‘Rockford Files’ Reboot, Cop Drama ‘Line of Fire’ Picked Up to Series at NBC

NBC has picked up two of its drama pilots to series for the 2026-2027 broadcast season: a reboot of “The Rockford Files” and the law enforcement drama “Line of Fire” (fka “Protection”).

“The Rockford Files,” which will see David Boreanaz take over the role of James Rockford from the late James Garner, was seen as a strong contender for a series pickup from the time it was announced. Its chances only increased after it was screened for the network. According to sources, “Line of Fire” was well received despite being more of a serialized narrative as opposed to NBC’s more procedural focus in its dramas. Both shows look to pair well with NBC’s existing dramas like “Law & Order: SVU” and fellow cop drama “Chicago PD.”

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The pair of pilots, both of which are produced by in-house studio Universal Television, were two of the five dramas that NBC had in contention this pilot season. The other three — “Key Witness” (fka unt Dean Georgaris/John Fox) starring Emily Deschanel, “What The Dead Know” starring Taylor Schilling, and “Puzzled” starring Damon Wayans Jr. — are not moving forward.

NBC has also picked up the comedies “Sunset PI” and the multi-cam “Newlyweds.”

“Our creative teams, led by Lisa Katz at NBC and Erin Underhill at Universal Television, delivered an exceptional pilot slate, developing eight standout projects that reflect our ambition,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of NBC Entertainment, Peacock Scripted and Television Studios. “While we often hear the phrase embarrassment of riches, it truly applies in this case. This process allowed us to take big swings, and we landed on shows that we think can truly break through.”

The official logline for “Rockford Files” states, “Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford (Boreanaz) 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.”

Along with Boreanaz, the series Michaela McManus, Felix Solis and Jacki Weaver. Mike Daniels wrote the pilot and serves as executive producer along with Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman. Chris Leanza is co-executive producer. Greg Mottola directed and executive produce the pilot.

“Line of Fire” follows “A family of law enforcement agents that bridge personal differences and cross professional boundaries as they tackle cases for the FBI, US Marshals, Secret Service and Department of Justice. After a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy, they must use the expertise from a lifetime of protecting civilians and politicians to protect one another and bring the killer to justice … even if it means betraying their sworn code.”

The series stars Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom and Charlie Barnett. Josh Safran serves as writer and executive producer, with Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector also executive producing. Rebecca Thomas directed and executive produced the pilot.

NBC has already made decisions on the rest of its primetime scripted lineup, including renewing comedies “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” “Happy’s Place,” and “St. Denis Medical,” as well as dramas “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” The broadcaster previously canceled the sophomore medical drama “Brilliant Minds” and freshman comedy “Stumble.”