The Rockford Files

Synopsis

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.

First Air Date: 1974-09-13

Last Air Date: 1980-01-10

Number of Seasons: 6

Number of Episodes: 122

Created By: Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins

Networks: NBC

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

James Garner as Jim Rockford
Noah Beery Jr. as Joseph "Rocky" Rockford
Joe Santos as Dennis Becker
Gretchen Corbett as Beth Davenport
Stuart Margolin as Angel Martin
James Luisi as Lt. Doug Chapman
Joe E. Tata as Solly Marshall
Tom Atkins as Alex Diel
Bruce Tuthill as Waiter
Pat Finley as Peggy Becker

Seasons

Specials (1974) - (11 Episodes)

Season 1 (1974) - (22 Episodes)

Season 2 (1975) - (22 Episodes)

Season 3 (1976) - (22 Episodes)

Season 4 (1977) - (22 Episodes)

Season 5 (1978) - (22 Episodes)

Season 6 (1979) - (12 Episodes)

Specials (1974)

Private investigator Jim Rockford is hired by a beautiful young woman to solve the murder of her father, a homeless man found beneath a pier two months earlier. The killing was never solved by the Police.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Backlash of the Hunter (1) (1974-03-27)

Jim helps a young girl whose father was murdered and LAPD has closed the case on without finding the killer.
Ep. 2: Backlash of the Hunter (2) (1974-03-27)

Jim helps a young girl whose father was murdered and LAPD has closed the case on without finding the killer.
Ep. 3: I Still Love L.A. (1994-11-27)

Detective Jim Rockford works to uncover facts of the death of a wealthy socialite whose two grown children are accused of murdering her. Complicating matters are Rockford's omnipresent "friend" Angel, and Rockford's ex-wife Kit, a lawyer who represents the children.
Ep. 4: A Blessing In Disguise (1995-05-14)

Angel's televangelical ministry launches a boycott against a movie entitled "Little Ezekial," and Rockford is hired to protect its star.
Ep. 5: If the Frame Fits... (1996-01-14)

Jim Rockford, is framed for the murder of another rival detective with whom Jim was seen having an argument.
Ep. 6: Godfather Knows Best (1996-02-18)

The fourth of eight "Rockford Files" reunion TV movies. Jim Rockford tries to help his godson, son of Denis Becker, rise out of poverty and homelessness, but soon discovers the young man's problems are far more complicated than he imagined...
Ep. 7: Friends and Foul Play (1996-04-25)

A friend of Jim's continues to seek his help for her murdered son, but when she winds up dead not long after an altercation with the mafia man, Jim must must do what it takes to put both her soul and her son's, at rest, himself.
Ep. 8: Punishment and Crime (1996-09-18)

Laid-back private eye Jim Rockford and his brown Pontiac Firebird become embroiled in another case when he runs across an old flame, blind book editor Megan. Her no-good playboy cousin Patrick is involved with the Russian Mob, which puts everyone's life in danger.
Ep. 9: Murder and Misdemeanors (1997-11-21)

After a quiet fishing trip, Rockford is tricked into taking over a fellow PI's case involving alleged Police misconduct, which lands him in the hospital, hounded by a beautiful reporter, and out of favor with the entire Police Deapartment. Meanwhile Angel tries to cash in on the publicity by selling a movie about Rockford's life.
Ep. 10: If It Bleeds...It Leads (1999-04-20)

Jim Rockford must help a friend unjustly accused of child molestation
Ep. 11: The Rockford Files (Pilot) (1974-03-27)

Jim helps a woman whose father was murdered, after LAPD abandoned the case. NOTE: This is the original 73 minute TV movie that was later split into two parts and padded as "Backlash of the Hunter".