A Beloved Legacy, A Bold Reimagining
When CBS revived Matlock in 2024, the decision was met with both curiosity and skepticism. The original series, which aired from 1986 to 1995, starred Andy Griffith as the iconic Southern attorney Ben Matlock—a man who charmed juries and audiences alike with his folksy wisdom and keen legal instincts. The new Matlock, led by Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, isn’t a remake in the traditional sense. It’s a reimagining for a different era—and viewers have had plenty to say about it.
So far, the response has been a mix of appreciation and debate. Some viewers embrace the show’s modern approach and strong lead performance, while others miss the lighter, more procedural tone of the original. But one thing is certain: the reboot has reignited interest in a franchise many thought had seen its final day in court.
Kathy Bates Anchors the Series with Grit and Grace
Much of the series’ early success hinges on Kathy Bates. Critics have widely praised her portrayal of Madeline Matlock, a seasoned attorney who re-enters the legal world in her 70s. Bates brings layered complexity to the role—alternating between no-nonsense legal tactician and quietly vulnerable woman navigating a changed professional landscape.
Her character doesn’t try to replicate Griffith’s Ben Matlock. Instead, she exists as a new entity altogether—one who commands the room not with homespun charm, but with razor-sharp logic and a biting sense of humor. Viewers who expected a carbon copy of the original are quickly learning to appreciate this fresh take.
“She’s not Andy Griffith, and that’s exactly why it works,” wrote one viewer on Reddit. “They gave us someone just as compelling but for totally different reasons.”
A Shift in Tone and Style
Compared to its predecessor, the new Matlock is more serialized and emotionally grounded. While the original leaned on standalone cases with predictable arcs, the reboot embraces longer storylines, character backstories, and contemporary issues like systemic bias, corporate accountability, and digital surveillance.
That shift has earned both praise and critique. Fans of modern legal dramas like The Good Wife or Suits may find the reboot refreshing and timely. However, longtime Matlock fans—those who found comfort in the original’s procedural predictability—may feel the series has drifted too far from its roots.
“Where’s the Southern charm? Where’s the feel-good verdict?” asked one longtime viewer in a Facebook discussion group. “This new version feels a little colder, more political.”
New Characters Bring Fresh Energy
The supporting cast also plays a crucial role in reshaping Matlock for 2024. Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, and David Del Rio add generational perspective, providing tension and camaraderie in the office. Their storylines aren’t just filler; they explore modern legal ethics, interoffice politics, and generational clashes in meaningful ways.
Though none have yet achieved breakout status, critics suggest the ensemble will deepen over time. Early episodes have hinted at complex arcs, especially for Marshall’s Olympia, whose skepticism toward Madeline may mask deeper insecurities about her own path in the legal field.
Does It Succeed as a Reboot?
Judging Matlock purely as a reboot may miss the point. Rather than trying to revive the exact formula that worked in the ’80s and ’90s, CBS has smartly chosen to reinterpret the franchise with relevance in mind. The reboot pays subtle homage to the original—its title, its focus on courtroom drama, its emphasis on a singularly brilliant lead—but it’s not shackled by it.
For some viewers, that’s exactly what a reboot should be. “It respects the name but isn’t trapped by nostalgia,” one critic wrote in TV Line. “That’s rare—and welcome.”
Still, others wonder if the show would have been better served by a new title entirely, unburdened by expectations attached to the Matlock name.
The Verdict So Far
In its first few weeks, Matlock has managed solid ratings for CBS and stirred up enough conversation to suggest staying power. Kathy Bates delivers a standout performance, the writing is sharp, and the cases feel timely without becoming preachy. Whether it earns a long run may depend on how it balances character development with courtroom action in future episodes.
For now, Matlock is a compelling case study in how to modernize a classic. It may not win over every original fan, but it offers something valuable to a new generation of viewers—proof that justice, like television, can evolve without losing its purpose.
