NBC has officially greenlit a pilot for a reboot of the iconic series “The Rockford Files.” The new pilot comes from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels, with Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman serving as executive producers, and Chris Leanza as co-executive producer. The studio behind the project is Universal Television.
The original “Rockford Files” series, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, originally aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980, starring James Garner in the lead role. The reboot is described as a contemporary update of the classic series, following James Rockford, who is newly paroled after being wrongfully convicted of a crime. As a private investigator in Los Angeles, he uses his charm and wit to solve cases, inadvertently attracting attention from both the local police and organized crime.
The original show also featured Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos, Gretchen Corbett, and Stuart Margolin in key roles, running for over 120 episodes. James Garner reprised his role as Rockford in eight TV movies on CBS between 1994 and 1999.
Mike Daniels, known for creating the NBC drama series “The Village,” has also worked on shows like “Bluff City Law,” “Shades of Blue,” and “Taken.” He is represented by WME and Jackoway Austen.
Despite previous attempts to revive “The Rockford Files,” including a failed NBC pilot in 2009 starring Dermot Mulroney and a feature film version with Vince Vaughn that never materialized, NBC is now moving forward with the reboot. The network plans to produce several pilots this year, with “The Rockford Files” being the first to receive a formal pickup. It is expected that NBC will also pick up two to three more dramas and comedies, marking a significant increase compared to recent years where the traditional broadcast pilot season has diminished.
The reboot of “The Rockford Files” promises to bring a fresh take on the beloved series, blending the nostalgia of the original with modern storytelling techniques. Fans of the classic show can look forward to seeing James Rockford back in action, navigating the streets of Los Angeles in pursuit of justice and truth. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
