CBS’ Matlock reboot starring Kathy Bates impressively twists the Andy Griffith original show into something much more heartfelt. Bates’ titular character uses the folksy demeanor of Griffith’s character as a facade to mask a brilliant legal mind, conning her way into a prestigious law firm to seek justice in the name of her daughter, one of the many brilliant twists in Matlock season 1. The show perfectly walks the tightrope between resolving the most pressing mystery to satisfy fans, while the Matlock season 1 finale leaves plenty of unanswered questions for season 2 to bring viewers back.
Bates anchors the cast of Matlock with humor and heart. Already nominated for Emmys multiple times over five decades, Bates is well-positioned to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Matlock. If Bates secures the nomination, she will set an impressive and well-deserved Emmy record, as well as mark a major win for network procedures.
Kathy Bates Could Be The Oldest Person Ever Nominated For An Emmy In The Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series Category
Bates Stars As Two Versions Of The Titular Character In CBS’ Matlock
Kathy Bates could become the oldest person ever nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmys for her titular role in CBS’ Matlock, a milestone that would be as historic as it is fitting. At 76 years old, Bates brings wisdom, wit, and commanding presence to the gender-bent reboot, redefining what a TV drama lead can look like.
Bates’ age is central to the role. As Madeline “Matty” Matlock, she uses people’s assumptions about elderly women to her advantage, tricking an elite law firm that underestimates her. The character’s brilliance lies in her ability to weaponize perception, turning invisibility into strategy.
Bates is especially deserving of an Emmy nomination because she’s not just playing one character—she’s playing two shades of the same woman. There’s the sly Southern charm of “Matty,” and the colder, calculating force of “Madeline Kingston,” a dual performance that showcases Bates’ signature nuance and layered delivery. Her subtle accent shifts and physical effort make the transitions feelless yet deliberate, a masterclass in performance. Emmy voters have long admired her, and undeniably, Kathy Bates is a huge part of Matlock’s success.
Kathy Bates Has Been Nominated A Staggering 14 Times For An Emmy
Bates Has 2 Win & 2 Previous Nominations In Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Kathy Bates’ career spans over five decades, defined by a remarkable versatility and depth of talent. Bates has been nominated for an astonishing 14 Emmys throughout her career, cementing herself as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. She has won two Emmys – as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Two and a Half Men in 2012 and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for American Horror Story: Coven (2014). Bates has twice been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Harry’s Law in 2011 and 2012.
Bates’ career began in the 1970s, and she was widely regarded for her ability to blend toughness with vulnerability, earning her early recognition with an Oscar Supporting Actress nomination for Misery (1991), which remains one of Kathy Bates’ most iconic movie roles. Her later-career renaissance is epitomized by her casting in Ryan Murphy’s innovative vision for American Horror Story, where she embraces complex characters with a blend of dark humor and genuine emotional depth. Through every phase of her career, Bates has transcended expectations, earning admiration for her chameleon-like ability to work in drama and comedy with aplomb.
Bates’ Work On Matlock Proves That Network Procedurals Deserve To Be Taken More Seriously
Network Procedurals Can Be Just As Award-Worthy As Streaming Shows
Kathy Bates’ work on Matlock is a powerful reminder that network procedurals deserve to be taken more seriously. While limited series often attract prestige attention and big-name stars, ongoing procedurals offer just as much room for complex character work—especially when anchored by actors of Bates’ caliber. As Madeline “Matty” Matlock, Bates brings nuance, wit, and gravitas to a genre that’s too often dismissed as formulaic. The Matlock season 1 finale brilliantly closed one chapter while leaving fans ravenous to know what the fallout will be in season 2.
Bates’ Matlock co-stars, including Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter, also bring sharp energy to the ensemble, proving that these shows can be smart, funny, and deeply character-driven. Critics should give more credit to other compelling performances at the heart of popular procedurals – like Queen Latifah in The Equalizer, Ramón Rodríguez in Will Trent, or Carrie Preston in Elsbeth. These series offer strong storytelling, richly drawn leads, and meaningful emotional stakes. With Bates leading the charge, Matlock makes a compelling case that procedural TV—especially on network—can be as award-worthy and artistically rich as anything on streaming.
