Jim Rockford is officially back on the case. NBC has confirmed that David Boreanaz's reboot of the classic detective series The Rockford Files will premiere on Saturday, January 2, 2027, right after the network's NFL broadcast, at approximately 8 p.m. ET. That special preview will be followed by the show's regular Thursday night slot starting January 7 at 8 p.m. ET. And if you can't wait that long, there's a hotline you can call right now to get a personal message from Boreanaz himself.
The new Rockford Files stars Boreanaz (Bones) as Jim Rockford, the wisecracking private eye originally played by the late James Garner. In this reboot, Rockford is a former convict who was framed for a crime he didn't commit. Now exonerated, he's back on the streets of Los Angeles, taking on cases that often put him at odds with both law enforcement and the criminal underworld. The series also features Michaela McManus (Redux Redux), Ilfenesh Hadera (Godfather of Harlem), and Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook).
Behind the scenes, Mike Daniels (Sons of Anarchy) serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, and David Hudgins. The creative team is clearly aiming to honor the spirit of the original while updating it for a modern audience. Fans of the 1970s series will be pleased to know that one of its most beloved quirks—Jim Rockford's answering machine—will play a key role in the reboot's marketing.
In the original series, which ran from 1974 to 1980, Rockford's answering machine was a signature element. Before the opening credits, each episode opened with a humorous message left on his machine, often unrelated to the episode's plot. These messages became so iconic that the writers eventually had to solicit ideas from the cast and crew to keep them fresh. The new show is embracing that tradition with a real-world hotline: fans can call (760) JIM-ROCK to hear a special message from Boreanaz, and they can also sign up for text updates about the series.
This interactive approach is a clever nod to the show's history while also engaging today's audience. It's a way to build buzz before the premiere, and it gives fans a taste of Rockford's personality before they even see him on screen. The hotline number is easy to remember, and the promise of a personal message from Boreanaz is sure to generate excitement.
For those who prefer streaming, all episodes of The Rockford Files will be available on Peacock the day after they air on NBC. That means you can catch the premiere on Saturday, January 2, and then binge it again on Sunday if you want. The show will also settle into its regular Thursday night slot, making it a solid anchor for NBC's midseason lineup.
Boreanaz has been vocal about his excitement for the project, calling it a dream role. He's a longtime fan of the original series, and he's said that he wants to honor Garner's legacy while making the character his own. The casting of McManus, Hadera, and Weaver suggests a strong supporting cast that will bring depth to the world around Rockford.
As we count down to the premiere, there's plenty to speculate about: Will the reboot keep the show's signature blend of action and humor? How will it update Rockford's world for 2027? And will the answering machine gags be as memorable as the originals? One thing is certain: with a hotline already up and running, the marketing team is pulling out all the stops to make this a must-watch event.
If you're a fan of classic detective shows, you might also enjoy our ranking of every Star Wars movie or check out the most anticipated fantasy TV shows. But for now, mark your calendars: Jim Rockford is coming back, and he's got a hotline that's already ringing.
