James Garner's daughter praises David Boreanaz for channeling her dad in the new Rockford Files reboot. See her full endorsement.
- April 20, 2026
AceShowbiz - As production begins on The Rockford Files reboot starring David Boreanaz, the daughter of original lead star James Garner has shared her thoughts on the highly anticipated revival. The original series aired from 1974 to 1980 and enjoyed a lasting legacy through eight TV movies in the 1990s. Now, more than five decades since its debut, David Boreanaz is stepping into the iconic role of Jim Rockford, a paroled convict turned private investigator.
Gigi Garner, daughter of the late James Garner who originated the role of Jim Rockford, has expressed strong support for the reboot as filming officially gets underway. In a message posted on X, she said she was “astounded when I saw David literally channel my dad!” acknowledging the challenge of remaking such a beloved series. She urged fans to withhold judgment until they have seen the show, encouraging everyone to “PLEASE STAY TUNED!”
The original The Rockford Files was a critical and popular success, running for six seasons and earning Garner an Emmy Award as well as multiple Golden Globe nominations. The show also won Outstanding Drama Series at the Emmys. Garner was already an established star before the series, having won a Golden Globe for the film Sayonara and starring in the Western Maverick. The supporting cast included Noah Beery Jr., Stuart Margolin, Gretchen Corbett, James Luisi, and Tom Atkins.
Despite several attempts to revive the series over the years, including a nearly greenlit reboot with Dermot Mulroney about two decades ago, none had come to fruition until now. NBC’s current reboot aims to stay true to the original premise, with Boreanaz portraying Rockford as he solves cases while navigating conflicts with both criminals and law enforcement.
The new cast also features Michaela McManus, known for her role alongside Boreanaz on SEAL Team, playing Detective Kate, who is romantically involved with Rockford. Joining them is Jacki Weaver, famed for her work on Yellowstone, as a determined trailer park resident and activist named Karma.
The reboot is produced by Mike Daniels, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly, Chris Leanza, Greg Mottola, and Boreanaz himself. Mottola is directing the pilot episode. Notably, Timberman and Beverly have executive producing credits from their work on SEAL Team, reinforcing the collaborative links between the shows.
According to Gigi Garner, David Boreanaz has captured the essence of her father’s portrayal, which bodes well for the reboot’s reception. She recognizes the skepticism that often accompanies remakes but encourages audiences to keep an open mind until they experience the new series firsthand.
The original The Rockford Files remains a classic in the crime drama genre, blending mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling. The reboot promises to honor this legacy while introducing the character and his world to a new generation of viewers on NBC.
With filming underway and a cast that balances familiar faces with fresh talent, anticipation is building for how this 52-year-old detective series will be reimagined. Fans of the original and new audiences alike will soon have the chance to see Jim Rockford’s adventures revived through David Boreanaz’s interpretation, under the guidance of an experienced production team.