‘Clueless’ Sequel and ‘Rockford Files’ Reboot Among TV Projects Awarded California Tax Credits

The “Clueless” sequel series and “The Rockford Files” reboot are among nine new television productions awarded tax credits from the state of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, the productions will generate a combined $608 million in direct production spending across the Golden State, accounting for 1,014 filming days.

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Alicia Silverstone will reprise her role as Cher Horowitz for the update of “Clueless,” produced by CBS Studios for Paramount+, which is getting a $16 million estimated tax credit.

David Boreanaz takes over the role of Jim Rockford for the “Rockford Files” reboot from Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, which was awarded $21 million in estimated tax credits. Also from Universal Television is Jamie Lee Curtis’ new series “Newlyweds,” starring Tea Leoni and Tim Daly, which was awarded $5.8 million in estimated tax credits. Viola Davis-starring series “Ascent” from Paramount Television Studios for Paramount+ was awarded $21 million in estimated tax credits.

Other projects include the series “Love Comes Softly” with $7.3 million, “SWAT Exiles” with $16 million, a new Amazon comedy series with $11.6 million, and an unnamed scripted Disney Entertainment Television series which netted the highest estimated tax credit of this round with $45 million.

Animated series recently became eligible for the tax credit, and a Netflix animated series will receive $1.2 million in tax credits.

“California has been a pioneer in film and television production. With the expanded Film & Television Tax Credit program, we’re able to shine a spotlight on the talent and creativity the Golden State has to offer, while also generating new jobs and fair wages. Just as it did in its first year, the second year of the expanded tax credit plans to continue exceeding expectations, and generate billions in economic activity — solidifying California’s competitive edge in entertainment and expanding opportunities for today’s workforce,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement.

The first year of California’s expanded program comprised 170 projects with $6.6 billion in direct production spend, and the state said application volume grew by 82% compared to the previous year.

“Year two of Program 4.0 is off to a phenomenal start, proving that California remains the undeniable home for premium television,” said Colleen Bell, director of the California Film Commission. “Beloved stories like ‘The Rockford Files’ and ‘Clueless’ can only be filmed here in California, where they belong, and by partnering with award-winning talent, we are honoring our state’s rich entertainment legacy by fueling its future. These nine projects represent thousands of high-quality jobs for our world-class local crews and will inject hundreds of millions of dollars directly into our state’s economy. This is exactly what the expansion of our tax credit program was designed to achieve and we are thrilled to continue to see its impact.”

“I’m so grateful that ‘Clueless’ gets to tell Cher’s next chapter in the city where her story began. Los Angeles has been through so much over the past several years, but the city is resilient,” said Silverstone, star and executive producer of “Clueless.” When productions stay here, it supports thousands of artists, crew members, craftspeople, and small businesses who make this city what it is. ‘Clueless’ belongs in Los Angeles. You simply can’t recreate this city anywhere else, and I’m excited to bring Cher home. The fact that it’s also my home and I will get to stay close to my son is an added gift.”

“Southern California has long been home to CBS Studios, and we’re proud to continue investing in the local creative community and production talent who bring our stories to life,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “We’re grateful to the California Film Commission for making it possible to produce returning seasons of ‘Matlock,’ ‘NCIS: Origins,’ and now ‘Clueless’ in Los Angeles. This support helps sustain California’s creative workforce, strengthens the local economy, and further showcases the extraordinary talent of our state’s cast and crews who entertain audiences around the world.”

“California is as iconic as James Garner is to ‘The Rockford Files,’” said Boreanaz, star of “The Rockford Files.” “I’m so humbled and grateful to bring this series to California and celebrate the show’s roots and carry the torch going forward.”

“I am overwhelmingly excited about this journey with the great John Logan. We won the lottery with this one! Work in which both story and character are bold, awe-inspiring and deeply unique is why I became an artist,” said Davis, star and executive producer of “Ascent.” “Also, doing what I do is made greater or worse by being able to have the balance of my life as a mom. So, to be given the California tax credit is more than the ‘cherry on top;’ it’s a lifeline for me and a countless number of cast and crew. We at JuVee are deeply grateful to John Logan, Michael Aguilar, Paramount and the California Film Commission. We are ready to create magic!”

“As a born and raised Los Angelina, I am so appreciative that my new show, ‘Newlyweds,’ will be receiving the California tax credit,” said Curtis, executive producer and guest star of “Newlyweds.” “I started my career as a contract player at Universal in 1977 and this tax incentive allows our production, back here at Universal, to keep hiring and employing hundreds of highly skilled L.A.-based union crew members and helps keep productions here. Thank you CA Film Commission!”