A Familiar Name, A Fresh Path
When the name “Ritter” appears in television credits, it naturally evokes memories of the late John Ritter — the beloved star of Three’s Company and 8 Simple Rules. But Jason Ritter, now 45, isn’t interested in imitation. He’s building his own path — and his latest role on CBS’s Matlock may be his most defining one yet.
Taking on the role of Julian Markston, a senior partner at a high-profile law firm, Jason delivers a performance that is grounded, intelligent, and quietly commanding. It’s a far cry from the boyish charm he brought to Joan of Arcadia or the warm vulnerability of Parenthood. With Matlock, Jason is signaling that he’s no longer the rising talent — he’s here, fully arrived.
Stepping Into the Legal Arena
The new Matlock, a reimagining of the classic legal drama, stars Oscar-winner Kathy Bates as the titular Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a savvy lawyer who joins the prestigious firm Jacobson Moore. Jason’s Julian is her gatekeeper — polished, authoritative, and wary of Matty’s unconventional methods.
It’s a rich role with room for conflict and nuance. Julian isn’t a villain, but he’s also not a warm welcome committee. He represents the status quo — the kind of seasoned professional who’s seen change before and doesn’t always trust it. Watching Jason navigate those subtleties is part of what makes the show so compelling.
“There’s a restraint in Julian,” Ritter shared in a CBS promo. “He’s someone who has worked hard to earn his position, and he doesn’t let a lot of emotion leak out. That’s a challenge — and one I love.”
Why Matlock Matters in His Career Arc
For Jason, Matlock comes at a time when he’s no longer trying to “break through.” He’s already proven his range — in dramas, comedies, animated shows, and indie films. What Matlock offers is a moment of refinement — the kind of mature, character-driven role that shows an actor in full control of his craft.
And it doesn’t hurt that he gets to share the screen with industry legends. Ritter has spoken glowingly about working alongside Kathy Bates, admiring not just her talent but her willingness to still take creative risks after decades of success.
“To see someone like Kathy still push herself, still take notes, still want to make the scene better — it reminds me how much I still have to learn,” he said. “It’s humbling and inspiring.”
The Legacy Question
For much of his early career, Jason Ritter dealt with inevitable comparisons to his father. He didn’t just look like John Ritter — he shared his expressive eyes, comedic instincts, and warm screen presence. But rather than chase his father’s legacy, Jason has deliberately steered his career into more understated territory.
He’s never aimed to be the next sitcom king. Instead, he’s built a resume full of thoughtful, layered roles. He’s lent his voice to animated series like Gravity Falls, taken dark turns in Raising Dion, and earned Emmy nominations for performances that lean more dramatic than comedic.
Matlock, in that sense, feels like a culmination — the kind of high-profile network role that offers visibility without compromising his style. Julian Markston isn’t flashy or funny — he’s steady, guarded, and quietly powerful.
And that might be Jason Ritter in a nutshell.
Standing Still, Moving Forward
What’s clear from watching Matlock is that Jason Ritter is not chasing stardom. He doesn’t need to. He’s found a pace that works for him, one that values integrity over attention, craft over celebrity. And in an era of constant reinvention, that quiet confidence is refreshing.
With Matlock, he’s not only proving his versatility — he’s reminding audiences that slow and steady growth can lead to something even more valuable than buzz: staying power.
And if viewers come to the show for Kathy Bates but stay for Jason Ritter? That, too, feels like a victory.
