NBC Reboots THE ROCKFORD FILES, with This SEAL TEAM Star in Titular Role

Published: February 16, 2026

By Kayla DeKraker

A ROCKFORD FILES reboot from NBC is on the way, and SEAL TEAM star David Boreanaz will lead the cast as the titular private investigator, Jim Rockford.

“Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford (Boreanaz) returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles, with his charmingly gruff exterior masking a strong moral core. It doesn’t take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime,” a synopsis reads, per Deadline.

In addition to starring in the pilot, Boreanaz will serve as a producer on the project alongside writer and executive producer Mike Daniels and producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly.

James Garner lead the original THE ROCKFORD FILES, which ran from 1974-1980 — a total of six seasons. The franchise was also made into movies in the 1990s. The series reported ended unexpectedly due to an ongoing lawsuit between Garner and Universal Studios.

This isn’t the first attempt to reboot the classic show.

Variety reported that several other attempts have been made, “including a failed 2009 NBC pilot starring Dermot Mulroney that was produced by Steve Carrell” and that “Universal Pictures also developed a feature film version that was to star Vince Vaughn, though it never moved forward.”

Boreanaz shared on Instagram that he is “grateful” for the new role, and Garner’s daughter, Gigi Garner, spoke out about the casting too.

“So, I recently got a call from David Boreanaz,” she wrote on X. “He was kind enough to share that he was offered the series & thinking about it. He wanted to know how I felt about the reboot, etc… If anybody can do it, HE CAN! I’m 💯 on board! It is going to be great!”

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People in the comment section showed a lot of excitement over the news, too.

“🎉🎉🎉🎉 Oooh, I grew up on the Rockford Files! My Dad loved James Garner. This is such a good fit! Congrats!!” one person said. Another fan added, Not gonna lie anything you touch David turns into television gold . 🙌🏽” Someone else chimed in, “Congratulations!! I’ve always said you remind me of James Garner! Can’t wait to see you as Jim Rockford!! Great tone!!”

Boreanaz has starred in series such as BONES, SEAL TEAM and ANGEL. Throughout his career he has won several awards, including Saturn Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series and Best Genre TV Actor.

THE ROCKFORD FILES is Boreanaz’s first major TV role since SEAL TEAM concluded in 2024 after seven seasons. He is known for bringing a dramatic experience each role he plays.

Stay tuned for more info and updates about the upcoming THE ROCKFORD FILES.

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