When CBS announced a reboot of Matlock, longtime fans of the original series met the news with both excitement and curiosity. How could a show so closely tied to Andy Griffith’s charm and old-school values be reinvented for a modern audience? The answer came in the form of Kathy Bates, a powerhouse performer who has redefined the iconic lawyer in a way that feels both respectful and refreshingly new.
The original Matlock, which aired from 1986 to 1995, followed Benjamin Matlock, a folksy but razor-sharp defense attorney with a knack for exposing the truth in even the most complex cases. The series blended lighthearted Southern wit with compelling courtroom drama, quickly becoming a staple of American daytime television. Andy Griffith’s performance made Matlock an enduring TV legend.
The new version, launched by CBS in 2024, doesn’t aim to replicate the original but instead builds upon its core values — justice, integrity, and tenacity. Kathy Bates’s Madeline Matlock shares her predecessor’s brilliance in the courtroom but brings a different emotional depth. Her story is marked by personal loss and a hidden agenda: uncovering the conspiracy behind her daughter’s death, which may be tied to the very firm she now works for.
This change in perspective allows the series to explore modern ethical questions, including corporate corruption, gender dynamics in law, and the fine line between justice and revenge. It’s a darker, more introspective Matlock, but one that still thrives on sharp dialogue, complex legal cases, and powerful closing arguments.
Bates’s performance has drawn comparisons to Griffith’s in terms of subtlety and gravitas, but she brings her own flavor to the role. Madeline is less homespun charm and more quiet fire. She doesn’t raise her voice often, but when she does, people listen. Critics have noted that while the show pays homage to the original with visual and structural nods, it also carves out new ground, particularly in its serialized storytelling and emotional stakes.
Behind the scenes, producers have emphasized their respect for the legacy of Matlock. Several Easter eggs from the original series have appeared throughout Season 1, from courtroom staging to music cues and even character name references. But the show remains focused on evolving, not replicating.
As the reboot heads into its second season, it has already proven that a classic can be reborn — not by staying the same, but by embracing change with honesty and care. The new Matlock isn’t trying to be Andy Griffith’s version. It’s trying to honor it by being something just as worthy in its own time.
