Last month we had the opportunity to report on NBC ordering a pilot for a reboot of “The Rockford Files.” It definitely wasn’t on our radar. Of all the possible shows to add to a network’s primetime line-up, “The Rockford Files” is a surprise. That’s not a slight against the original series at all either. In fact it’s because that show was so perfect that a reboot seemed like a superfluous idea. But we’re not network executives, so what do we know? We do know that it’s going to take big shoes to fill in the role of the show’s protagonist. Jim Rockford was played so amazingly well by James Garner it would be hard to follow up.
Jim Rockford, the former police officer turned private investigator will now be played by David Boreanaz. The casting is actually pretty spot-on. Garner was gruff, rugged, and charismatic. All traits that Boreanaz has displayed in his previous characters over the decades. Doesn’t exactly hurt either that a couple of those roles have been as investigators.
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Boreanaz rose to fame as the character of Angel through the first three seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” He then became the star of his own spin-off where he started a detective agency with some other “Buffy” characters. “Angel” was cancelled after five seasons. However Boreanaz would quickly find himself in another major role. This time playing the part of FBI Special Agent Booth in 12 seasons of “Bones” opposite Emily Deschanel. Following that, Boreanaz would play the lead in seven seasons of “SEAL Team” on CBS and Paramount Plus. This actually gives Boreanaz two different distinctions. He’s the rare television star to be the lead in three different series and on three different networks (WB, Fox, and CBS.)
Will it go to series?
Lately filming pilots for a network to pick up a series hasn’t been as common of a practice. Not compared to a few decades ago before streaming became big business. None of this means the show will happen. Only that NBC is interested in seeing what an episode would look like. This usually happens before ordering it to series. Boreanaz has proven to be a bankable star though, so there’s good reason to believe NBC would take a chance on him.
We look forward to seeing if “The Rockford Files” makes a successful return. Stay tuned as we follow this and we’ll update you on NBC’s decision on things when we learn more.
