In an exciting turn of events for primetime, Kathy Bates is back on the small screen in Matlock, one of WTW's most anticipated new shows of the 2024 fall TV season. In some sadder news, Bates teased that this will likely be her final acting job before retiring.
So if you’re one that watched television in the 90s, or perhaps have a penchant for classic TV, then you may be thinking there was already a show called Matlock. There indeed was, and the Andy Griffith-led Matlock aired from 1986 to 1995. It showed the actor as a savoy attorney who had a special knack for defending his clients and getting to the truth in a case. (If none of this quite rings a bell, you can watch the series on Pluto TV.)
Now almost 30 years after the original Matlock aired, this new series is still about a brilliant lawyer who can get to the bottom of almost any case, but it isn’t exactly a reboot, rather just a new drama inspired by the old one. Oddly enough in the trailer for the series, Bates’ Matlock pokes fun at her name saying "I’m Madeline Matlock, I’m a lawyer. Yes, Matlock like the old TV show."
What else should you know about this new Matlock? Keep reading and find out. By the way, check out whether we think Matlock is worthy of Kathy Bates' final role in Hollywood.
Next episode of Matlock
Matlock settles into its regular time slot with episode 2 of the season on Thursday, October 17, at 9 pm ET/PT. So if you haven't watched the pilot episode, you still have time to catch up. In fact, CBS is offering you the opportunity to watch the pilot episode for free on the official CBS page on YouTube.
For those without traditional cable/satellite television, CBS is available through a number of live TV streaming services such as Fubo, Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV. Paramount Plus with Showtime subscribers and subscribers to the CBS app also have the opportunity to watch episodes live as they air. Additionally, new episodes become available to stream the day after they air for Paramount Plus Essential subscribers.
A UK release date for the series has not been announced, but when one becomes available, we'll pass along the information.
Matlock trailer
A second trailer for the series was released, and it's done nothing but rev up our excitement for the premiere. Check it out.
Although certainly a drama, the sprinkles of comedy poured on by Kathy Bates’ Matlock in the trailer give us high hopes for the new show when it premieres. Take a look at the trailer below.
Matlock plot
Here is the official synopsis of the series:
"After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock, played by Academy & Emmy Award Winner Kathy Bates, rejoins the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. Inspired by the classic television series of the same name."
Matlock cast
Once again, starring as Madeline "Matty" Matlock is Kathy Bates. The actress’ resume is certainly a testament to her talent, as are Golden Globes, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards and Oscar. Her legendary films include Misery, Titanic, Fried Green Tomatoes and yes, The Waterboy. On the TV side, she’s appeared in American Horror Story, Harry’s Law, Feud and Disjointed.
The Matlock cast is rounded out by the following:
- Skye P. Marshall (East New York) as Olympia
- Jason Ritter (Accused) as Julian
- David Del Rio (The Baker and the Beauty) as Billy
- Leah Lewis (Nancy Drew) as Sarah
