The Rockford Files is an American detective drama television series starring James Garner that aired on the NBC network between September 13, , and January 10, , and has remained in syndication to the present day.
During the series run, there were a number of two-part episodes, as well as long 90 or minutes episodes that were split into two parts for syndication and on later DVD releases. Filming stopped in the middle of the sixth season β80 , on the advice of star James Garner's doctor.
Garner, who had filmed many of his own stunts, had injured his back and knees and also developed an ulcer. In the s, after the settlement of several long-running legal actions between Garner's Cherokee Productions and Universal Studios, Rockford returned to the air in a series of eight TV movies on CBS. Also featured is Robert Donley as Joseph "Rocky" Rockford, a role that would be recast in the subsequent series.
Lindsay Wagner plays the role of Sara Butler. Joe Santos is a frequent recurring guest as Dennis Becker. Gretchen Corbett appears on a recurring basis as Beth. Stuart Margolin appears only twice as Evelyn "Angel" Martin, but his appearances will become more frequent as the series continues. Tom Atkins is seen on a recurring basis as Lt. Garner and Beery are billed as stars. Santos, Corbett, Margolin and Atkins are frequently recurring guests. Garner, Beery and Santos are the series stars.
Corbett and Margolin are frequently recurring guests. James Luisi begins his recurring role as Lt. Corbett, Luisi and Margolin are frequently recurring guests, though Corbett leaves the show halfway through the season.
