Another major network pilot is headed to Georgia. NBC’s contemporary reboot of The Rockford Files, starring David Boreanaz, will film its pilot episode in Atlanta, with additional filming scheduled in Los Angeles. While the series is set in Los Angeles, Georgia is serving as the primary production base for the pilot. Background casting for the Atlanta shoot is being handled by Hylton Casting.
Michaela McManus Joins the Cast
Michaela McManus (One Tree Hill, Law & Order: SVU) has joined the ensemble cast. She will play Kate, an East Hollywood detective whose complicated romantic history with James Rockford adds tension to the story. After Rockford publicly accused fellow officers of framing him for a crime he didn’t commit, his relationship with Kate — and the police department — becomes even more strained. The character of Kate is newly created for this updated version and was not part of the original 1974–1980 series that starred James Garner.
A Modern Take on a Classic Series
The pilot reimagines the classic detective drama with David Boreanaz stepping into the role of James Rockford. Newly paroled after serving time for a crime he insists he didn’t commit, Rockford returns to private investigation, using his charm and instincts to navigate cases across Los Angeles. His efforts to rebuild his life quickly place him at odds with both law enforcement and organized crime. No word on if this new take on The Rockford Files will feature a car as cool as the original gold Pontiac Firebird.
The project comes from writer Mike Daniels(Sons of Anarchy) and producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, with Universal Television serving as the studio. Daniels executive produces alongside Timberman and Beverly under their Timberman/Beverly banner, with Chris Leanza co-executive producing. Boreanaz is also attached as a producer.
What This Means for Georgia
While Atlanta is hosting the pilot, it remains unclear where the full series would film if NBC orders it to series. The show could potentially apply for California’s tax credit program, especially given its Los Angeles setting. Georgia continues to offer one of the industry’s most competitive tax incentive programs, but competition between states remains strong.
Local crews, vendors, and background actors will benefit from the pilot shoot, especially with Hylton Casting overseeing extras in Atlanta. However, filming a pilot in Georgia does not always guarantee a long-term production home. NBC’s Stumble, for example, filmed its pilot in Atlanta before relocating to New York for the rest of its season.
For now, Georgia adds another high-profile network pilot to its 2026 production slate. Whether The Rockford Files remains in Atlanta long term will depend on tax incentives, scheduling, and NBC’s series decision.
For now just enjoy the opening credits and theme song from the original Rockford Files below.
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