Kathy Bates Stars in Remake of Legal Drama ‘Matlock’

CBS has revived its iconic legal drama “Matlock,” with Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates taking on the lead role. The series, which originally aired from 1986 to 1995 with Andy Griffith as the charming defense attorney Ben Matlock, returns with a fresh twist on its legal storytelling format.

In the new iteration, Bates portrays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a septuagenarian lawyer who re-enters the workforce after a personal hiatus. Set against the backdrop of a corporate law firm, Matty must navigate a challenging work environment while pursuing her own agenda. Bates’ performance adds a refreshing dimension to the character, who utilizes her seemingly demure presence to outsmart legal adversaries and colleagues alike.

Helmed by “Jane the Virgin” creator Jennie Snyder Urman, “Matlock” skillfully balances a large ensemble cast including Skye P. Marshall as Matty’s boss Olympia, Jason Ritter as Olympia’s ex-husband Julian, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis as junior associates Billy and Sarah respectively. The storyline allows ample character development while maintaining an engaging narrative pace.

The show delves into issues of age, visibility, and experience. Matty’s character defies stereotypes, leveraging her age as an advantage in a profession often dominated by youthful ambition. Bates’ portrayal is both comedic and subtle, endearing her character to both colleagues and audiences.

The series maintains the procedural elements of its predecessor with a contemporary flair, reflecting a less intricate yet similarly engaging style akin to “The Good Wife.” While the legal cases anchor each episode, character-driven subplots provide a richer narrative texture, exploring personal and professional dynamics at the law firm.

The show has been well-received in early reviews, with particular praise for Bates’ performance. The ambitious direction and nuanced script offer a fresh take on legal dramas, proving that compelling storytelling can feature protagonists of any age. “Matlock” is set to premiere on CBS with a sneak preview on September 22, with its regular time slot beginning October 17.