NBC plans to revisit one of its iconic 1970s series with a reported new reboot now in development. The network has ordered a pilot for the project, signaling a possible return of the classic TV detective to primetime.

NBC orders pilot for reboot of The Rockford Files

NBC has ordered a pilot for a reboot of The Rockford Files, according to Deadline.

The project is a contemporary update of the original Stephen J. Cannell and Roy Huggins series that aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980 and featured James Garner. The new version is written by Mike Daniels and comes from Universal Television, with producers Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly, and Chris Leanza attached via Timberman/Beverly Productions.

The logline states: “Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn’t take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime.” The pilot is said to be a drama and part of its broader return to traditional pilot season.

This marks NBC’s first pilot order for the 2026 broadcast cycle. The network reportedly plans to develop 3–4 dramas and 2–3 comedies this season. NBC seems to be working to reestablish a yearly development model by greenlighting pilots in January and February.

NBC reportedly plans to produce the pilots in time for potential inclusion in the May upfronts and next season’s schedule. The Rockford Files is one of two PI projects in development. The other, a comedy from Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, seems to already hold a pilot production commitment.

Universal TV previously attempted to remake the series with a 2010 pilot written by David Shore, produced by Steve Carell, and featuring Dermot Mulroney. The studio also developed a film version with Vince Vaughn, which did not move forward.