James Garner's 'The Rockford Files' Gets NBC Reboot with New Pilot Order

NBC has given a pilot order for a contemporary reboot of the classic detective series "The Rockford Files." The pilot comes from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels, with Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman also executive producing. The original series, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, aired from 1974 to 1980 and starred the late James Garner as private investigator Jim Rockford. The reboot will follow a newly paroled Rockford navigating cases while caught between police and organized crime.

Key Points: 'The Rockford Files' Reboot in Development at NBC

  • NBC orders pilot for reboot
  • Mike Daniels to write and executive produce
  • Original series starred James Garner
  • Show ran 1974-1980 with 120+ episodes
  • Reboot follows a paroled PI in Los Angeles
2 min read

Late actor James Garner starrer 'The Rockford Files' reboot in works

NBC orders a pilot for a contemporary reboot of the classic detective series 'The Rockford Files,' originally starring James Garner.

"A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. - Variety"

Washington DC, January 14

The reboot of the critically acclaimed series 'The Rockford Files' is in the works, reported Variety. NBC has given the pilot order for the series.

According to the outlet, the pilot hails from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels. Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman will executive produce, with Chris Leanza co-executive producing.

The original 'Rockford Files' was created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell. It aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980, starring the late actor James Garner in the lead role.

The official logline for the reboot states: "A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. 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 organised crime," as quoted by Variety.

Along with Garner, the original show also starred Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos, Gretchen Corbett, and Stuart Margolin.

According to the outlet, the show ultimately aired for over 120 episodes, while Garner reprised the role of Rockford in eight TV movies between 1994 and 1999.

As for Mike Daniels, the filmmakers previously created the drama series 'The Village,' and he also worked on shows such as 'Bluff City Law,' 'Shades of Blue,' and 'Taken.'

He also worked on shows including 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist' and 'Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin,' reported Variety.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My dad used to watch this show on Doordarshan back in the day! He'll be so excited to hear this news. It's nice to see classic shows getting a new life for a younger generation. Hope they keep the original's clever writing.
D
David E
As a fan of detective shows, I'm cautiously optimistic. The premise is timeless. But the key will be the casting of the new Rockford. That role is iconic. Garner made it look easy.
S
Siddharth J
Honestly, why reboot everything? There are so many original stories to tell, especially from India! Instead of rehashing old Western shows, networks should invest in fresh ideas from around the world. Just my two paise.
M
Meera T
The original was such a comfort watch. A simple, clever PI show without too much violence. Hope the reboot maintains that balance and doesn't turn it into just another dark, gritty crime drama. We need more light-hearted mysteries!
R
Rohit P
Interesting! The 'wrongfully convicted' angle is always compelling. If done well, this could be great. Mike Daniels' track record is a bit mixed though... 'Bluff City Law' was cancelled quickly. Fingers crossed! 🤞

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50