'House' creator may reboot 'Rockford Files'
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NBC's last couple attempts at reworking shows from its library haven't gone so well, but the network is still trying -- this time with its 1970s series "The Rockford Files."
The network has asked "House" creator David Shore to take a crack at updating the classic private-eye show that starred James Garner as the easygoing, Firebird-driving Jim Rockford. Shore says he's a big fan of the old show, which won the Emmy for best drama in 1978.
"It's one of the shows that made me want to become a writer," he tells Variety. "I had no interest in adapting any old stuff, but this was the one exception."
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Carousel Television, the production company headed by "The Office" star Steve Carell, will produce the project with Universal Media Studios, which also produces "House."
Shore says he that beyond transplanting the show to the present day, he doesn't want to mess with the format too much. Jim Rockford will still be working to make ends meet and still have trouble getting clients to pay him.
"What makes 'Rockford' timeless is that he's vulnerable, he's flawed," Shore tells Variety. "He's used to hustling and getting hustled. Sometimes he's a hero and sometimes he runs away."
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Can't anyone come up with an original idea anymore? We don't need reworkings of old shows -- we need new, original, creative programming.
I disagree. TV needs another Private **** show. Especially one where the main character gets beat up every other show. And the main character needs to live in a trailer, just like Jimmy did.
Every time a network does put on ``new, original, creative programming'' it gets cancelled before the season is over.
Cant they just make a show about a private eye. By calling it a remake/rework of the Rockford Files it was always be compared and eventually fail. Just make a show about a private eye in the similiar vein of the Rockford Files. Maybe call him Tim Stoneview and call it the Stoneview Do***ents.
What happened to putting shows on with new ideas? Why all the remakes of old shows? Reboot Rage!!!
And who is going to play this Rockford and I am guessing it is going to be a relative of the original? This makes no sense. The people behind this must think that the audience (think stupid audience) needs a comforting title to get them to sample what would have to be a new and updated show? James Garner was the reason to watch the original.
Maybe James Garner could be the new Noah Berry. I'm all for a new PI show on TV, but I say leave the "Rockford Files" alone...it's hard to improve on perfection and that's what James Garner was in this role.
Matt Keeslar should definitely have this part...
I like the idea of a show like The Rockford Files, but not an exact copy. That was one of my favorite shows when I was growing up. I vote for Neal McDonough as the lead. He was great as the tough ex-cop in Tin Man and as ADA David McNorris in Boomtown. He would be great in a role like this. Those eyes alone would scare the bad guys straight.
1. NO WAY!! Rockford Files is a masterpiece because of James Garner. 90% of the appeal of "The Rockford Files" is in James Garner's appeal, performance and just down right eye candy! Rockford Files reruns are still a joy to behold. It's one of those shows that should be digitally cleaned up and hi-def-ed, not remade. Try as you may you will never be able to replace or copy James Garner. Although I wish you could.
Garner Fan.