Following an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Kathy Bates’ Matlock reboot earned CBS another major record with its premiere on September 22. With only one episode under its belt, Matlock is already setting itself apart from other reboots. The first episode shocked viewers with a surprise ending, revealing that Bates’ Matty is actually Madeline Kingston, a woman out for revenge on the law firm she believes had a hand in the death of her daughter.
According to Nielsen’s live-plus-same-day numbers (via TheWrap), Matlock brought in 7.73 million viewers. That makes it CBS’ most-watched non-Superbowl premiere since The Code in April 2019, which aired after an episode of NCIS. Additionally, in Canada, Matlock was watched by almost 1.2 million people, making it the most-watched show there in total viewers.
What Matlock’s Success Ratings Mean For CBS
The Network’s Premiere Strategy Paid Off
While Deadline notes that the Matlock premiere was likely helped by the Steelers-Chargers game that aired earlier in the evening, the first episode came after 60 Minutes rather than just after the game. Early estimates indicate Matlock may have improved on 60 Minutes’ viewership by around 1 million people. What’s more, THR reports that Matlock scored the biggest same-day audience of the network shows that premiered last week, a list that includes returnees Survivor and Dancing with the Stars, along with the new series Rescue: HI-Surf and High Potential.
Looking at Matlock’s numbers, the premiere was an outright success for CBS. The network took a gamble in using 60 Minutes as the show’s lead-in, as well as debuting the premiere as a “sneak peek” of sorts early in the season – Matlock won’t return with episode 2 until October 17. However, the risk seems to have paid off, at least for now.
Our Take On Matlock’s Premiere Numbers
CBS Could Have Another Hit On Its Hands
Based on just a single episode, it’s hard to say if Matlock will go on to be a long-term success for CBS. I think the real test will come with the show’s return next month. It’s very possible that viewers simply checked out the first episode because of Matlock’s name recognition and curiosity to see a new interpretation of the classic character.
However, provided the reboot retains or even grows its audience with the next episode, it’s easy for me to imagine Matlock not only returning for season 2, but running on CBS for a long time to come. There are several things working in the show’s favor, including Bates’ star power and the way her character represents a demographic not often seen on TV.
Additionally, the premiere twist makes it clear that Matlock is not a traditional reboot, potentially giving the show the best of both worlds – it can bring in both fans of the original series and non-fans who are nevertheless interested in seeing how the twist plays out. Either way, there’s no doubt Matlock is off to a strong start.
