CBS is making a big casting change ahead of the highly anticipated Matlock reboot. The classic 1990s show, created by Jennie Snyder Urman, is getting a fresh twist with a new protagonist named Madeline 'Matty' Matlock. As a brilliant septuagenarian, Matty decides to join a prestigious law firm, where she showcases her deceptive unassuming demeanor and clever tactics to win cases. However, before the show has even premiered, Matlock is facing an unexpected change in its cast.
According to Deadline, actor Beau Bridges, a three-time Emmy winner, has been cast in a significant recurring role in the Matlock reboot on CBS. Bridges will be taking over the character of Senior, previously played by Jamey Sheridan in the pilot. Senior is the managing partner of the law firm and is known for his remarkable presence that can change the mood in any room. While the reason behind this recasting remains undisclosed, it adds an intriguing element to the upcoming show.
Matlock does not have an official premiere date yet, but it is set to air during the 2024-2025 broadcast season. Beau Bridges is widely recognized for his portrayal of Major General Hank Landry in the Stargate franchise, and he has recently appeared in notable projects like the Apple TV+ series Lessons in Chemistry and the movie Dreamin' Wild. With an impressive Hollywood career, including credits in Masters of Sex, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, and My Name is Earl, Bridges brings experience and talent to the Matlock reboot.
Aside from Bridges, the new Matlock characters also include Olympia, played by Skye P. Marshall, a senior attorney with a strong sense of justice. Additionally, Jason Ritter portrays Julian, Olympia's ex-husband and the son of the head of the law firm. Julian becomes intrigued by Matty and her exceptional skills. Skye P. Marshall has gained recognition for her roles as Mambo Marie in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Kara Fowdy in the CW superhero drama Black Lightning, while Jason Ritter is known for playing Pat Rollins in Raising Dion.
CBS is not the only network banking on established shows for its upcoming slate. In addition to the Matlock reboot, the network is working on a spinoff of The Good Wife called Elsbeth and two spinoffs of popular shows, Young Sheldon and NCIS, the latter focusing on Gibbs' younger years. With the original Matlock running for nine seasons and even securing an Emmy for composer Bruce Babcock in 1992, the reboot has a chance to find success with CBS's track record of long-running shows.
Fans of the classic Matlock can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved legal drama, as Madeline 'Matty' Matlock steps into the spotlight, played by an exceptional cast led by the talented Beau Bridges, alongside Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter. As the premiere date draws nearer, anticipation builds for the new Matlock series, as CBS continues to breathe new life into its lineup with beloved franchises and spinoffs.