David Boreanaz to Star in NBC's Rockford Files Reboot

James Garner's daughter Gigi Garner praises Boreanaz's portrayal of her father's iconic character

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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NBC has begun filming a reboot of the classic 1970s detective series The Rockford Files, with David Boreanaz taking on the lead role of Jim Rockford. Gigi Garner, the daughter of the original Rockford Files star James Garner, has offered her support for the new casting, claiming that Boreanaz is channeling her father's performance in the role.

Why it matters

The Rockford Files was a hugely popular and acclaimed TV series that ran for six seasons in the 1970s, winning multiple Emmy awards including for James Garner's lead performance. Rebooting such an iconic show with a new actor in the central role is a risky proposition, so Gigi Garner's endorsement of Boreanaz's take on the character is an important vote of confidence.

The details

Filming for the Rockford Files reboot pilot began last week, with Boreanaz starring as the former convict-turned-private investigator Jim Rockford. Gigi Garner, who is the daughter of original Rockford star James Garner, took to social media to share her support for the new casting, claiming that Boreanaz is "literally channeling" her father's performance in the role. The new Rockford Files is being produced by Universal Television and written by Mike Daniels.

  • Filming for the Rockford Files reboot pilot began last week.

The players

David Boreanaz

An American actor best known for his roles in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Bones, and SEAL Team, who is now starring as Jim Rockford in the NBC reboot.

Gigi Garner

The daughter of James Garner, the star of the original Rockford Files TV series, who has expressed her support for Boreanaz's portrayal of the iconic character.

James Garner

The late actor who starred as private investigator Jim Rockford in the original 1970s Rockford Files TV series, which ran for six seasons.

Mike Daniels

The writer who is penning the script for the NBC Rockford Files reboot.

Universal Television

The production company behind the new Rockford Files reboot.

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What they’re saying

“They started shooting #TheRockfordFiles last week! I can honestly say I was astounded when I saw David literally channel my dad! I know you all have your thoughts and opinions, but I respectfully ask that you wait until you see the show! PLEASE STAY TUNED!”

— Gigi Garner, Daughter of James Garner (Twitter)

What’s next

Fans will have to wait to see the finished Rockford Files reboot pilot to judge Boreanaz's performance as the iconic private investigator for themselves.

The takeaway

The Rockford Files reboot is a high-stakes proposition, but the endorsement from James Garner's daughter Gigi suggests that David Boreanaz may have captured the essence of the beloved character in a way that will satisfy longtime fans of the original series.