It wasn't long after M*A*S*H had become a big hit for CBS that the network and 20th Century Fox decided to create another military sitcom, this time set in WWII, with a decided African-American vibe.
Roll Out! aired on Friday nights, as I recall, during its one and only season, meaning it was airing opposite The Partridge Family, if memory serves, and that was in its final season. Stu Gilliam, Mel Stewart, Hilly Hicks, and Val Bisoglio led the ensemble cast.
For all intents & purposes, it was an African-American hybrid of M*A*S*H & You'll Never Get Rich (aka Sgt. Bilko). It failed because it was on the wrong night.
Bisoglio & Stewart would land other series gigs. In fact, Stewart came over from All In The Family, and would later co-star opposite Kate Jackson & Bruce Boxleitner in Scarecrow & Mrs. King. Bisoglio later landed a recurring role on Quincy.
Following is a sample clip:
A little bit of Bilko, a little McHale's Navy, and a little F-Troop, and they still couldn't get high ratings.
Rating: C+.
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