David Boreanaz Is Back in Action as NBC Releases New 'Rockford Files' Promo

David Boreanaz is trading his SEAL Team gear for private investigator work, and NBC is giving viewers another look at his take on one of television's most recognizable detectives. A new extended promo for The Rockford Files has arrived, offering a better glimpse of Boreanaz as Jim Rockford ahead of the reboot's January 2027 premiere.

And if the latest preview is any indication, NBC isn't planning to turn Rockford into another overly serious television detective. The new series appears ready to embrace some of the humor and personality that helped make the original such a favorite.

A Familiar Detective Gets a Modern Makeover

Boreanaz takes over the role made famous by James Garner, who starred in the original NBC series from 1974 to 1980. This time, Jim Rockford is newly paroled after serving time for a crime he didn't commit, and he's determined to rebuild his life by returning to private investigation.

Of course, getting a fresh start is easier said than done. Rockford's attempts to establish himself as a legitimate investigator quickly put him at odds with local law enforcement and organized crime in Los Angeles. The latest promo offers another taste of the show's approach to its leading man, combining the detective's old-school charm with a contemporary setting. It's an important ingredient for a reboot that has some pretty big shoes to fill.

NBC Is Having Fun With the Promotion

NBC is also taking a creative approach to introducing the new Jim Rockford. The network has launched a working hotline at (760) JIM-ROCK, allowing fans to hear a recorded message from Boreanaz and sign up for updates about the show.

The promotion pays tribute to the original series' memorable answering-machine messages, which became a signature part of The Rockford Files. It's a clever way to acknowledge the show's history while introducing the character to viewers who may have never watched Garner's version. Even Gigi Garner, daughter of the late actor, has been sharing the promotional material on social media, helping generate excitement around the revival.

When Does 'The Rockford Files' Premiere?

Alongside Boreanaz, the new series stars Michaela McManus, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Jacki Weaver. Mike Daniels serves as writer and executive producer, with Greg Mottola directing the pilot.

NBC is giving the reboot a special launch on Saturday, January 2, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET, following the network's NFL coverage. The series will then settle into its regular Thursday time slot beginning January 7 at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will also be available to stream the following day on Peacock.

Boreanaz certainly knows his way around a long-running television drama, having led Bones and SEAL Team. Whether his Jim Rockford can capture the same magic as Garner's beloved detective remains to be seen, but the new promo suggests NBC understands that Rockford needs more than a badge and a serious expression to win people over.

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