NBC is bringing back the iconic detective drama The Rockford Files for its 2026-27 season, marking a major nostalgia play for the network and a treat for fans of the original 1970s series that made James Garner a household name.
David Boreanaz, best known for his work on SEAL Team and Bones, will step into the shoes of James “Rockford,” a freshly paroled private investigator navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles while tangling with corrupt cops and organized crime syndicates. The supporting cast includes Michaela McManus, Felix Solis, and Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver.
The project comes from writer Mike Daniels with producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly helming the effort. It’s one of four shows NBC greenlit to series from its pilot slate, joining the dramas Line of Fire (starring Peter Krause), Newlyweds, and Sunset P.I.
The original Rockford Files became a television staple during its run on NBC from 1974 to 1980, earning Garner an Emmy Award and establishing itself as a cornerstone of gritty detective storytelling under creator Stephen J. Cannell. This reboot represents NBC’s broader strategy to invest in domestic productions rather than relying on overseas shoots.
Viewers can expect to see the new version premiere either in fall 2026 or during midseason 2027, as the network continues to rebuild its drama programming.
