love the live tapings..so unique. They would do the show twice for the different time zones. Beautiful reporting.

[@rusticization]

Juicy Pop family, what I admire and respect about this "Roc" TV series is that it always kept it real with the real issues of the day back then.

[@beaniegee5129]

Nightmare on Emerson Street is a classic episode where Roc and Andre got into an argument

[@AggravatedMan365]

And Terrance got his gun

[@raldux9153]

​@@AggravatedMan365 shet was too real

[@beezy22]

Roc:Fox Sunday Night Classic…..Although it was short lived, Roc had some fantastic episodes that tackled issues in the community…..To this day, I’m still upset at Fox for canceling Roc too soon……thankfully Roc reruns are on Pluto…..RIP Heavy D…..

[@KevinPayton-fq8gd]

Fox Sunday night in the early '90s is one of the best TV viewing nights ever.

[@beezy22]

@@KevinPayton-fq8gd yes absolutely…. 💯

[@corylaws4285]

En Vogue was such an iconic group!

[@danavixen6274]

I LITERALLY thought about you all doing a profile on this CLASSIC series last night! Thank you! I loved Roc growing up. ❤

[@amb0724]

I loved this show as a kid. I hate that so many African American based shows don’t receive a true series finale

[@AggravatedMan365]

This show should have definitely had more than three seasons. The show went against the grain and the network didn't know how to handle it. Still a classic imo.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

She didn't even offer a Vivica A fox a glass of water when she was a cop 😮😉

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

She was so wrong for that!😂

[@taureanmay1411]

​@@JuicyPopEntertainment2:51 what ?!!.

[@danec2572]

@@taureanmay1411 'SET IT OFF"

[@kinglord7707]

Rocs rivalry with Andre Thompson the Baltimore Drug lord is the most powerful storyline in any sitcom during that time in early 90s

[@brandonpage7087]

Yes, I particularly recall those episodes! Very powerful & gripping work, from Charles S. Dutton, & particularly, Clifton Powell, showing that he could do serious, dramatic work. Though, I'll still always think of him, as Pinky, from Next Friday, LMAO!

[@TampaAries]

The old man was my favorite character lol, he was always hilarious in every scene.

[@tiffanymcdaniels5652]

Low key fine too!

[@darrylcarter3691]

One issue I heard is 1992, ROC also had to Compete with another sitcom, Martin.

[@simplyjuannie5128]

The complete turn around of Clifton Powell's character was shocking

[@pinkpetals601]

It still comes on this antenna channel called The 365!

[@raldux9153]

Watching it rn

[@beaniegee5129]

Thank goodness Roc is on Pluto TV

[@shamondavis406]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@axucaroso]

Wish Black channels would bring back underappreciated Black shows like Frank's Place, Gabriel's Fire, Paris, and Under One Roof

[@ieattofu68]

I absolutely loved all the Negro League replica shirts Roc used to wear!

[@youaintgettingmyhandle]

This show should not have ended the way it did. Also, the first and first half of the second theme song, I always thought it was Take 6 doing acapella .

[@tarnishermack94]

It is.

[@chauntelle_a]

Roc, rays place, and lincs was great shows many times underrated

[@naimahabdullah-gulley4405]

Roc was such a good show. It was very raw and authentic of a family just making it in the inner city. That live season was very good. Roc was actually ahead of the curve when you see shows now about people dumpster diving.

[@cindeed4422]

I loved the live shows. They were a testament to their stage backgrounds. It was cool when they went to commercial and you could see it was live.

[@dreface2]

I always thought the group Take 6 were the ones singing this former theme song…. I watch this show all the time on Pluto

[@moon230686]

Roc was too woke for Fox. That's why they didn't want that tv series of all black cast to succeed.

[@MoeFoeJo]

This show wasn’t appreciated as much as it should have been. The amount of powerful scenes this show had was insane.

[@Jaheartsjonas]

One of the few (and non-crime oriented) shows set in my hometown

[@beaniegee5129]

A lot of classic shows premiered in 1991 such as Roc, Rugrats, Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Dinosaurs, Blossom, Clarissa Explains it All, Home Improvement, Jenny Jones, Jerry Springer, Montel Williams, The Maury Povich Show, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego and Step by Step

[@glam2gobeauty811]

Memories ❤

[@kittykat8110]

I can't love those comment more!

[@JaKaiAmor]

I literally was saying I can’t wait for u to do this series!! It was really unrated and appreciated

[@KARLTONTCLAY]

I love the opening of this page. The music is so soothing and comforting! Great job on the videos! I learn so much!

[@mikeybynature]

AHHHHH!!!!! Yesssssss, keep ‘em coming, Juicy Pop!!!!!! This show was ahead of its time and too authentic. Still mad at its cancellation. Charles S. Dutton is deserving of so many flowers.💐💐

[@harveymcelroy9332]

One of the top 5 sitcoms of the 90s

[@LazarusStr]

This was so amazing to watch! ❤❤❤ Bravo on the story telling, awesome videography, and editing. Will definitely watch again

[@beaniegee5129]

Charles S. Dutton deserves his roses!! Besides Roc, he was in movies such as Aliens 3, Surviving the Game, Menace II Society, Fame (2009) and A Low Down Dirty Shame

[@kittykat8110]

I was 10-12 watching it and to this day i still think of it almost every trash day. Ive searched so many times, over so many years to find it on streaming or on bootleg sites. 😢

[@lobecosc]

This was a great show and the first theme song was awesome. Glad I was able to see it all.

[@mutechannel13]

The Roc show was Dope.

[@400bones6]

I'm white, but I grew up as a poor white kid, and grew up as a fixture in my best friends household and neighborhood, learning the culture and how the world has affected the black community, this show was so great, and deserved so much more... and now even more than ever the world could use more shows like this, but won't get them... poor doesn't see color, and we all wanted to see the american dream ,. but the rich eat what doesn't suit them.....

[@IceManLikeGervin]

A superior tv show full of edutainment and talented actors. Now this what we need more of in 2024 not Netflix's Good Times with Steph Curry as an executive producer of that negative stereotype pushing garbage.

[@mongoslade277]

& the new version of Good Times is a cartoon. Smh

[@MRJLS15]

Thank you 😊 for these ive been loving these details on the shows and behind the scenes

[@CandidlyToni]

Ok Juicy Pop. You’ve been coming through with the nostalgic shows! I love it.

[@JapBaby]

What about the dance rock used to do on their show with that skip back😅😂

[@andrewj.chappelliii9739]

In Living Color & ROC on Sundays was must watch TV and Fresh Prince Monday Nights man oh man.

[@JeremyRobbins-b1n]

yes... those were definitely the days... unlike today. How sad is that...?

[@coreywilliams5930]

ROC was such and underrated show, Juicy Pop I love your channel I learn something new about all these shows I grew up watching every time

[@Supremmo]

Take 6 and En Vogue were the groups back in the day! I wish they would release the complete series on DVD and stream this on Tubi or Pluto.

[@Supremmo]

@PxstelMorgxn Thank you

[@chuck9380]

Wow I remember watching this show when I was in middle school. I wish I could go back in a Time Machine back to the 90’s for a week.

[@honeyveined]

Juicy pop! Have you ever done a video on the lifetime tv series Any Day Now? I would love to see a video on that!

[@franklin8618]

*Tubi* should put ROC on its app.

[@JustJess810]

It's on Pluto TV. Idk about any other channels.

[@FrancescaA00]

I loved that show. I was so sad when it was canceled.

[@isaiahwinbrone]

They should have had two or three more seasons of the show

[@jeromewhite7681]

That episode with Clifton Powell whew

[@ginacleveland7995]

💯💯

[@mys3682]

Seems like FOX shut down ALOT of their "GREAT" black shows. Still mad about South Central getting canceled 😩

[@zztv15]

❤❤❤❤❤SOUTH CENTRAL WAS THE SHIT

[@brittlia_]

Yup! I feel like that was a set up. They just wanted the viewers

[@CJCrump]

These shows were powerful lessons for the youth.

[@KevinPayton-fq8gd]

I was upset too about South Central getting cancelled.

[@Rockhead84]

I remember when it switched to a live studio audience and it was a big deal. The show is immortalized by Wale with the lyric "Y'all Charles S. Dutton moving garbage" 😅

[@axucaroso]

Oh man ...the minister in the gay wedding played 'The Bum' on my favorite episode of Frank's Place! I watched that show with my Mom and we still talk about the Bum.

[@fredbenz69]

Ella joyce is a stunningly beautiful lady

[@hassanburton669]

FOX Wasn’t Ready For THE ROC. I Seen Charles Dutton With Hair On Miami Vice Lol 😆. Thank You 🙏🏿

[@brandonpage7087]

Which Miami Vice episode was he on???

[@hassanburton669]

@@brandonpage7087 Season 2 The Prodigal Son and Season 3 Good Collar.

[@lxbronx6]

Ah man me too.😭😭😭😭😭 couldn’t believe it.

[@brandonpage7087]

@hassanburton669, thanks, & I actually saw him in an early, non-speaking role, as a hired thug, in the cult classic Stephen King's Cat's Eye. He had hair, in that appearance, too, lol.

[@cleftheart1969]

My aunt was a big inspiration during my childhood... she loved this show. Damn shame it didn't last...I LOVED jaime foxx as George 😅 and how roc Could not stand him 😆 and envouge was a guest on there great memories. 🥲

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

This was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I still remember the episode when Brandon Adams character got k*illed in a g*ang drive by. 😢 now as an adult I truly appreciate this show.

[@pa.encema2821]

I remembered that episode

[@tallit3287]

This show was a gem! Very disappointed when it was cancelled abruptly imo. I think that the positivity and strong issues became a threat to the executive producers. I mean why would they want to see black people in a respectable light at that time and for that particular show. Yes I know they had other black positive shows then but for some reason this one didn’t make the cut.

[@keithharris1672]

One of my all time favorite tv shows, and I dont watch much tv at all. Jamie Foxx in the truck with Roc is comedy tv classic.

[@djeto2525]

Growing up in the 90s, I never of this show until as an adult finding this show on KZbin. The show's theme and concert of reality in the 90s is still relevant today.

[@justcallmebetty7717]

I thought Rocky Carroll was so Fine🥰

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

Me too lol

[@boneappletea3858]

Fox makes and cancels great shows all the time. I personally think it's their way of ensuring as many shows that'll make us think and bring us together despite our differences, don't get the chance to infect minds with that type of sentiment or ideology.

[@cindyc12]

I loved Roc I wish it could've been longer, but I knew that show was a little too real. And the theme song was my fav

[@renafan3333]

I loved Roc. They killed it going live every week. Going live is something a show does every few years,for sweeps. It feels like you are up on a tight rope each time. They made it corny doing it every week. It wasn't special anymore. Plus it was so sad poor Carl Gordon flubbing lines.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

He famously flubbed a line in the 2nd part of A Nightmare on Emerson Street!!

[@beaniegee5129]

Carl Gordon also appeared on Malcolm & Eddie, Law & Order and and he played Miles' grandfather on an episode of Sesame Street

[@wilnerolivier7971]

He was also in the soap opera 1 Life 2 Live!!

[@selalewis9189]

I miss shows like this that depicted working class black people. My grandpa was a sanitation worker. Every week it felt like watching an August Wilson play. I still remember that live episode.

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

From my childhood, I remember the episode when Roc bought his first new car. It was a cheap car, but it meant the world to him. That made an impact on me!

[@WMPerspective1984]

This was, and still is, such an underrated show, another one I still watch today. I often talk about what it would've been like if the show had 2 or perhaps 3 more seasons. For example, Joey FINALLY gets himself together, moves out, and gets consistent work playing music, and Roc and Andre would forge a stable alliance, coming only after the latter changes his ways after getting shot; there also could've been a two part episode in which Calvin is released from jail and he and Andre make peace. Man, what could've been.

[@blackamerican40]

I love when they went live one season. 😊

[@donyellealston120]

We need more shows like this back on the air. I wish someone could do another UPN but not UPN

[@michaelthornton4943]

I like Charles Dutton myself. A very actor of I say do so myself. I’m about Forty minutes from Baltimore. I was living in the same he was Living in DC. I just wish the show stayed on longer.