Classic 1970s crime series with legendary detective tipped for TV reboot with “contemporary” approach

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I’m so excited! One of my all-time favorite shows, The Rockford Files, is being updated for a new audience! It’s been over 45 years since we last saw Jim Rockford, and I can’t wait to see what they do with it.

I just read on Deadline that NBC is bringing back The Rockford Files! They’ve ordered a pilot for a reboot of the classic James Garner show, which originally ran from 1974 to 1980. I’m really excited to see what they do with it!

The Rockford Files, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, centers around James “Jim” Rockford, a former convict who works as a private investigator and lives in a modest mobile home in Malibu.

Rockford was a unique hero, famous for solving problems with cleverness and careful planning rather than brute force. He preferred to outthink his enemies, using his intelligence and resourcefulness to win.

Throughout its broadcast, the show was nominated for 18 Emmy Awards and won 5, including the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series award in 1978. James Garner received an Emmy for his performance, as did his fellow cast members Stuart Margolin and Rita Moreno.

Mike Daniels, known for his work on Bluff City Law, is writing a new version of the show that will update the original for modern audiences. Like the classic series, the reboot will follow Jim Rockford as he uses his wit and personality to solve mysteries in and around Los Angeles.

The official description says his attempt to establish himself will quickly make him a target for both the police and criminal organizations.

We don’t have any information yet about who will replace the actor who played the unique detective. It’s going to be a popular role, and we’ll be following the search for a new actor closely.

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NBC has attempted to revive “The Rockford Files” before. Back in 2009, a pilot for a reboot starring Dermot Mulroney and Alan Tudyk was created with Steve Carell as a producer, but the show never aired.

Universal Pictures started working on a movie version in 2012, but they put the project on hold after John Garner passed away in 2014.

Even though earlier efforts to launch new shows didn’t succeed, NBC has now decided to order several pilots this year. According to Deadline, the network plans to develop two or three new dramas, along with multiple comedies – making it the broadcaster with the most pilots ordered since the start of the pandemic.

Authors

Miranda Crawford

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2026-01-14 18:06