52 years later, David Boreanaz shows up in fresh look at crime-classic remake

It was always a question of 'when', not 'if' they'd dust off The Rockford Files. Given just about every 70s classic has been dragged back for a reboot, you could argue this one's taken its sweet time — by 2026 maths, that's 52 years since it first landed in '74. Yet after plenty of false starts and discarded scripts, the iconic detective drama is finally making its return, this time via NBC with some noteworthy fresh faces and a modern polish. Let's get into why this version might actually be worth a look, even if you're convinced nothing tops James Garner.

The Rockford Files will make its NBC debut as a midseason launch in 2027.

Who's in, what's changed

The biggest headline is David Boreanaz stepping into the shoes — or, more accurately, the battered jeans and suit jacket — of Jim Rockford. If you recognise that name, you've probably caught him in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Bones, or SEAL Team. And yes, there are already set photos floating about (cheers to Digital Spy) showing Boreanaz and Michaela McManus looking the part. He's ditched some of the more dated 70s fashion, but they've kept just enough of Rockford's original look so you know exactly who he’s meant to be.

The premise is sticking close to what worked: Rockford is once again starting fresh after being chucked in prison for a crime he didn't commit. On release, naturally, he can't resist picking up his private investigator gig again — even though that means crossing paths (and sometimes swords) with both dirty cops and criminals who'd rather he vanished.

• Michaela McManus plays Kate, Rockford's ex and an LAPD officer — a set-up ripe for all sorts of back-and-forth, since he keeps interfering in her cases.
• Jacki Weaver turns up as Karma, Rockford’s friend and neighbour (expect the usual banter and backup).
• Felix Solis joins as Nitty, a smart twist on the franchise — he’s a defence lawyer and ex-con himself, which should give Rockford someone equally slippery to bounce off.

The old formula, with tweaks

Massive car chases? Obviously. Fisticuffs? Sure. But if you know the original, Rockford’s shtick wasn’t being the hardest bloke in LA, but trying to talk circles round everyone and only getting physical when really pressed. Not that it always worked, if we’re honest: he was often the one getting a bit battered. Part of the charm, really — and if anyone can mix sarcasm, comedy, and actual action, Boreanaz is a fairly canny bit of casting.

Mike Daniels is on board as showrunner, which suggests they're serious about balancing that blend of dry wit and down-to-earth detective work. They're not reinventing everything, though. You’ll find familiar territory with Rockford parachuting into awkward scenarios, winding up the cops, and relying on a ragtag bunch of ex-cons and a few tenuous allies when things go pear-shaped. They’ve definitely modernised some of the relationships and brought in a legal frenemy for extra friction, but the core — wrong-man-syndrome, relentless meddling, just enough humanity to root for him — is intact.