David Boreanaz to Lead NBC’s ‘The Rockford Files’ Reboot Pilot
David Boreanaz has closed a deal to step into the iconic role of Jim Rockford in a contemporary reboot pilot of The Rockford Files for NBC, putting one of broadcast’s most coveted pilot-season roles in the hands of a veteran star with a track record of long-running hits.
A Modern Take on a Classic PI
The new pilot reintroduces James Rockford as a wry, world-weary private investigator recently paroled after serving time for a crime he did not commit. Back on the streets of Los Angeles, he leans on charm, wit, and a stubborn moral compass to crack cases, often landing in the crosshairs of local law enforcement and organized crime. The character’s signature blend of gruff exterior and grounded ethics remains central, with the update designed to fit contemporary storytelling while honoring the tone that defined the original series.
Boreanaz’s Proven Broadcast Streak
Boreanaz brings major procedural pedigree to the role, having fronted multiple series that cleared the 100-episode mark. He first broke out in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel, then led the crime procedural Bones for 12 seasons, and most recently headlined the military drama SEAL Team for seven seasons across broadcast and streaming. In addition to starring, he has directed episodes of past shows and served as producer or executive producer, experience he will carry into The Rockford Files pilot as a producer.
Production Plan and Filming Locations
While the story is set in Los Angeles, the pilot is slated to film primarily in Atlanta with additional photography in Los Angeles. A decision on the series’ long-term production base will come after the pilot, with the possibility of applying for a California tax credit if the project moves forward. The casting process underscored how selective the search for Rockford was, with only a small number of offers extended as logistics and location needs factored into final negotiations.
Creative Team and Studio
The pilot comes from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels. Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman will executive produce, with Chris Leanza serving as co-executive producer. Boreanaz joins the producing team alongside his leading role. The project is produced by Universal Television.
A Franchise with Persistent Appeal
The Rockford Files remains one of television’s most beloved detective franchises, anchored originally by the late James Garner during its 1970s run and in subsequent made-for-TV films. Multiple revival efforts have surfaced over the years. A 2009 pilot attempt featuring Dermot Mulroney did not go forward, and a separate feature film development with Vince Vaughn at one point stalled before production. The enduring interest in the property underscores both the durability of the premise and the charisma of the central character, setting high expectations for a modern reintroduction.
What Comes Next
With its lead secured and a production plan in motion, the pilot now heads toward filming. If the episode hits the marks that the network and studio are aiming for, a series pickup would position Boreanaz back at the center of a weekly, character-driven procedural with a distinctly scrappy edge. The combination of a familiar-yet-fresh premise, a seasoned star, and an experienced creative team provides a strong foundation as the project advances through the pilot phase. Casting of additional roles, scheduling, and post-production milestones will shape the timeline for any potential series order and eventual premiere.
For Boreanaz, Jim Rockford represents both a legacy character and a logical next step: another street-smart lead with a moral code, run through the grounded, blue-collar sensibility that has defined many of his most successful roles. For the franchise, the new pilot marks its most concrete step toward a return to series in years—one that aims to capture the wry humor, underdog bravado, and case-of-the-week intrigue that made the original a staple of American television.
