The Rockford Files 1974
“This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.”
What is The Rockford Files?
The Rockford Files is an American detective drama television series that aired on the NBC network from September 13, 1974, to January 10, 1980. Created by Stephen J.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1974
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 122
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- First aired
- Sep 13, 1974
- Last aired
- Jan 10, 1980
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- NBC
- Genres
- Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Updated
Where to watch
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 122 episodes and an average 60-minute runtime.
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Overview
The Rockford Files is an American detective drama television series that aired on the NBC network from September 13, 1974, to January 10, 1980. Created by Stephen J. Cannell and Roy Huggins, the show stars James Garner as Jim Rockford, a Los Angeles-based private investigator. The series consists of 123 episodes, a pilot, and eight television movies. As a character, Rockford is a cranky but likable private investigator who is an ex-convict, having been sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. In his work, he takes on cases that others do not want. He is supported by his father, Joseph Rocky Rockford, played by Noah Beery Jr., who is a retired truck driver. Other cast members include Joe Santos and Luis Delgado. Rockford is also assisted by his lawyer girlfriend and various shady associates from his past. The program has remained in syndication since its original broadcast run ended. The complete series has also been released on DVD and Blu-ray.
Should you watch it?
“A wrongfully convicted ex-con turned private investigator takes on challenging cases in Los Angeles.”
- engaging lead character
- dynamic supporting cast
- protagonist frequently sustains physical injury
Watch it if you enjoy classic private investigator dramas featuring a relatable, underdog protagonist.
The series features physical confrontations and themes involving criminal investigations.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 The Kirkoff Case Sep 13, 1974
- E2 The Dark and Bloody Ground Sep 20, 1974
- E3 The Countess Sep 27, 1974
- E4 Exit Prentiss Carr Oct 4, 1974
- E5 Tall Woman in Red Wagon Oct 11, 1974
- E6 This Case Is Closed Oct 18, 1974
- E7 The Big Ripoff Oct 25, 1974
- E8 Find Me If You Can Nov 1, 1974
- E9 In Pursuit of Carol Thorne Nov 8, 1974
- E10 The Dexter Crisis Nov 15, 1974
- E11 Caledonia - It's Worth a Fortune! Dec 6, 1974
- E12 Profit and Loss (1) Dec 20, 1974
- E13 Profit and Loss (2) Dec 27, 1974
- E14 Aura Lee, Farewell Jan 3, 1975
- E15 Sleight of Hand Jan 17, 1975
- E16 Counter Gambit Jan 24, 1975
- E17 Claire Jan 31, 1975
- E18 Say Goodbye to Jennifer Feb 7, 1975
- E19 Charlie Harris at Large Feb 14, 1975
- E20 The Four Pound Brick Feb 21, 1975
- E21 Just by Accident Feb 28, 1975
- E22 Roundabout Mar 7, 1975
Season 2 · 22 episodes
- E1 The Aaron Ironwood School of Success Sep 12, 1975
- E2 The Farnsworth Stratagem Sep 19, 1975
- E3 Gearjammers (1) Sep 26, 1975
- E4 Gearjammers (2) Oct 3, 1975
- E5 The Deep Blue Sleep Oct 10, 1975
- E6 The Great Blue Lake Land and Development Company Oct 17, 1975
- E7 The Real Easy Red Dog Oct 31, 1975
- E8 Resurrection in Black & White Nov 7, 1975
- E9 Chicken Little Is a Little Chicken Nov 14, 1975
- E10 2 Into 5.56 Won't Go Nov 21, 1975
- E11 Pastoria Prime Pick Nov 28, 1975
- E12 The Reincarnation of Angie Dec 5, 1975
- E13 The Girl in the Bay City Boys Club Dec 19, 1975
- E14 The Hammer of C Block Jan 9, 1976
- E15 The No-Cut Contract Jan 16, 1976
- E16 A Portrait of Elizabeth Jan 23, 1976
- E17 Joey Blue Eyes Jan 29, 1976
- E18 In Hazard Feb 5, 1976
- E19 The Italian Bird Fiasco Feb 12, 1976
- E20 Where's Houston? Feb 20, 1976
- E21 Foul on the First Play Mar 12, 1976
- E22 A Bad Deal in the Valley Mar 19, 1976
Season 3 · 22 episodes
- E1 The Fourth Man Sep 24, 1976
- E2 The Oracle Wore a Cashmere Suit Oct 1, 1976
- E3 The Family Hour Oct 8, 1976
- E4 Feeding Frenzy Oct 15, 1976
- E5 Drought at Indianhead River Nov 5, 1976
- E6 Coulter City Wildcat Nov 12, 1976
- E7 So Help Me God Nov 19, 1976
- E8 Rattlers' Class of '63 Nov 26, 1976
- E9 Return to the 38th Parallel Dec 10, 1976
- E10 Piece Work Dec 17, 1976
- E11 The Trouble with Warren Dec 24, 1976
- E12 There's One in Every Port Jan 7, 1977
- E13 Sticks and Stones May Break Your Bones, But Waterbury Will Bury You Jan 14, 1977
- E14 The Trees, the Bees and T.T. Flowers: Part 1 Jan 21, 1977
- E15 The Trees, the Bees and T.T. Flowers: Part 2 Jan 28, 1977
- E16 The Becker Connection Feb 11, 1977
- E17 Just Another Polish Wedding Feb 18, 1977
- E18 New Life, Old Dragons Feb 25, 1977
- E19 To Protect and Serve: Part 1 Mar 11, 1977
- E20 To Protect and Serve: Part 2 Mar 18, 1977
- E21 Crack Back Mar 25, 1977
- E22 Dirty Money, Black Light Apr 1, 1977
Season 4 · 22 episodes
- E1 Beamer's Last Case Sep 16, 1977
- E2 Trouble in Chapter 17 Sep 23, 1977
- E3 The Battle of Canoga Park Sep 30, 1977
- E4 Second Chance Oct 14, 1977
- E5 The Dog and Pony Show Oct 21, 1977
- E6 Requiem for a Funny Box Nov 4, 1977
- E7 Quickie Nirvana Nov 11, 1977
- E8 Irving the Explainer Nov 18, 1977
- E9 The Mayor's Committee from Deer Lick Falls Nov 25, 1977
- E10 Hotel of Fear Dec 2, 1977
- E11 Forced Retirement Dec 7, 1977
- E12 The Queen of Peru Dec 16, 1977
- E13 A Deadly Maze Dec 23, 1977
- E14 The Attractive Nuisance Jan 6, 1978
- E15 The Gang at Don's Drive-In Jan 13, 1978
- E16 The Paper Palace Jan 20, 1978
- E17 Dwarf in a Helium Hat Jan 27, 1978
- E18 South by Southeast Feb 3, 1978
- E19 The Competitive Edge Feb 10, 1978
- E20 The Prisoner of Rosemont Hall Feb 17, 1978
- E21 The House on Willis Avenue (1) Feb 24, 1978
- E22 The House on Willis Avenue (2) Feb 24, 1978
Season 5 · 22 episodes
- E1 Heartaches of a Fool Sep 22, 1978
- E2 Rosendahl and Gilda Stern Are Dead Sep 29, 1978
- E3 The Jersey Bounce Oct 6, 1978
- E4 White on White and Nearly Perfect Oct 20, 1978
- E5 Kill the Messenger Oct 27, 1978
- E6 The Empty Frame Nov 3, 1978
- E7 Three Day Affair with a Thirty Day Escrow Nov 10, 1978
- E8 A Good Clean Bust with Sequel Rights Nov 17, 1978
- E9 Black Mirror: Part 1 Nov 24, 1978
- E10 Black Mirror: Part 2 Nov 24, 1978
- E11 A Fast Count Dec 1, 1978
- E12 Local Man Eaten by Newspaper Dec 8, 1978
- E13 With the French Heel Back, Can the Nehru Jacket Be Far Behind?
- E14 The Battle-Ax and the Exploding Cigar Jan 12, 1979
- E15 Guilt Jan 19, 1979
- E16 The Deuce Jan 25, 1979
- E17 The Man Who Saw the Alligators Feb 10, 1979
- E18 The Return of the Black Shadow Feb 17, 1979
- E19 A Material Difference Feb 24, 1979
- E20 Never Send a Boy King to Do a Man's Job: Part 1 Mar 3, 1979
- E21 Never Send a Boy King to Do a Man's Job: Part 2 Mar 3, 1979
- E22 A Different Drummer Apr 13, 1979
Frequently asked questions
Who is the main character?
The series follows Jim Rockford, a private investigator and former convict.
Where does the show take place?
The series is set in Los Angeles.
What is Jim Rockford's background?
He is an ex-con who served time for a crime he did not commit.
Who assists Jim Rockford?
He is aided by his father, his lawyer girlfriend, and various associates from his past.
What kind of cases does he handle?
He takes on cases that other investigators typically avoid.