Kathy Bates is putting on her sleuthing hat
There's a new Matlock in town. Academy-Award winner Kathy Bates is taking on the name of the famous lawyer in a new CBS whodunnit series from Jane the Virgin boss Jennie Snyder Urman. The original series starred Andy Griffith as the famous criminal defense attorney and ran on NBC from 1986 to 1992, then scored three extra seasons on ABC from 1992 to 1995.
In this new iteration on CBS, Bates' Madeline "Matty" Matlock, now in her 70s, jumps back into the law game to recoup the money her husband lost gambling. However, just like the original series, there is more to Matlock than meets the eye, and viewers will be treated to twists and turns in every episode as they discover more about Maddie and what she's really after.
According to creator and executive producer Snyder Urman, the show is designed to showcase how older women are treated. "I wanted to write about how older women are overlooked in society," Snyder Urman told TV journalists at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. "And then I wanted the audience to enjoy being shocked by the underestimation. It's a legal procedural, with a case of the week."
The new show is coming to CBS this fall. Here's everything you need to know about your potentially new favorite mystery series.
When is the Matlock release date?
Fans can watch the first episode of Matlock on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8/7c on CBS during a special post-football sneak preview. The show then moves to its regular time period of Thursdays at 10/9c on Oct. 10 with an encore airing of the premiere episode. The second episode will air Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10/9c on CBS.
Is there a trailer for Matlock?
A trailer dropped for the new series on May 2. Check it out below
What is Matlock about?
The official CBS description of the series reads: "Kathy Bates is the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline 'Matty' Matlock, who, after achieving success in her younger years, decides to rejoin the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice, while Olympia's ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills. Matty works alongside the firm's younger associates – the charismatic Billy (David Del Rio) and the uber-ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis) – as she endeavors to establish herself in her new high-stakes world. Matlock is a reimagining of the classic television series of the same name."
Who is in Matlock?
As we've mentioned, Kathy Bates will star in the new show as the eponymous lawyer, but she's surrounded by an all-star cast. Here's who will star in the series.
- Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, Matty's demanding but inspiring boss
- Jason Ritter as Julian, Olympia's ex-husband and son of the head of the firm
- David Del Rio as Billy, a charming associate who works closely with Matty
- Leah Lewis as Sarah, another associate who works closely with Matty but is determined to make a name for herself at all costs
- Beau Bridges as Senior, the head of the law firm where Matty works
Is this Matlock a spinoff of the original?
No, the 2024 version of the show is a "reimagining" of the original. However, the new show does acknowledge Griffith's Matlockwas a beloved TV series in the world of the Kathy Bates show just like it is in the real world. That means you won't find out that Matty is Ben Matlock's daughter or anything, but there will still be some fun Easter eggs from the original series planted in this new show.
Who is producing Matlock?
Jane the Virgin boss Jennie Snyder Urman is the showrunner of the new Matlock. Her producing partner Joanna Klein is also an executive producer, and Kat Coiro (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) is a director and executive producer. NCIS: LA alum Eric Christian Olsen is also an executive producer alongside John Will.
Where can I stream Matlock?
You can stream all nine seasons of the original Matlock series on Pluto. The new Matlock starring Kathy Bates will have episodes to stream the day after they air this fall on Paramount+.
