Watch The Rockford Files Online - Full Episodes

Centering on the character of California based private investigator Jim Rockford, played by James Garner The Rockford Files was a hit American crime drama that has achieved cult following through its often repeated shows. The Rockford Files was groundbreaking at the time of production during the mid to late 1970's because its title character was not a rich playboy like many of the TV private investigators of the same time period. Lead actor James Garner's ill health and a spiraling budget are usually given as reasons for the cancellation of the show after a six year run in 1980.

The plot of The Rockford Files includes stand alone stories told each week and a series of story arcs that cover a season and beyond mostly covering the relationship of Rockford with his friends and family. Throughout the original run of The Rockford Files between 1974 and 1980 the main relationship the title character maintains is with his father, played by Noah Beery Jr. A story arc that extends across the seasons of the show is that of Rockford and his long time friend Sgt. Dennis Becker of the Los Angeles Police Department; Rockford often calls Becker for assistance with his cases and leaves his friend feeling the wrath of his superiors in the LAPD for the friendship the two men share.

In each episode Rockford accepts a new case in an attempt to pay off the creditors who are generally chasing him throughout the 122 episodes of the show. Rockford generally attempts to avoid cases that will bring him into contact with live cases being investigated by the LAPD; although his cases do often cross into those investigated by the police.

The Rockford Files has been in syndication throughout the world since the 1970's and returned for eight reunion TV movies in the 1990's featuring the surviving members of the original cast. Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell; much of the success of the show is put down to the quality of the writing completed by later TV successes David Chase and Juanita Bartlett.