Each episode begins with
Roscoe Karns, as the title character, walking down a long hallway towards the camera, as the announcer says “Rocky King, chief of homicide of the Metropolitan Police Force in an exciting fight against crime.” During the first three seasons
Earl Hammond portrayed King's partner, Detective Sgt. Lane. During the final two seasons, Karns' real life son
Todd portrayed King's partner Detective Hart. Rounding out the cast was
Grace Carney as Mabel King. Roscoe Karnes had met a few detectives, and tried to model his role after them. He stated “The cops I’ve met like
Rocky because the show doesn’t ridicule them.” The series blended dramatic police investigation with humorous banter between Rocky and his wife Mabel; banter which often pertained to their son, Junior. Mabel said foolish things, and nagged her husband, but it was shown that the couple cared for each other. Each episode ended with Rocky calling his wife to say he would soon be home, then he looked at the camera and remarked “Wonderful girl, that Mabel.” Roscoe Karns wrote much of the dialogue between Rocky and Mabel. ==Episode status==