NBC has released its first official look at David Boreanaz as private investigator James Rockford in the upcoming reboot of the classic 1970s television series The Rockford Files. The contemporary remake is set to debut early next year, with Boreanaz stepping into the iconic role originally portrayed by the late James Garner.
New Series Details
The reboot, which finds Boreanaz taking over the role made famous by Garner, follows a newly paroled James Rockford as he returns to his life as a private investigator. The show will see him using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles, all while navigating the challenges of re-entering society after serving time for a crime he did not commit.
Veteran writer Mike Daniels, known for his work on The Village and Sons of Anarchy, is leading the creative direction of the new series. According to a logline obtained by The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, the series will explore Rockford's quest for legitimacy, which quickly lands him in the crosshairs of both local law enforcement and organized crime.
Original Series Legacy
Co-created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, the original The Rockford Files aired from 1974 to 1980. It starred James Garner as an ex-con turned private detective living in a trailer in a beach parking lot. The series earned critical acclaim, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1978, with Garner winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1976. The show also featured a memorable theme song composed by Mike Post. Following the series' conclusion, Garner reprised his role in a series of made-for-TV movies that aired on CBS from 1994 to 1999.
Previous Reboot Attempts
This is not the first time NBC has attempted to resurrect The Rockford Files. In 2009, the network shot a pilot episode written by House and The Good Doctor creator David Shore, with Dermot Mulroney in the lead role. Additionally, a feature film version was once considered, with Vince Vaughn attached to star, but that project never materialized.
However, NBC is confident that Boreanaz can make this version succeed, given his track record of leading several successful television series, including Angel, Bones, and SEAL Team.
Cast and Crew
Joining Boreanaz in the reboot are several notable actors. SEAL Team co-star Michaela McManus will appear alongside him, as well as Yellowstone alum Jacki Weaver and The Rookie's Felix Solis. The series is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved character while honoring the original show's legacy.
NBC's 2026-27 Television Lineup
In addition to The Rockford Files, NBC has announced several other new shows for the 2026-27 television season. These include Line of Fire, a TV comeback for Peter Krause that follows a family of law enforcement agents, and the sitcoms Newlyweds starring Tea Leoni and Tim Daly, and Sunset P.I. featuring Jake Johnson as a comedic private eye.
The remainder of NBC's fall lineup includes comedies such as The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Happy's Place, and St. Denis Medical, as well as returning favorites like Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The network will also continue airing its popular One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.
Fans of the original series and newcomers alike can look forward to seeing how Boreanaz puts his own stamp on the role of James Rockford when the reboot premieres in early 2027.
