TV Corner Notes: Who Can Fill James Garner’s Loafers? Recaps, Reviews and More

 

A bit under the weather, but binge-watching never fails—here’s what I caught this week.

This week, I’ve been a bit under the weather, but that didn’t stop me from diving into some incredible TV. From globe-trotting thrillers and neon-soaked crime dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and nostalgic reboots, there’s plenty to binge while you’re curled up on the couch. Here’s what caught my eye—and what you shouldn’t miss.

Who Can Fill James Garner's Loafers? 

Even before the answering, fans can't help but wonder: who will step into James Garner’s iconic shoes and bring a fresh, relatable touch to Jim Rockford's character?

The news that NBC has officially ordered a pilot for a contemporary Rockford Files reboot (January 2026) has the internet divided. Some argue Garner’s sardonic-but-soulful charisma is lightning that can’t be caught twice; others are ready for a new private eye to move into that Malibu trailer.

The challenge isn’t just casting a lea, but it’s finding someone who can pull a J-turn in a Firebird, take a punch without looking invincible, and mutter a “not my problem” line that still lands with a heart of gold. Rockford was never a superhero. He was tired, underpaid, and morally allergic to minding his own business.

So who could, and should, take the call? Here are some of my top contenders for the role.

Timothy Olyphant: The closest thing we have to a modern Garner. Effortlessly cool, dryly funny, and unbeatable at playing the reluctant hero who pretends he doesn’t care...until he does.

Jon Hamm: Classic leading-man looks with perfectly calibrated “over-it” energy. Confess, Fletch proved he thrives when the suit’s wrinkled and the plan’s already falling apart.

Josh Hartnett: Mid-career renaissance in full swing. He brings weary grit and lived-in vulnerability — ideal for a PI still paying off yesterday’s mistakes at $200 a day.

Glen Powell: If NBC leans into charm and physical comedy, Powell’s charisma could carry the Firebird for miles, especially when Rockford’s schemes inevitably go sideways.

Walton Goggins: The wild card. Scrappier, stressier, and gloriously unpredictable. A Rockford who’s always one bad decision from disaster and magnetic because of it.

Or maybe rethinking A “Jamie Rockford”?

If NBC ever wants a bold swing, a gender-swapped Rockford could be the cleanest way to honor the spirit without imitation.

Natasha Lyonne feels almost too perfect. Her gravelly wit, perpetual irritation, and moral stubbornness (Poker Face) are pure Rockford DNA. Not a female James Garner — just a 2026 PI who doesn’t want the job and never walks away. 

Krysten Ritter: If anyone has the "gritty detective" DNA, it’s the former Jessica Jones. Ritter is the queen of the dry, sardonic eye-roll. She excels at playing characters who are "rough around the edges" but good. Imagine her in a beat-up Firebird, dealing with a sketchy father (perhaps J.K. Simmons as "Rocky") and clients who refuse to pay her $200-a-day fee.

Anna Sawai: Fresh off her powerful role in Shōgun, Sawai demonstrates her skill in intense drama with calm precision. A "Rockford" part would suit her to explore a cynical, witty edge. She shares James Garner's talent for subtle humor, making her a modern, smart PI who outsmarts con artists.

Aubrey Plaza: If you want the offbeat comedy vibe of the original, Plaza is the choice. In Emily the Criminal, she excels at playing a desperate, scrappy character. Her Rockford would be a chaotic, broke figure living on Malibu's fringes, using deadpan delivery to manipulate suspects who underestimate her.

Jodie Comer:  The Killing Eve star is a chameleon who can switch from action to comedy instantly. Comer has a rare movie star charisma that feels both timeless and fresh. She would add physical skill and sharp wit, making a 2026 reboot a prestige event.

Maria Sten: Sten, known as the capable Frances Neagley in Reacher, has a commanding presence and tough attitude. Playing a version of Rockford would let her show a more vulnerable, frustrated side—a detective skilled at her job but disliking bureaucracy and slow legal processes.

Maya Rudolph: Maya Rudolph would be an inspired choice for a 1970s "schlubby' version of The Rockford Files. She has the comedic timing for the hilarious "answering machine" intros and the dramatic weight to make the cases matter. It would offer a warmer, more soulful take on the character, honoring Garner’s legacy as the approachable hero.

Casting Rockford isn’t about the leather jacket. It’s about finding someone who feels broke, brilliant, and permanently annoyed by their own decency. Whether NBC plays it safe or risky, the reboot only works if Rockford still feels like the guy who finishes last — and sighs about it.

So who’s your pick? Faithful revival or bold new direction? The answering machine is waiting.

Single Parents: Funny, Heartfelt, and Surprisingly Sharp

If you missed Single Parents when it premiered in 2018–2019, you’re missing one of the best new comedies of that era. Think Friends, but with kids—and a ton of heart.

The show follows a tight-knit group of single parents who take newly single dad Will (Taran Killam) under their wing when he struggles to navigate his daughter’s first day of school. Alongside him are Angie (Leighton Meester), juggling a needy child; Douglas (Brad Garrett), an older dad learning to put his twin girls first; Poppy (Kimmie Lewis), raising her son solo; and Miggy (Jake Choi), a young father with a baby. Each parent brings a mix of humor, vulnerability, and surprisingly relatable parenting chaos.

The jokes land perfectly for these quirky, lovable characters. Killam and Meester have standout chemistry, Garrett is a delight in his first post-Raymond role in years, and the kids—especially the twins—steal every scene.

The pilot may stumble a bit, but the series quickly finds its rhythm, blending awkward laughs with genuine warmth. Season 1 earns a solid 8/10.

You can stream the series on Hulu.

Tokyo Vice: Neon Nights, Crime, and Moral Grey Areas

If you love crime dramas with atmosphere to spare, Tokyo Vice is a slow-burning, neon-soaked thrill. Set in ’90s Tokyo, it follows journalist Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort) as he dives into the criminal underworld—guided by the unforgettable Detective Katagiri (Ken Watanabe).

Michael Mann’s pilot sets the tone: cigarette smoke, wet streets, and quiet menace. But the heart of the show? Show Kasamatsu’s Sato, whose messy, human journey steals every scene.

By the end, Tokyo Vice isn’t just about crime—it’s about loyalty, identity, and the cost of survival in a morally flexible world.

Catch it on HBO Max and check out my full recap and review.

The Assassin: Mamma Mia with a Sniper Rifle

Dreamy Greek islands, a mother-son reunion gone very wrong, and a hit order that turns paradise into chaos, AMC+’s The Assassin is stylish, ridiculous, and totally addictive.

Keeley Hawes shines as a “menopausal James Bond,” Freddie Highmore is the perfect flustered foil, and the globe-trotting action—from Greece to Albania to Paris—never slows. Family drama, high-stakes intrigue, and witty banter make this six-episode thrill ride a riotous blend of fun and flair.

Not a fan of grounded spy dramas? Julie’s near-superhero skills might feel a little “cheesy.” But if you love thrills with a side of charm, this one’s for you.

Overall: 8.7/10

Want all the twists, betrayals, and yacht chases? Check out my full recap and review on TV Corner Notes.

The Night Agent: Betrayals, Power Shifts, and Popcorn TV

Season 2 delivered two shocking betrayals, a major power shift, and all the tense, messy, bingeable fun you want from a conspiracy thriller.

Now Peter is back in the shadows—compromised, calculating, and playing a longer, darker game. Meanwhile, Rose heads to California, leaving questions about loyalties and the team’s future.

Catch my full recap and review of Seasons 1 and 2 for all the twists, betrayals, and “wait—what?!” moments that got us here.

Season 3 drops February 19 on Netflix. Like it or hate it, what are you most excited for? Let’s discuss in the comments.

The Capture Season 3 – Truth Under Investigation

The BBC has dropped a brief but ominous first teaser for The Capture Season 3, signaling the show’s long-awaited return this spring. The 20-second trailer aired on BBC One after The Night Manager Season 2 finale—and it wastes no time reminding us why this series still feels uncomfortably relevant.

Set a year after Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) exposed the UK’s secretive video manipulation program, Season 3 finds her promoted to Acting Commander of Counter Terrorism. Her mission: restore public trust with a new system, Operation Veritas.

Naturally, that trust is short-lived. A meticulously planned terrorist attack strikes the heart of the British establishment, leaving just one witness—and pulling Carey into a global conspiracy involving government, media, and intelligence services. With allies dwindling, the season asks: how do you protect reality in a world built on lies?

Returning cast members include Paapa Essiedu, Indira Varma, Ben Miles, Lia Williams, and Ron Perlman, alongside newcomers Joe Dempsie, Killian Scott, and Andrew Buchan.

The Capture Season 3 premieres this spring on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Ahead of the new season, the first two series return to iPlayer on Friday, February 13—perfect timing for a paranoia-fueled rewatch. You can also catch them in the U.S. on Peacock.

Catch my full reviews of Seasons 1 and 2 to get up to speed before the new season drops.

What to Watch This Week

With the Winter Olympics in full force, there are still things to watch if you're not into sports. 

Monday, February 9

8/7c 90 Day: The Last Resort Season 3 (TLC)

Matter of Time (Netflix documentary): Eddie Edder's soul-stirring Seattle benefit concert fuels this film about the race to cure the rare genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa. 

Tuesday, February 10

The Artful Dodger Season 2 (Hulu, eight-episode binge)

Chef's Kiss (The Roku Channel movie): A driven American marketing executive (Adrieene Bailon-Houghton) travels to Tuscany to revitalize a struggling pasta sauce brand and falls for a chef (Tim Robards).

Wednesday, February 11

Cross Season 2 (Prime Video, three-episode premiere)

Love is Blind Season 10 (Netflix)

Riot Women Season 1 finale (BritBox)

9/8c The Scream Murder: A True Teen Horror Story (Hulu, three-episode binge): The docuseries examines the murder of Idaho teen Cassie Stoddart, retracing her final hours as investigators focus on the classmates who last saw her alive-until a shocking hidden videotape reframes the case and raises the unthinkable question of whether two 16-year-olds committed the brutal crime.

Thursday, February 12

Can You Keep a Secret? (Paramount+, six-episode binge): The British comedy follows a domineering granny (played by Dawn French) who fakes her husband's death for the insurance money, only for her family to discover that the biggest threat isn't the law, but her. 

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Netflix, eight-episode binge): From the wild imagination of Lisa McGee (Derry Girls) comes a not-so-wee mystery series about three best pals who investigate the mysterious death of a former schoolmate. 

Soul Power: The End of the American Basketball Association (Prime Video, four-episode binge): The docuseries charts the rise and fall of the ABA, a league that defined one of America's most turbulent eras and shaped the NBA as we know it today.

9/8c Love Story (FX, three-episode premiere): The first season of Ryan Murphy's anthology focuses on the ill-fated romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon).

Friday, February 13

Cold Water series finale (Paramount+)

Incas: The Rise and Fall (Hulu, six-episode binge): From monumental cities and castles, empires stretching across the Andes to dazzling treasures that inspired legends, the docu-series explores how Incas conquered millions and reshaped South America.

Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix (Prime Video, six-episode binge): The docuseries follows Nelson as she embarks on the most transformative journey yet, motherhood. 

Neighbors (HBO): Each episode spotlights a new neighborly feud, as filmmakers Jarrison Fishman and Dylan Redford crisscross the country to capture an intimate, unfiltered portrait of everyday American conflicts. 

Eternity (Apple TV)

Tyler Perry's Joe's College Road Trip (Netflix movie): In an effort to teach him about the real world, Joe takes B.J. on a cross-country college road trip where tensions get high but life-changing lessons are learned. 

Saturday, February 14

5/4c NBA All-Star Weekend (ABC)

That’s a wrap for this week’s TV Corner Notes! From globe-trotting assassins to neon-soaked Tokyo streets, and a Malibu PI reboot in the works, it’s been a wild ride. What caught your eye this week? Any shows you’re bingeing, loving, or can’t wait to discuss? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 

Until next week,

Adam