NBC's 'The Rockford Files' Reboot Brings David Boreanaz to Atlanta for Pilot Shoot

Atlanta’s thriving film and TV scene is about to get a dose of classic detective drama with a modern twist. NBC has greenlit a pilot for a reboot of the iconic 1970s series The Rockford Files, and production is set to kick off right here in the Peach State.

Veteran actor David Boreanaz, known for his roles in Bones and SEAL Team, will step into the shoes of private investigator Jim Rockford, a role originally made famous by James Garner.

The Rockford Files Filming in Atlanta

The pilot will film primarily at Assembly Studios in Doraville from March 9 to March 23, with additional scenes shot in Los Angeles to capture the show’s sunny California setting.

A Blast from the Past: What is The Rockford Files?

For those unfamiliar with the original series, The Rockford Files aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980, spanning six seasons and over 120 episodes, plus several TV movies.

The show followed Jim Rockford, a wisecracking, ex-con private eye living in a rundown trailer on the Malibu beach.

Wrongfully imprisoned and later pardoned, Rockford took on cases that often involved shady clients, corrupt officials, and plenty of car chases in his signature Pontiac Firebird. James Garner brought charm and grit to the role, supported by a memorable cast including Noah Beery Jr. as his father Rocky, Joe Santos as LAPD Sgt. Dennis Becker, and Gretchen Corbett as attorney Beth Davenport.

The series was a hit for its blend of humor, action, and character-driven storytelling, earning multiple Emmy nominations and becoming a staple of 1970s television.

It was created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, who infused it with clever dialogue and realistic portrayals of the PI life—far from the glamorous detectives of other shows.

The Reboot: Modern Take on a Classic

This new iteration promises to update the formula while honoring the original. Boreanaz, whose track record includes long-running hits like Angel (a Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off) and the procedural Bones, brings a proven ability to anchor ensemble dramas. He’s joined by Michaela McManus (The Village, Aquarius) in a key ensemble role, with Greg Mottola (Superbad, The Daytrippers) directing the pilot.

While details on the plot remain under wraps, the show is expected to retain Rockford’s Los Angeles base, focusing on contemporary issues like cybercrime, corporate intrigue, and personal redemption—all with the wry humor that defined the original.

NBC’s decision to reboot the series comes amid a wave of revivals tapping into nostalgia, but Boreanaz’s involvement is a strong indicator of potential success. Every pilot he’s led has gone to series, suggesting The Rockford Files could join the ranks of enduring procedurals.

If picked up, it’s unclear whether the full series will stay in Atlanta or relocate to LA, but the pilot’s choice of Georgia highlights the state’s cost-effective incentives and top-tier facilities.

Atlanta’s Starring Role in the TV Boom

This production is just the latest example of why Atlanta has earned its nickname as the “Hollywood of the South.”

Georgia’s generous tax credits—up to 30% on qualified expenditures—have transformed the state into one of the top film and TV hubs in the nation, rivaling Los Angeles and New York.

In 2026 alone, over 25 projects are actively filming across the state, including high-profile series like Stranger Things (wrapping its final season), Will Trent, and P-Valley, as well as movies such as Superman and Flowervale Street.

The industry’s growth dates back to the 1970s with films like Deliverance, but it exploded in the 2000s thanks to incentives established in 2008.

Today, metro Atlanta boasts world-class studios like Pinewood Atlanta (now Trilith Studios), Tyler Perry Studios, and the aforementioned Assembly Studios—a massive complex developed by Gray Television and NBCUniversal, offering soundstages, backlots, and production services.

These facilities support everything from blockbusters like Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther to long-running TV hits such as The Walking Dead.

Despite a post-strike slowdown in 2025, where production dipped due to labor disputes and economic uncertainty, insiders remain optimistic. Local producer Will Packer, behind successes like Girls Trip, believes Atlanta will rebound as a premier destination, with new indie films, limited series, and made-for-TV movies filling the pipeline.

The state employs over 30,000 people in the industry, contributing billions to the economy through jobs, tourism, and local spending. 16

As The Rockford Files sets up shop in Doraville, it underscores Atlanta’s versatility: a city that can double for LA’s beaches, urban grit, or anything in between.

Keep an eye out for production trucks and possible celebrity sightings—Boreanaz’s arrival could be the start of another hit born in Georgia.

Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for updates on this and other local productions. If the pilot gets the green light, who knows? Jim Rockford might just become a semi-permanent Atlantan.

Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.

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