David Boreanaz is stepping into some pretty big shoes, and he’s doing it with respect for those who came before.
As the SEAL Team star prepares to take on the iconic role of Jim Rockford in NBC’s upcoming reboot of The Rockford Files, he made sure to reach out to someone very important first.
Gigi Garner, daughter of the late James Garner who originally brought the character to life from 1974 to 1980, recently shared that Boreanaz personally contacted her before committing to the project.
That kind of class doesn’t go unnoticed in Hollywood.
A Call That Meant Everything
Gigi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the thoughtful gesture from Boreanaz, revealing details about their conversation that happened before he officially signed on.
So, I recently got a call from David Boreanaz. He was kind enough to share that he was offered the series and thinking about it. He wanted to know how I felt about the reboot, etc.
She didn’t hold back her enthusiasm for his casting either.
If anybody can do it, HE CAN! I’m 100 percent on board! It is going to be great!
Gigi ended her post with “#PureClass #Jimbo,” giving Boreanaz her full blessing and using her father’s nickname to drive home just how meaningful this endorsement truly is.
Honoring James Garner’s Legacy
James Garner became synonymous with Jim Rockford during the show’s original six-season run on NBC. His portrayal of the charming, wisecracking private investigator who’d been wrongfully imprisoned became television gold.
The role was so beloved that Garner reprised it for eight made-for-TV movies on CBS between 1994 and 1999. He passed away in 2014 at age 86 after suffering a heart attack caused by coronary artery disease, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates with fans today.
For Boreanaz to reach out to Garner’s daughter before accepting such an iconic role shows deep respect for that legacy. It’s not just about landing another series—it’s about understanding what The Rockford Files meant to millions of viewers and to the Garner family.
What We Know About The Reboot
The contemporary update comes from writer Mike Daniels, with producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, alongside Universal Television backing the project.
According to official descriptions, this new version will follow James Rockford fresh out of prison after being wrongfully convicted. Sound familiar? That’s intentional—it’s staying true to the original premise while updating it for modern audiences.
Boreanaz’s Rockford will return to his work as a private investigator in Los Angeles, using charm and wit to crack cases. But there’s depth beneath that smooth exterior—a charmingly gruff personality masking a strong moral core.
His quest for legitimacy won’t be easy. The character quickly finds himself caught between local police and organized crime, creating tension that promises compelling storytelling.
Production Details and Location
While the show is set in Los Angeles, production logistics tell a different story—at least initially.
The pilot will shoot primarily in Atlanta, with some additional filming taking place in Los Angeles. If NBC picks up the pilot for a full series, the production location remains undecided.
There’s speculation that producers might apply for California tax credits, which could bring the show back to its Los Angeles roots full-time. That would certainly add authenticity to a series so deeply connected to LA’s landscape and culture.
Why Boreanaz Is Perfect For This Role
Anyone who’s watched Boreanaz evolve from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel to Bones and SEAL Team knows he’s got range. But more importantly, he’s got the exact blend of toughness and vulnerability that Jim Rockford requires.
His work as Jason Hayes in SEAL Team proved he could carry dramatic weight while maintaining likability. His years as Seeley Booth in Bones showed off his charm and comedic timing.
Those skills will serve him well as Rockford, a character who needs to be equally convincing whether he’s charming information out of a witness or standing his ground against dangerous criminals.
The Importance of Getting It Right
Reboots are tricky business. For every successful reimagining, there are countless failures that alienate original fans without attracting new ones.
The Rockford Files holds special significance for television history. It wasn’t just another detective show—it redefined what private investigator stories could be, blending humor, drama, and social commentary in ways that influenced countless shows that followed.
Boreanaz seems to understand that weight. His conversation with Gigi Garner wasn’t a publicity move or contractual obligation—it was a personal gesture that demonstrates he’s approaching this role with the seriousness it deserves.
With Gigi’s blessing, the support of strong producers, and Boreanaz’s proven track record, this reboot has real potential to honor the original while creating something fresh for today’s audiences. That’s the sweet spot every reboot aims for but few actually hit.
Now fans just have to wait and see if NBC picks up the pilot—and if they do, whether Boreanaz can make Jim Rockford his own while keeping Jimbo’s spirit alive.