Matlock: Kathy Bates Stars in CBS's Legal Drama: Details on Cast, Trailer, and Plot

(L to R): Skye P Marshall as Olympia, Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, and Jason Ritter as Julian in the CBS original Matlock Photo Courtesy of CBS

While the announcement that the premiere of the rebooted Matlock series would be moved due to strike-related issues and is now expected to debut in 2024-25 has not dampened my excitement. Instead, it offers the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the delay by catching up on the original 1986-1995 series. It also offers a chance to see the iconic TV duo Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and Barney Fife (Don Knotts) in a few scenes.

Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the new Matlock reboot. A brilliant Lawyer now a retired septuagenarian, Matty returns to the workforce at a prestigious law firm, where her unassuming demeanor and shrewd tactics lead to courtroom victories and the unmasking of corruption.

(L-R) Nicole de Boer as Carlin, Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, David Del Rio as Billy Martinez, and Leah Lewis as Sarah Yang in the CBS original Matlock Photo Courtesy of Brooke Palmer/CBS

Matty is paired with senior attorney Olympia, a justice-driven key rainmaker. Julian, Olympia’s ex-husband and the firm’s heir, becomes fascinated by Matty's cleverness. As Matty navigates this high-stakes environment, she collaborates with younger associates Billy and Sarah, both eager to make their mark.

In the trailer of the rebooted series, the original Matlock series is acknowledged as an in-universe TV show. Kathy Bates stars as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, who shares the same surname as the TV character Ben Matlock.

In a nod to the original series, Matty references it directly when introducing herself in the trailer: "I'm Madeline 'Matty' Matlock. I'm a lawyer. Yes, Matlock, like the old TV show." Perhaps we will see an episode playing in the background.

(L to R): Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, Skye P Marshall as Olympia, Jason Ritter as Julian, David Del Rio as Billy, and Leah Lewis as Sarah in the CBS original Matlock Christos Kalohoridis/CBS

About the Cast & Crew

The courtroom drama, set to premiere during the 2024-2025 season on Sundays on CBS and Paramount+, is written by Jane the Virgin creator Jennie Snyder Urman and directed by award-winning director and executive producer Kat Coiro, known for her work on The Spiderwick Chronicles, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Daniel Willis, recognized for his contributions to The Blacklist and The Rookie, also joins as a director.

The talented ensemble cast is led by Kathy Bates and includes Skye P. Marshall (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as senior attorney Olympia, who is also Julian's ex-wife.

Jason Ritter (Captain Fall) plays Julian, the firm's heir, while David Del Rio (Maggie) takes on the role of Billy. Eme Ikwuakor (The Gray Man) portrays Elijah, and Leah Lewis (Nancy Drew) stars as Sarah. Additionally, Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys) has been announced in a recurring role, portraying Senior, the firm’s managing partner and Julian’s father.

Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock in the 1986 TV Show Matlock

The Original Series

The original Matlock series aired from 1986 to 1995, starring the legendary Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a savvy, folksy defense attorney known for his impeccable courtroom skills and sharp investigative abilities.

The series was beloved for its mix of legal drama and Griffith's charismatic portrayal of the titular character. Ben Matlock, a Harvard-educated lawyer, was known for his unassuming Southern charm, which he used to win over juries and expose the truth.

Set in Atlanta, Georgia, the series featured Matlock taking on various criminal cases, often involving complex mysteries and dramatic courtroom confrontations. Matlock's trademark gray suit and love for hot dogs became iconic elements of his character.

Over the years, the show saw numerous supporting characters, including Matlock's private investigator Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday), and his daughter and law partner Charlene Matlock (Linda Purl).

Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock and Dick Van Dyke as Judge Carter Addison in the episode titled 'The Judge' in Matlock Image Courtesy of CBS

Episode Recommendation: For those new to the series or looking to revisit a classic episode, I recommend watching 'The Judge' from Season 1. In this episode, Judge Carter Addison murders his cheating mistress and frames her lover. Then the judge presides over the man's trial with Ben Matlock as the defense counsel. 'The Judge' brings together two iconic actors, Andy Griffith and Dick Van Dyke as Judge Addison.

(L to R): Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw in CBS Original Tracker and Carra Patterson as Officer Kaya and Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni in Elsbeth on CBS

CBS 2024-25

The new CBS 2024-25 schedule is packed with exciting procedural dramas, starting with the return of Tracker starring Justin Hartley, and the how-dunnit series Elsbeth, starring Carrie Preston.

Along with Matlock, the CBS new Fall season originals include NCIS: Origins, which marks the return of NCIS series star Mark Harmon, who will narrate the life of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell.

Midseason will introduce the medical mystery Watson, starring Morris Chestnut as a modern version of Sherlock Holmes' partner Dr. John Watson.

Justin Hartley of Tracker and Morris Chestnut of Watson-Casts from CBS shows 2024-2025 Schedule (Image Courtesy of Francis Specker_CBS)

I'm looking forward to seeing the star-studded ensemble cast in these upcoming TV shows. Having seen Kathy Bates' previous work, and after seeing her mischievous smile in the trailer, I'm especially excited about watching Matlock.

What are you looking forward to watching this Fall season? Let me know in the comments section below or on social media (links below).

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