NBC has locked in its new Jim Rockford, and it’s a familiar face for US broadcast audiences.
David Boreanaz is set to headline the pilot for a reboot of ‘The Rockford Files’, taking on the role originally made iconic by James Garner in the classic 1974 series.
The new version of ‘The Rockford Files’ is described as a contemporary update. In the pilot, James Rockford is newly paroled after serving time for a crime he did not commit. Back in Los Angeles, he returns to private investigation, using his charm and wit to navigate cases, crooked cops and organised crime, all while trying to rebuild a life that never quite goes to plan.
The project comes from writer Mike Daniels, with Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly executive producing for Universal Television. Boreanaz will also serve as a producer, reuniting with Timberman and Beverly, who previously worked with him on SEAL Team.
Rockford was reportedly one of the most sought-after roles of this broadcast pilot season. While pilots often cycle through a stack of offers before landing a lead, this one reportedly narrowed down to just two serious contenders before Boreanaz closed the deal.
And here’s a frankly ridiculous fun fact. From 1997 through to 2024, Boreanaz had a TV show on air every single year. That run started with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, spun into Angel, rolled straight into Bones, and then into SEAL Team, which wrapped in 2024. That is a 27-year streak of uninterrupted primetime presence. Networks dream of that kind of reliability.
In another classy touch, Boreanaz reached out directly to Garner’s daughter, Gigi Garner, after being offered the role. She later revealed on social media that he called to discuss the reboot and ask how she felt about it, adding her full support and praising him as “Pure Class.” That kind of blessing goes a long way with fans of the original.
The pilot is set to shoot in Atlanta, with additional filming in Los Angeles. If the show goes to series, its long-term production base has yet to be confirmed, though a California tax credit application is reportedly possible.
As with all pilots, ‘The Rockford Files’ is still at the early stage. NBC has ordered a pilot, but it has not yet been picked up to series.
‘The Rockford Files’ is currently classed as ‘in development’ so may, or may not, make it to series. We’ll let you know when we hear more!
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