Kathy Bates Just Hit a Major Emmy Milestone — And Matlock Made It Happen

Matlock star Kathy Bates has just set an Emmy record that has been a long time in the making. The Primetime Emmys are the perfect platform to celebrate the best-in-class for the top programs across network television, and give the stars who make these shows what they are the recognition they deserve.

Bates’ gender-flipped legal drama Matlock is a remake of the 1980s show of the same name, and though Matlock has a stellar cast, Bates is truly the star. She has had a long, successful career and has already scooped Primetime Emmys for Two and a Half Men and American Horror Story: Coven, but this nomination is special for a reason.

Per THR, Bates has officially become the oldest nominee for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Emmys, with her nomination for the CBS legal drama coming at the age of 77. She’s nominated alongside Sharon Horgan for Bad Sisters, Britt Lower for Severance, Bella Ramsey for The Last of Us, and Keri Russell for The Diplomat.

What This Means For Bates & Matlock
It’s A Well-Deserved Record Sure To Bring More Attention To The Show

An Emmy nomination alone does a good job of drawing attention to a project, but when it is a record-setting nomination like this one, there is bound to be a lot of eyes on Matlock. If Bates is to win the award, the success of the show could skyrocket, and Matlock season 2 might hit staggering ratings for the network.

Though the show has not been nominated, Bates is front and center, and her star power should not be overlooked. This nomination could be exactly what Matlock needs as a show to keep CBS invested, and to be able to get creative with storylines and character arcs, and a win could really do wonders for the show’s long-term prospects.

Our Take On Bates’ Emmy Nomination Record

It’s A Well-Deserved Record For A Screen Legend

Bates has had a long and successful career, and is no stranger to accolades, having won an Oscar, two Emmys, and two Golden Globes for her acting. And even at the age of 77, she is still setting new records and pushing new boundaries for women on screen, and even if she doesn’t win, the nomination is a recognition of her greatness and endurance as a performer.

The original Matlock was one of the best TV procedurals of all time, and, if Bates is to scoop another Emmy from this nomination, there’s a chance her Matlock could be talked about for years to come. The legendary star is the heart and soul of her show, and is showing she is still one of the best and most talented performers on television.