David Boreanaz to Star in Rockford Files Reboot

The Buffy and SEAL Team actor reached out to James Garner's daughter before accepting the lead role.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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David Boreanaz has been cast as the lead in an NBC reboot of the classic crime drama series The Rockford Files. The original series starred the late James Garner as private investigator James Rockford and ran from 1974 to 1980. Before accepting the role, Boreanaz reached out to Garner's daughter Gigi to get her blessing on the reboot.

Why it matters

The Rockford Files was a beloved TV series that ran for several seasons and spawned multiple TV movies. Garner's portrayal of the title character is considered iconic, so Boreanaz's casting in the reboot is a significant move that will be closely watched by fans of the original show.

The details

The reboot will reimagine the original series, with Boreanaz playing a newly paroled James Rockford who returns to his work as a private investigator in Los Angeles. The series will explore Rockford's quest for legitimacy and how it lands him in trouble with both the police and organized crime.

  • The original Rockford Files series ran from 1974 to 1980.
  • James Garner, the star of the original series, passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.

The players

David Boreanaz

An American actor best known for his roles in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and SEAL Team. He has been cast as the lead in the NBC reboot of The Rockford Files.

James Garner

The late American actor who originated the role of private investigator James Rockford in the original 1974-1980 TV series The Rockford Files.

Gigi Garner

The daughter of James Garner, who gave her blessing to David Boreanaz before he accepted the role of James Rockford in the reboot.

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What they’re saying

“So, I recently got a call from David Boreanaz. He was kind enough to share that he was offered the series & thinking about it. He asked how I felt about the reboot, and I gave him my full stamp of approval. If anybody can do it, HE CAN! I'm 100% on board and think it's going to be great!”

— Gigi Garner, Daughter of James Garner (X)

The takeaway

Boreanaz's outreach to James Garner's daughter shows his respect for the legacy of the original Rockford Files series and his commitment to honoring the character that Garner made famous. Fans of the original will be closely watching to see if Boreanaz can capture the charm and wit that made Rockford such an iconic TV detective.