Jim Rockford is back. The iconic TV detective from the classic crime caper series The Rockford Files will return in the New Year, thanks to NBC and star David Boreanaz. Now, we finally know when the new series will premiere—and how you can get inside information on the series by calling up Jim Rockford himself.

A reboot of the classic detective series, The Rockford Files will star Boreanaz (Bones) as Rockford, stepping into the shoes of the late James Garner. He’s a private eye who was framed for a crime he didn’t commit; now, he’s back on the street and ready to make a name for himself—even if that means stepping on the toes of both cops and criminals. The series also stars Michaela McManus (Redux Redux), Ilfenesh Hadera (Godfather of Harlem), and Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook); it is showrun by Mike Daniels (Sons of Anarchy), who also executive produces with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, and David Hudgins.

Now, we finally know when Rockford will be cracking his first case. The Rockford Files is set to premiere on Saturday, January 2, 2027, immediately after NBC‘s NFL broadcast at approximately 8 p.m. ET as a special preview; it will then debut at its normal day and time on Thursday, January 7, at 8 p.m. ET. All episodes will also stream the next day on Peacock. Want to know more? You can call Rockford himself at (760) JIM-ROCK for a special message from David Boreanaz, and sign up for text updates on the series.

What’s With Jim Rockford’s Answering Machine?

Jim Rockford’s answering machine was an important part of the original series, which ran from 1974 to 1980. Answering machines weren’t yet common in American homes; in fact, Rockford rented his. It was another way that Rockford, with his stylish suits, sports car, and fake business cards, distinguished himself from the detectives of the past. They were also a trademark of the series; before the opening credits, every episode opened with a new, humorous message on Rockford’s machine, akin to the “couch gags” on The Simpsons; they were typically unrelated to the content of the episode, and eventually the writers had to take suggestions from the cast and crew to keep coming up with new ones.

The Rockford Files will premiere on NBC on Saturday, January 2, 2027; it will then debut in its regular timeslot on Thursday, January 7.

 

via Collider