Image credit: Ron P. Jaffe/CBS
David Boreanaz has officially been cast as the lead in NBC’s reboot of The Rockford Files, stepping into one of television’s most iconic detective roles. The long-running TV star will take over the role of James Rockford, the poisonous and perpetually cash-strapped private detective made famous by the late James Garner.
It was one of the most anticipated roles in this year’s broadcast pilot season, but it is now filled. Boreanaz’s network career has been defined by durability and audience loyalty, and he will star in a modern reinterpretation of the 1974-1980 NBC classic.
Modern Rockford with the same moral core
In the reboot, Rockford reappears, newly paroled after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Returning to Los Angeles, he resumes his life as a private investigator, using charm, instinct, and a healthy dose of skepticism to solve cases. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a stubborn sense of right and wrong that soon brings him into conflict with both law enforcement and organized crime as he attempts to rebuild his reputation.
Although the series is set in Los Angeles, the pilot was shot in Atlanta, with additional filming expected in Los Angeles. Production plans for the entire series, if the project moves forward, have not yet been determined.
This update is written by writer Mike Daniels (Sons of Anarchy) and produced by Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly (Timberman/Beverly, SEAL Team). Chris Lianza (Timberman/Beverly) will serve as co-executive producer, with Boreanaz also serving as a producer. The studio is Universal Television, a division of Universal Studios Group.
reliable broadcast anchor
Few actors have as much broadcast experience as Boreanaz. All the pilots he headlined went on to series and stayed there. “Angel” and “SEAL Team” both passed the 100-episode mark, while “Bones” aired over 200 episodes over 12 seasons. If NBC is betting on stability, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more stable option.
The reboot will also reunite Boreanaz with Timberman and Beverly, who previously served as executive producers on SEAL Team.
Mr. Garner’s Legacy and Family Recognition
Garner’s first role as Jim Rockford earned him five Emmy nominations, including a win in 1977. The Rockford Files ran for six seasons before being revived as a TV movie in the 1990s. Garner, also known for “Maverick,” “The Great Escape,” and “The Notebook,” died in 2014 at the age of 86.
In a post shared by
She also expressed her enthusiastic support, writing, “If anyone can do it, so can he! I agree 100 percent! It’s going to be amazing!”
So I recently got a call from David Boreanaz.
He was kind enough to share his thoughts on the series after being offered it. He wanted to know how I felt about the reboot, etc…
If anyone can do it, so can he!
I’m riding 💯! It’s going to be great! #Pure class #Jimbo https://t.co/yGvgsGPuTB
— Gigi & James Garner (@MavrocksGirl) February 12, 2026
Boreanaz also marked the news on social media, writing, “Thank you. Thank you James, Gigi and NBC.”
Reboots are always subject to scrutiny, especially when they involve such beloved characters. But with proven network leadership and the blessing of the Garner family, NBC’s new Rockford Files already has some things working in its favor.
