Network: Lifetime
Episodes: 40 (half-hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: October 20, 2008 — December 7, 2009
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Nicole Sullivan, Richard Ruccolo, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Kelly Gould, Natalie Dreyfuss, Ricky Ullman, Ian Gomez, Duane Martin, and Swoosie Kurtz.
TV show description:
This sitcom follows a working mother, Rita Clemens (Nicole Sullivan), who does it all. She works outside the house as an assistant manager of Bed Bath & Max, runs her kids everywhere, and manages the household. Her dream is to just get a few hours to herself. Going through her stuff in the garage, Rita finds her old guitar. After some convincing from her friend Patty, she starts a regular jam session with a neighbor, the mailwoman, and her daughter’s boyfriend.
Rita’s husband, Jay (Richard Ruccolo), tries to support his wife’s band, but that means he has to take on more duties around the house. Hallie (Natalie Dreyfuss) is their teenage daughter who works with her mom at the store and spends most of her time texting and tweeting. Nine-year-old daughter Shannon (Kelly Gould) attends a school for gifted children and wants to go to space camp.
The garage band is made up of different people from Rita’s life. Patty Mannix (Tisha Campbell-Martin) is a postal worker and Rita’s best friend. Goofy and likable Kip (Raviv Ullman) is the drummer and Hallie’s boyfriend. He spends most of his time at Rita’s house since his parents are separated. Owen Delgado Jr. (Ian Gomez) is unemployed and Rita’s neighbor, living next door with his wife and two kids. When Owen leaves, Patty’s boyfriend Chuck (Duane Martin) joins the group to play bass.
Episode 40 — Born in the USA
Patty is upset that she saw Chuck having breakfast at a restaurant with someone else, even though they agreed they wouldn’t be exclusive. Rita pleads with Patty to get beyond it, so they can do the gig. Patty wants Chuck to apologize but, when Rita asks him, he refuses. Finally Chuck says that he’s sorry and Patty admits she was wrong too. Later, just as the group is about to start their first set, Rita goes into labor. She tries to stave it off but must be rushed to the hospital for the birth of her son.
First aired: December 7, 2009.
The show has not been revived or remade.
Image courtesy Lifetime.
I just watched the first 2 seasons of Rota Rocks on Netflix…it’s such a great show! My husband and I love it! It’s refreshing to see a sitcom that portrays marriage in a positive light! It’s hilarious without being vulgar! The actors are all great for their characters! BRING IT BACK…. PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAASE!
Great season finale, sooooo sad that there won’t ever be a season 3. Bring back “Rita Rocks”.