David Boreanaz is trading in his military gear for a private investigator's badge. The SEAL Team and Bones star is stepping into one of television's most beloved roles from the 1970s: Jim Rockford in NBC's upcoming reboot of The Rockford Files. And if the first images are any clue, the new series is keeping a key piece of the original's soul—the car.
NBC has officially ordered the reboot to series and set a release window of January 2027. The first look at Boreanaz shows him clean-shaven and on the case, but the most striking image features him behind the wheel of a gold 1970s sports car. That vehicle, a Pontiac Firebird Esprit with a distinctive copper mist paint job, was almost as famous as James Garner's original Rockford. The car chases—and especially Rockford's signature J-turn, now often called a 'Rockford turn'—were a hallmark of the original series. Boreanaz, known for his action chops, will have big tires to fill.
The new Rockford Files stays true to the premise that made the original a hit. Jim Rockford is a recent parolee who was wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. Now back in Los Angeles, he's trying to rebuild his life as a private investigator, only to find himself caught between law enforcement and organized crime. It's a classic underdog story with a modern twist.
Boreanaz leads a strong cast. Michaela McManus (9-1-1: Lone Star) plays Kate, an LAPD detective and Rockford's ex-lover who broke up with him after he accused her fellow cops of framing him. Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) brings her Oscar-nominated talent as Rockford's trailer-park neighbor, a seasoned activist and think-tank analyst. Felix Solis (The Rookie) rounds out the main cast as Nitty, Rockford's childhood best friend who is now a defense attorney.
Behind the scenes, the series was created by Mike Daniels (Ponies). Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly are producing for Universal Television. The pilot will be directed and executive produced by Greg Mottola, best known for directing Superbad and Adventureland—a choice that suggests the reboot might blend crime-solving with a touch of humor.
This project continues Boreanaz's remarkable streak of leading network TV series. He started as a recurring character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1997, then starred in its spin-off Angel from 1999 to 2004. After that, he anchored Bones for 12 seasons, followed by seven seasons of SEAL Team, which wrapped in late 2024. Now, he's taking on a role that defined a generation of TV detectives.
The reboot arrives at a time when classic TV revivals are thriving. For fans of crime dramas, this is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more retro-inspired action, check out how Edgar Wright's 'The Running Man' Reboot Hits Paramount+ This May or the Netflix's Ghostbusters Animated Series Revives 80s Sci-Fi Vibe with 2027 Release Window.
The Rockford Files is now in production. Stay tuned for more updates as the January 2027 premiere approaches.
