NBC has given a pilot order to a reboot of the classic series “The Rockford Files.”
The pilot is written by writer and executive producer Mike Daniels. Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman will serve as executive producers, with Chris Lianza serving as co-executive producer. The studio is Universal Television.
The original “Rockford Files,” created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell and starring James Garner, aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980. The official logline regarding the reboot states:
“A modern update of the classic series of the same name. James Rockford, paroled for a crime he didn’t commit, returns to his life as a private investigator and uses his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn’t take long for his quest for legitimacy to find him squarely in the crosshairs of both local law enforcement and organized crime.”
In addition to Garner, the original show also starred Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos, Gretchen Corbett, and Stuart Margolin. The show ultimately aired for more than 120 episodes, and Garner reprized his role in eight television movies for CBS from 1994 to 1999.
Daniels previously created the NBC drama series “The Village” while also working on NBC shows such as “Bluff City Law,” “Shades of Blue” and “Taken.” He also worked on Peacock’s shows “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist” and “Pitch Perfect: Bumpers in Berlin.”
He is repped by WME and Jackoway Austin.
There have been many attempts at The Rockford Files over the years, including a failed 2009 NBC pilot produced by Steve Carell and starring Dermot Mulroney. Universal Pictures also developed a feature film version starring Vince Vaughn, but the project never moved forward.
NBC is considering producing a number of pilots this year, with “The Rockford Files” being the first to be officially picked up, according to people familiar with the matter. The station is likely to feature two to three more dramas and about the same number of comedies. This would be a significant increase compared to recent years, when the traditional broadcast pilot season was largely a thing of the past.
