The Rockford Files (1974)
James Garner stars as Jim Rockford, a wisecracking ex-con turned Los Angeles private eye in this landmark NBC crime drama.
The Rockford Files - Series Information
- Original Title: The Rockford Files
- First Air Year: 1974
- Last Air Year: 1980
- Created by: Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 122
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 13, 1974 (United States - TV-PG), September 13, 1974 (Canada - PG), September 13, 1974 (United Kingdom - PG), September 13, 1974 (Germany - 12), September 13, 1974 (France - 12), September 13, 1974 (Australia - M), September 13, 1974 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: 200 dollars plus les frais (FR)
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Roy Huggins-Public Arts Productions, Cherokee Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Rockford Files - Plot
Cranky but likable L.A. PI Jim Rockford pulls no punches (but takes plenty of them). An ex-con sent to the slammer for a crime he didn't commit, Rockford takes on cases others don't want, aided by his tough old man, his lawyer girlfriend and some shady associates from his past.
The Rockford Files - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for Jim Rockford's world:
This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.
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The Rockford Files - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Stephen J. Cannell
- Roy Huggins
Main Cast
- James Garner
- Noah Beery Jr.
- Joe Santos
- Gretchen Corbett
- Stuart Margolin
- James Luisi
- Joe E. Tata
- Tom Atkins
- Bruce Tuthill
- Pat Finley
Writers
- Stephen J. Cannell
- Juanita Bartlett
- David Chase
- Roy Huggins
- Gordon T. Dawson
Executive Producers
- Meta Rosenberg
The Rockford Files - FAQs
Where can you stream The Rockford Files?
The Rockford Files is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Philo, and The Roku Channel (with ads). Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.
Who played Jim Rockford in the series?
James Garner portrayed Jim Rockford throughout all six seasons of the series. His relaxed, witty performance became one of television's most celebrated portrayals of a private investigator, earning Garner an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1977.
What is The Rockford Files about?
The Rockford Files follows Jim Rockford, an ex-convict turned Los Angeles private investigator who was wrongly imprisoned. He specializes in cases others refuse, working alongside his father Rocky, lawyer girlfriend Beth Davenport, and shady associates. Critics praised its sharp writing, humor, and Garner's charismatic lead performance.
Did The Rockford Files win any awards?
Yes. The Rockford Files earned multiple Emmy Awards during its run, most notably James Garner's Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series win in 1977. The show was also nominated for numerous Writers Guild and other industry awards, cementing its reputation as one of television's finest crime dramas.
How many seasons does The Rockford Files have?
The Rockford Files ran for 6 seasons on NBC, comprising 122 episodes in total. The series aired from September 13, 1974, through January 10, 1980. Each season contained 22 episodes, with the exception of the final sixth season, which had 12 episodes.
Who created The Rockford Files TV series?
The Rockford Files was created by Stephen J. Cannell and Roy Huggins. Cannell went on to become one of television's most prolific producers and writers, while Huggins was already an established TV veteran. The series was produced by Universal Television and Roy Huggins-Public Arts Productions for NBC.
Is The Rockford Files based on a true story?
No, The Rockford Files is not based on a true story. It is an entirely fictional creation by Stephen J. Cannell and Roy Huggins. However, its portrayal of a working-class private investigator navigating real-world bureaucracy and corruption gave the show a grounded, authentic feel that resonated strongly with audiences.
What was the famous answering machine message in The Rockford Files?
Each episode opened with a different humorous message left on Jim Rockford's answering machine. The iconic tagline captures the tone: 'This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.' These brief gags became one of the show's most beloved and distinctive recurring elements.
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