The Rockford Files (1974)
Kernel Score: 83% · 120 ratings
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
First aired: 1974-09-13
Seasons: 6 · 122 episodes
Where to watch The Rockford Files
- Stream: Philo
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
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.
The Rockford Files parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The Rockford Files is a TV-PG crime drama following an ex-con private investigator, with mild period-appropriate content.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Crime-drama investigations with some confrontation, in line with its TV-PG rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Rockford Files
If you liked The Rockford Files, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- The Mentalist (2008) — 92%
- Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) — 89%
- Bosch: Legacy (2022) — 88%
- Sherlock Holmes (1984) — 91%
- Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012) — 86%
- Perry Mason (1957) — 84%
- Monk (2002) — 87%
- Life (2007) — 88%
Cast
- James Garner as Jim Rockford
- Noah Beery Jr. as Joseph "Rocky" Rockford
The Rockford Files FAQ
Is The Rockford Files good?
The Rockford Files has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 120 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Rockford Files?
In the US you can stream The Rockford Files on Philo, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is The Rockford Files OK for kids?
The Rockford Files is rated TV-PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The Rockford Files is a TV-PG crime drama following an ex-con private investigator, with mild period-appropriate content.
What shows are like The Rockford Files?
If you liked The Rockford Files, try The Mentalist, Agatha Christie's Poirot, Bosch: Legacy and Sherlock Holmes.