Sign up
Trailer

The Rockford Files

1974 – 1980Show6 seasons122 episodesTV-PG

CrimeDrama
82
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.2Metacritic–8.8

A nostalgic, wholesome crime series about crime and family, with standout score and performances.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Where to watch

Set your services

Fingerprint

Not for scares, brutality or big ideas.

Shows with

Episodes

6 seasons · 122 episodes · best: S3E7 "So Help Me God" 8.9

Episodes

7.9
8.1
8.1
7.9
8.0
7.6

Story

This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.

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.

Feels like

  • Iconic TV Theme Music
  • Charming L.A. Noir Comedy
  • Underdog Private Investigator
  • Warm Family Dynamics
  • Classic Procedural Mystery
  • Nostalgic 70s Vibe
  • Witty Banter
  • Reluctant Hero Archetype

Cast

24 of 535 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
William Wiard, Lawrence Doheny, Ivan Dixon
Written by
Stephen J. Cannell, Juanita Bartlett, David Chase
Produced by
David Chase, Stephen J. Cannell, Chas. Floyd Johnson
Music by
Artie Kane, Mike Post, Pete Carpenter

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 13, 1974 · January 10, 1980 · Ended

First aired
September 13, 1974
Last aired
January 10, 1980
Status
Ended
Length
6 seasons · 122 episodes
Age rating
TV-PG
Content
Violence, Strong Language
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
34 countries

Tropes

Right-Wing Militia Fanatic, Stalker Shrine, Audit Threat +9

  • Right-Wing Militia Fanatic
  • Stalker Shrine
  • Audit Threat
  • Pool Scene
  • Cool Car
  • Statute of Limitations
  • Take That!
  • In-Series Nickname
  • Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking
  • Tap on the Head
  • Courtroom Episode
  • Improbable Age

12 of 64 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream The Rockford Files?"

Questions about The Rockford Files

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Rockford Files?

PhiloThe Roku

In the United States, The Rockford Files streams on Philo, and it is free with ads on The Roku. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 22 other countries.

Is The Rockford Files worth watching?

82
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82 (IMDb 8.2).

Which season of The Rockford Files is best?

Seasons 2 and 3, with an IMDb average of 8.1. Season 6 is the weakest at 7.6. The highest-rated episode is So Help Me God (season 3, episode 7) at 8.9, and the lowest is Just a Coupla Guys (season 6, episode 10) at 6.2.

Is The Rockford Files okay for kids?

TV-PGViolenceStrong language

Yes: it's rated TV-PG in the United States for violence and strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for kids.

How long does it take to watch The Rockford Files?

122 h

About 122 hours: 122 episodes in 6 seasons of about 60 minutes each, aired from 1974 to 1980.

Can I half-watch The Rockford Files?

Easy watchDemanding

Yes: it's easy to follow, with complexity at only 5 of 10, and the viewing guide calls it good for background watching.

Will I feel good after watching The Rockford Files?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting series: the title analysis rates it 7 of 10 for hopefulness and 7 for wholesome.