NBC’s ‘The Rockford Files’ Begins Production
NBC is giving one of its most famous ex-cons another shot as The Rockford Files gets a reboot, this time with David Boreanaz stepping into the role originated by James Garner as a charming former inmate who turns his talents towards life as a private investigator. Now, the reboot has officially entered production, bringing the wisecracking gumshoe one step closer to his return to television.
Inspired by the beloved 1970s series, the new take will follow the wisecracking gumshoe as he navigates low-rent cases, shady clients, and plenty of trouble, relying on his street smarts and knack for talking his way out of danger. Actor Felix Solis and Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver will join Boreanaz in key roles.
For more details about the cast, the release date, and everything else you need to know about the reboot, keep scrolling.
David Boreanaz is on the case.
#TheRockfordFiles is now in production. https://t.co/ZM5I0NTtKq
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) October 14, 2026
When will The Rockford Files reboot premiere?
The series is scheduled to premiere in January 2027 as a mid-season replacement on NBC, though an exact release date has not yet been announced. Please check back here for updates
What is The Rockford Files reboot about?
According to the logline: “Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn’t take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime.”
Who stars in The Rockford Files reboot?
David Boreanaz will take over the role of Jim Rockford, while Michaela McManus stars as Kate, an East Hollywood detective who has a complicated history with Rockford.
On March 5, Variety announced that Jacki Weaver will join Boreanaz on the series as a character named Karma, a “trailer park neighbor” who is considered a “tough, outspoken activist and think-tank analyst.”
Shortly after announcing Weaver’s casting, Deadline reported that The Rookie actor Felix Solis was added to the cast as Rockford’s best buddy, Nitty, a former hooligan who turned his life around and became a successful defense attorney. The character of Nitty is new to the reboot series and did not appear in the original show.
Jaden Boreanaz (David’s son) will also appear in a recurring role.
Who is behind The Rockford Files reboot?
The Rockford Files is from writer Mike Daniels, producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, and Universal Television. Daniels executive produces alongside Timberman and Beverly via their Timberman/Beverly banner, with the company’s Chris Leanza co-executive producing. Boreanaz is a producer. Universal Television is the studio. The Rockford Files is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
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G
no rocky, becker, or angel why watch?
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H
They haven’t revealed the whole cash yet. They’ve only mentioned about three characters.
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A
First off, there's no one who has the charm AND comedic wit like James Garner (well, maybe Cary Grant). So that's not gonna work. And as others have said, no Rocky?, No Angel? No Dennis Becker? No Beth Davenport? They could at least have tried to fill these roles with new actors.
I don't see how this is gonna work. I'll stick with watching re-runs of the original, as I do every night.
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L
I think it’s a good idea. They’re doing reboots of all kinds of old shows so why not this one and I love David Boreanaz. We shall see. 🤗
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G
I agree no Rocky, Angel or Becker. It is so wrong to not include these iconic characters.
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O
Let me guess more sex and violence, thinner story lines so as not to confuse the modern demographic. And all this without the characters that we all loved (rocky, becker, or angel)…. No Thanks!
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D
Your right without them it's not the same, but maybe they didn't first add them so if it takes off they can add them later for stories/episodes and can pick certain actor that arent currently available
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S
“Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit”… “wisecracking gumshoe as he navigates low-rent cases, shady clients, and plenty of trouble, relying on his street smarts and knack for talking his way out of danger”… “best buddy… a former hooligan who turned his life around”… “a complicated history” with a detective… lives in a trailer park…
I know it is based on a much older show, but does NBC realize that this entire show is already currently airing on a competitor network (as R.J. Decker)? I know “everything old is new again,” but it seems NBC is 1 season too late putting this reboot together…
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N
David Borenanaz is no James Garner. I don't see him in this role at all. I'll skip it. Also how can it be a reboot without any of the other characters?
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J
Don't forget about the writers from the original. Really hard to replace them.
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D
Loved the show "back in the day," & I really like David Boreneaz, but he's got big shoes to fill, James Garner was the best! I guess we'll see how it goes in the upcoming fall season!
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$
Absolutely do not try and reboot one of the best shows ever done.
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P
I always thought Bruce Campbell would be the best new Jim Rockford back when they tried to reboot the show and failed in 2009
with Dermot Mulroney as Jim Rockford.
Rockford had Garner's Oklahoma charm, with the ability to always improvise, think outside the box, overcome and adapt.
Not sure a Philadelphia guy can capture the Rockford personality.
Bruce Campbell is probably too aged now and in declining health. But he has the Midwestern accent, charm and personality with a long history playing anti-heros like Rockford.
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H
I’ve been saying that for years that Bruce Campbell would’ve made a great Rockford. He might make a great rocky in this reboot.
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E
I think Koreans has big shoes to fill...Garner was the original Brett Maverick...it was a TV series way back in the 60"s ....he was a great actor...rebooting this show...without beth...rocky...dennis...it won't be the same....look at what happened with charmed...and of course the bionic woman....the actress who played Jaime somers wasn't nearly as tall as Lindsay Wagner...and she also wasn't a tennis player...reboots like this just don't work...
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T
Hollywood is constantly telling us how “Creative” they are and yet they come up with nothing new. All they do is turn old classic TV shows and movies into woke trash.
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S
What about the infamous car? The Pontiac was also the star of the show. For me, I'm not sure if anyone can replace or replace James Garner, in any way, shape or form. He'sa one and only. I'm a huge fan of the original show - ONLY!
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$
100%.
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H
So much negativity, I guarantee you I’ve watched Rockford as much if not more than most people on this forum. I used to edit it for local television. Yes edit on film. I’ve seen every episode. Dozens of times. My favorite show hands-down. I’m going into this with an open eye, looking to see if it can spark, even a little bit of the original magic.
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T
Yep, sounds like RJ Decker...and RJ Decker is SO well done. Very enjoyable.
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V
I adore David also and I am sure it will be perfecto!🤩
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T
Who plays Angel? Angel was vital to RFs.
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4
I Think no one can replace James Garner nor Joe Santos and the rest of the cast. I would like to to see. a reboot of Seal Team with David Boreanus. That was an excellent show.
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S
Looking forward to checking it out. Are they going to be able to work the answering machine into opening.
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I
You nailed it!
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D
I think Seeley Booth will be perfect!! When can we see a trailer??
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O
I think he perfect for the roll of Jim Rockford!!😁😁
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D
I hate to say it but it already seems like a gobbler (James Garners own words)
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L
I dont see how either but they are getting my attention
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L
I agree but I have an open mind
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N
I think it’s a “reboot scam”. They had an unrelated show in the works, and stuck the label “Rockford” on it to scam the viewers.
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H
I don’t think it’s a scam, it’s been in the works now for almost 2 years.
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G
I don't think just doing the same idea will work. Maybe if it was Jim's grandson trying to be a detective like his grandfather?
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J
Not sure how I feel about this.... on one hand, I was only a casual fan of Maverick but on the other I liked Boreanaz on SEAL Team. For the first few seasons, at least.
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C
Well, to be fair, they're dead. And honestly I can't imagine as anyone else taking up those critical roles. I can't even picture Boreanaz in Garner's role. I might watch it and brace myself for a train wreck. Or...I might be pleasantly surprised! But I'm not counting on it
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D
It seems there was little attempt to even try and bring back those characters. At least so far. Besides Rockford, it's a complete re-do, re-imagining of the supporting cast. But, maybe they will surprise? At least bring back the gold 1977-1978 Pontiac Firebird and the Mike Post theme and music.
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S
No one will take place of James , but will certainly give it a chance. I still watch reruns and enjoy the character, it seem to be part of his real personality, I see it in his movies.
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I
I think we already know how it will go.... Badly
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C
angel ruined the original series. I really thought rockford should have killed angel.
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