NBC’s ‘Rockford Files’ Remake Sets Premiere Date — and Jim Rockford Wants You to Call Him

NBC is giving a big platform to the launch of its Rockford Files update, scheduling the debut after a late-season NFL game. The network is also giving people a chance to leave a message for Jim Rockford.

The Rockford Files, a remake of the 1974-80 private eye series that starred James Garner, will debut at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Jan. 2. That’s a Saturday — normally the last day of the week a network would want to premiere a high-profile new show — but NBC also has a late afternoon NFL game scheduled for that day, which will help deliver a big audience into the Rockford premiere.

The show will then move to its regular home at 8 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 7. It will take over the spot currently occupied by The Traitors: New Blood.

As part of the premiere date announcement, NBC also released a brief ad showing David Boreanaz as Jim Rockford, asking potential clients to call him at (760) JIM-ROCK. Watch it below.

The number, incidentally, is a working one: “Hi, this is Jim Rockford,” the voicemail says when you call. “I’m back and ready to roll.” The promo is a play on the original show’s opening, which featured Garner’s voice on an answering machine and a short message from a caller.

There is, of course, a modern twist to the new number: It asks callers to opt in to receiving text messages about the show.

Boreanaz stars in The Rockford Files along with Michaela McManus, Ilfenesh Hadera and Jacki Weaver. Writer Mike Daniels executive produces with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, and David Hudgins. Universal Television is the studio.