NBC to bring back The Rockford Files

The original The Rockford Files starred James Garner and played a big role in launching Stephen Cannell's career as a writer-producer. "It's one of the shows that made me want to become a writer," Shore said. "I had no interest in adapting any old stuff, but this was the one exception." Other than keeping the principal character, Jim Rockford, as a private detective just trying to get by in Los Angeles, Shore says he has no firm plans. "What makes 'Rockford' timeless is that he's vulnerable, he's flawed. He's used to hustling and getting hustled," Shore said. "Sometimes he's a hero and sometimes he runs away." Carousel got the ball rolling when it inquired about the rights to the Universal TV property after Carousel cut a production pact with Universal Media Studios in January. NBC/UMS' exec vice president of drama, Laura Lancaster, knew Shore was a big "Rockford" buff. "The minute I heard this I said, 'Let's get it on for mid-season' ... but we're going to take our time and get it right," said Angela Bromstad of primetime entertainment for NBC Entertainment and UMS. "We know that David has the right sensibility as a writer to take on this kind of big character."