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‘SEAL Team’ actor lands role in ‘The Rockford Files’ reboot pilot and he might be the perfect Jim Rockford

TV veteran lands the iconic detective role as NBC revives ‘The Rockford Files’ for a modern primetime comeback

The most talked-about casting win of this year’s broadcast pilot season has just been secured, with David Boreanaz set to star in a lead role in ‘The Rockford Files,’ a reboot of NBC's classic procedural series. The news, first reported by Deadline, confirms that Boreanaz will step into the role of Jim Rockford. He’s the wisecracking, financially struggling private investigator originally brought to life by James Garner in the 1974 series. Those are no small shoes to fill. Garner’s Rockford was equal parts smooth talker and reluctant hero. 

He’s a man who likes to outsmart problems rather than confront them head-on, and who often seems just one overdue bill away from disaster. The reboot aims to keep that DNA intact, albeit in today’s Los Angeles. As expected, the part drew heavy interest. However, there were only ever two official offers for the lead role. Both individuals were apparently very enthusiastic about the part. Furthermore, they were both brought in to discuss the role. But one deal reportedly stalled over logistics.

According to Deadline, the first contender would only commit if production was locked into Los Angeles full-time. Here’s where it gets a little interesting. Although the story is set in L.A., the pilot itself is scheduled to shoot primarily in Atlanta, with some additional filming in California. If the show receives a series order, the long-term production base hasn’t been finalized. There’s talk that the project could pursue a California tax credit. Boreanaz, meanwhile, has a resume that is music to the ears of television network executives. He’s that kind of actor whose pilots consistently lead to series orders. Well, think about it.

‘Angel’ ran for over 100 episodes after spinning off from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ ‘Bones’ crossed the 200-episode mark during its lengthy run. ‘SEAL Team’ also surpassed 100 installments. Networks notice that kind of streak. Moreover, this updated take on ‘The Rockford Files’ is penned by writer Mike Daniels, with producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly backing the project under Universal Television. The premise keeps the core hook untouched but gives it a contemporary edge. Rockford, freshly released after serving time for a crime he insists he didn’t commit, attempts to rebuild his career as a private investigator. 

Of course, trying to operate aboveboard doesn’t exactly make life easier. In this new version, Rockford’s attempt to reclaim legitimacy quickly draws attention from law enforcement and organized crime alike. The cops don’t fully trust him. The criminals don’t like him poking around. And Rockford, stuck somewhere in the middle, has to figure out how to keep his head above water while dodging both sides. Whether the pilot ultimately earns a full-season pickup remains to be seen. Broadcast development can be unpredictable. But landing a lead with Boreanaz’s resume certainly gives the project a strong start.