David Boreanaz Trading the SEAL Gear for the Firebird? The Rockford Files Reboot is Officially Happening

The TV gods have spoken, and apparently, they’re feeling nostalgic for the 1970s. After years of rumors and one ill-fated attempt that we collectively agreed to forget, NBC has finally pulled the trigger. David Boreanaz has been cast as Jim Rockford in the upcoming reboot pilot of The Rockford Files. Yes, the man who spent a decade as a brooding vampire and another seven years as an elite soldier is now dusting off a brown leather jacket and (presumably) learning how to pull off a perfect J-turn in a Pontiac Firebird.

A New Chapter for the Iconic P.I.

Following the conclusion of SEAL Team, Boreanaz was the most sought-after free agent in the procedural world. It makes sense: he has that specific brand of rugged, "I’ve seen some things" energy that fits a world-weary private investigator like a glove.

For the uninitiated or those who weren't alive when James Garner was the king of the airwaves, The Rockford Files isn't your typical "super-cop" show. Jim Rockford is famously broke, often beaten up, and lives in a mobile home in Malibu. The new pilot looks to maintain that DNA, casting Boreanaz as a newly paroled man who was squeezed by the system for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s returning to a Los Angeles that has changed significantly since the 70s, but the grit remains the same.

Why Boreanaz Works (And Why We’re Scared)

Let’s be real: David Boreanaz is the king of the TV marathon. Whether it's Buffy, Angel, Bones, or SEAL Team, the man knows how to anchor a franchise. He brings a "charmingly gruff" exterior that feels like a natural evolution of Garner’s iconic performance.

However, the question remains: Can a 2026 audience connect with a hero who doesn't use high-tech gadgets or have a team of tech geniuses in his ear? This isn't CSI; it's about a guy with a $200-a-day fee (plus expenses) and a very complicated relationship with the LAPD.

What to Expect Next

With the pilot order officially confirmed, the industry is now watching to see who fills out the rest of the ensemble. We need a "Rocky" (Jim’s dad) and, more importantly, a sleazy, lovable "Angel" Martin to keep things interesting.

The production is leaning into the retro-modern aesthetic, promising a show that feels grounded rather than glossy. If Boreanaz can balance the wit with the "world-weariness" the script calls for, NBC might just have its next long-running hit.

What do you think of the casting? Is David Boreanaz the right choice for the Firebird, or should some classics stay in the garage? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!