The Rockford Files is an American television drama series starring James Garner that aired on the NBC network between September 13, 1974, and January 10, 1980, and has remained in syndication to the present day. Garner portrays Los Angeles-based private investigatorJim Rockford with Noah Beery, Jr., in the supporting role of his father, a retired truck driver nicknamed "Rocky". The series debuted with a made-for-TV movie simply titled The Rockford Files. During the series run, there were a number of two-part episodes, as well as long episodes that were split into two parts for syndication. Filming stopped in the middle of the sixth season, on the advice of star James Garner's doctor. Garner, who had filmed many of his own stunts, injured his back and knees. In the 1990s, Rockford returned to the air in a series of eight TV movies on CBS.
Series overview
Episodes
TV movie pilot (1974)
James Garner, Joe Santos, and Stuart Margolin all debut in their series roles. Also featured is Robert Donley as Joseph "Rocky" Rockford, a role that would be recast in the subsequent series.
James Garner stars as Jim Rockford, and Noah Berry as his father Rocky. Joe Santos is a frequent recurring guest as Dennis Becker. Gretchen Corbett appears on a recurring basis as Beth. Stuart Margolin appears only twice as Angel, but his appearances will become more frequent as the series continues. Tom Atkins is seen on a recurring basis as Lt. Diehl.
Season 2 (1975–76)
Garner, Beery and Santos are now all billed as stars. Corbett, Margolin and Atkins are frequently recurring guests.
Season 3 (1976–77)
Garner, Beery and Santos are the series stars. Corbett and Margolin are frequently recurring guests. James Luisi begins his recurring role as Lt. Chapman.
Garner, Beery and Santos are the series stars. Corbett, Luisi and Margolin are frequently recurring guests, though Corbett leaves the show halfway through the season. Atkins returns for one episode.
Season 5 (1978–79)
Garner, Beery and Santos star. Luisi and Margolin are frequently recurring guests. Bo Hopkins is a recurring guest as John Cooper for this season only.
Season 6 (1979–80)
Garner, Beery and Santos star. Luisi and Margolin are frequently recurring guests.
Unproduced
The following four episodes were scripted and slated for production during season six. However, when Garner was forced to leave the series due to medical issues, the series was shut down and these episodes were never filmed.
