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Sometimes it feels like Ron Howard has been around forever. The actor/director, who was born on March 1, 1954, has been a star in TV and movies for over 65 years. From his early days playing Andy Griffith‘s son Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” to his directing of the latest “Star Wars” story, “Solo,” the unassuming Howard still finds himself the center of attention.

Now primarily known as a director, Howard has won two Academy Awards — for producing and directing 2001’s Best Picture winner “A Beautiful Mind” starring Russell Crowe — and has two more nominations to his credit for producing and directing 2008 nominee “Frost/Nixon” starring Michael Sheen and Frank Langella.

Let’s take a photo gallery tour of his 17 greatest feature films, ranked from worst to best. Keep in mind that our gallery strictly focuses on his directing career and leaves out his terrific work as an actor in movies.

For the bulk of his career, Leslie Nielsen was best known for his stern, dramatic roles. His tall stature and low voice had casting directors offering him parts as commanders, leaders, and even heavies. Many might recall Nielsen's stone-faced turn in 1956's "Forbidden Planet" as the captain in "The Poseidon Adventure," or playing a cop in the 1972 cop drama "The Bold Ones: The Protectors." In 1977's "Day of the Animals" he plays a manly outdoorsman who loses his mind and, quite darkly, declares insane dominion over animals and women. Some might recall that he can hold his breath a long time, as he declared in "Creepshow." Many will be shocked to witness Nielsen beat and assault Barbra Streisand in the 1987 drama "Nuts." 

However, Nielsen did appear in a handful of comedies, most notably, playing Dr. Rumack in the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker farce "Airplane!" The parody proved that he had a talent for deadpan comedy,...

Don Knotts made the Emmy Award for Supporting Funny Guy his personal trophy during the 1960s, going five-for-five to cement The Andy Griffith Show’s Barney Fife as one of the greatest sitcom characters of all time. But it’s a distinction Knotts might not have appreciated — he and Andy Griffith hated sitcoms.

“Andy and I have a pet hate — situation comedy,” Knotts told The Oregonian, as reported by MeTV. “So we try to imitate real people and forget the plot as much as possible.”

How can two of the greatest sitcom stars hate situation comedy? Knotts explained — sort of. “What we try to do is make use of those conversational habits people have,” he said. “Like Barney telling a joke, hearing laughter and then telling the joke over again. You’ve seen people do that. It’s terrible, but some can’t help it after hearing the laughter — it...

The scream queens are taking awards season, and supporting each other every step of the way. At the 2025 Oscars, director Coralie Fargeat stands to break the great glass ceiling for women in horror with “The Substance” — a dazzling resurgence for star Demi Moore, who blew audiences away with a stunning acceptance speech at the Golden Globes and will compete at the Academy Awards in March.

“It is the healing balm to the very issue this film brings forward,” Moore said of praise for her role at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. In her Best Actress acceptance speech, Moore echoed her previous statements about devaluing women based on age — and specifically defended genre movies. “Normally horror films are overlooked and not seen for the profundity they can hold,” she said.

Backstage, Kathy Bates celebrated her return to the national spotlight with a TV victory for “Matlock.” Taking home Best Actress in a Drama Series,...

Madeline Matlock might just be the messiest chick at Jacobson Moore and that’s saying something. Still, we love to see her work her magic on those unsuspecting lawyers. But where exactly is her moral compass?

As wily and cunning as Matty is, this episode left an odd aftertaste due to one singular fact about Matty’s strategy. She’s convinced that Olympia is not a suspect as a side effect of their fully formed friendship. So, why is Matty dropping nukes on Olympia’s divorce?

From the start, the central plot of Matlock has been about claiming justice for her daughter by taking down the lawyers who allowed opioids to run rampant through the streets.

(Erik Voake/CBS)

For a while, everything seemed to float around the morally grey area of things, but as Matty continues to get closer to the truth, she seems to find it easier and easier to use people.

The Andy Griffith Show is considered to be one of the most wholesome, beloved sitcoms in television history — unless, of course, you subscribe to the theory that Sheriff Andy Taylor secretly murdered his wife.

But, oddly enough, the classic series owes its existence to the demands of a conservative breakfast cereal company.

Before appearing in his own show, Andy Griffith’s lovable sheriff character first popped up in an episode of The Danny Thomas Show (formerly Make Room for Daddy), a sitcom starring the nightclub comic as a fictional version of himself. Griffith was written into an episode after producer Sheldon Leonard caught Griffith in the Broadway show No Time for Sergeants.

In the episode, appropriately titled “Danny Meets Andy Griffith,” Thomas’ character Danny Williams and his family are driving through the quaint town of Mayberry, when he’s pulled over and arrested by Sheriff Taylor for running a stop sign.

Spoiler Alert for Matlock episode 8, "No, No Monsters"Matlock episode 8 highlights a difference between Madeline and Olympia that defines the series. The relationship between them is one of the most compelling aspects of Jennie Snyder Urman’s unique procedural show, which has a fresh take on Andy Griffith’s classic courtroom drama. In Matlock episode 8, “No, No Monsters,” Madeline and Olympia team up again following the latter’s second split from her husband. As they navigate Julian's post-holiday party cheating confession, Olympia pulls Madeline off of Jacobson Moore’s next Wellbrexa action, citing she needs her to navigate the situation at Mulberry Prep covertly.

The development puts Olympia and Madeline back in action, and watching their team up is enjoyable. It’s also tense at times as Madeline navigates a printing mishap, which compels her to spend even more time with her boss. The proximity between the women highlights a...

Maybe Kathy Bates won’t have to rip up her next acceptance speech.

Bates just earned two more SAG nominations for the CBS freshman series Matlock and the Max film The Great Lillian Hall — her ninth and 10th nomination of her career. She won two Sags in 1997 and 1999 for The Late Shift and Primary Colors, respectively. She’s already an Oscar winner for Misery and a two-time Emmy winner for American Horror Story and Two and A Half Men.

Bates received a 2025 Golden Globe nomination for playing Madeline Matlock in the clever update of the old ’80s series that starred Andy Griffith. Video of the 76-year-old actress went viral on Sunday after she was filmed ripping up her acceptance speech after Shōgun’s Anna Sawai took the Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series.

Bates was the only actress to receive a SAG nomination for a drama on broadcast TV.

Matlock introduced a new fan-favorite character in Kathy Bates' hit mystery series, but you may have missed how Sarah's sweetheart can foil Madeline and Alfie's plans. Madeline Kingston has a brilliant plan for revenge in the quasi-reboot of Andy Griffith's hit mystery procedural show. Still, the other Matlock characters frequently get in the way as she builds relationships with her colleagues. The sole person Madeline can count on to move her secret plan for revenge forward is Alfie, Madeline's 12-year-old grandson, who is a budding technical genius and a source of emotional support for his grandmother.

Madeline's team-up with her 12-year-old grandson has been at the heart of Matlock's twists and turns. Aside from Matlock's game-changing twist in the series premiere, Jennie Snyder Urman's gender-flipped procedural has a series of more minor twists throughout the episodes. Madeline and Alfie are always on the cusp of uncovering something new...

Kathy Bates didn’t win at the 2025 Golden Globes, and her reaction to her loss has gone viral on social media.

Bates was nominated at the awards show for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Drama for her work on the CBS drama Matlock. However, Shōgun’s Anna Sawai took the trophy, which meant that Bates had no use for an acceptance speech.

Each female actor nominated had a camera on them with a live shot to capture their reactions following their win or loss. After presenters Colman Domingo and Salma Hayek read the winner’s name, Bates graciously gave a round of applause to Sawai.

As the broadcast started to focus on Sawai and follow her reaction as she walked on stage to accept the award, cameras captured Bates as she ripped up a piece of paper she had in her hands.

Alongside Bates and Sawai,...

Network TV offered high-quality entertainment in 2024 despite some challenges, and its best episodes are proof of that. Hollywood's dual writers' and actors' strikes in late 2023 delayed the start of the 2023-2024 television season, but when the strikes were settled, the shortened spring 2024 season gave us some of the all-time best TV shows. This period saw many memorable episodes airing, including the finales of long-running shows such as The Good Doctor and additions to new hits like Found.

The fall TV season was not marred by these problems, though budget cuts after the strikes meant saying goodbye to extremely popular shows such as Blue Bloods. The disappointing Blue Bloods cancelation news was offset by the return of popular franchises like Law & Order and One Chicago, along with exciting new shows. Kathy Bates' Matlock was surprisingly successful, and all three networks offered a brilliant mix of new and old programming that...

Paramount+ is known for hosting some of the best TV shows on any streaming platform, and in January 2025, the lineup remains just as strong as ever. The first month of 2025 sees the arrival of the original Matlock TV series as it joins the new Kathy Bates reboot. This classic courtroom drama, starring Andy Griffith, includes all nine seasons. Sci-fi fans get a treat in January, as the new Star Trek series Section 31 premieres on January 24. Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou from Star Trek: Discovery.

The biggest news coming in December was that Paramount+ is removing several TV shows from its streaming service. This isn't anything new since both Paramount and Showtime removed several shows last year. The streaming service axed several Nickelodeon shows, including Doug, Blue's Room, Kung-Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Fanboy & Chum Chum, The Penguins of Madagascar, Big Time Rush, and Breadwinners (via Us Weekly). In better news,...

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Paramount+ is ready with an entertainment-packed January next year. The upcoming month will see the premiere of some of the best Paramount+ original movies including Star Trek: Section 31 and the streaming release of the medical mystery drama series Watson. Just like every month, Paramount+ is ready to overload you with great content. So, we’re here to tell you about the 5 best movies and TV shows coming to Paramount+ in January 2025.

Murder Company (January 1) Credit – Maverick Films

Murder Company is a war action drama film directed by Shane Dax Taylor from a screenplay by Jesse Mittelstadt. The 2024 film is set in the midst of the D-Day invasion and it follows a group of US soldiers who are tasked with smuggling a member of the French resistance to kill a high value Nazi target. Murder Company stars Kelsey Grammer,...

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1A new episode of Matlock will not air on CBS during the holiday week, but there's a lot to expect from Kathy Bates' show when it returns. It's been an exciting season for Bates' Madeline Matlock thus far as she seeks revenge on the Jacobson Moore law firm. Matlock's game-changing twist is that Madeline "Matty" Matlock is Madeline Kingston, a retired septuagenarian lawyer seeking justice for her daughter. While Madeline's plan is going smoothly enough, matters are getting complicated as she forms relationships with lawyers she suspects of foul play.

The quasi-reboot of Andy Griffith's classic series has been a hit with audiences. The Matlock premiere scores 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the series has early renewal for a second season. The series' success is partly due to the charming Matlock cast, whose dynamics complicate Madeline's clever maneuvers at every turn. While Madeline finally makes a break,...

Do you think The Good Wife writers knew they had a fan-favorite character on their hands when they created Elsbeth Tascioni? The love for her is great and not going anywhere anytime soon.

With the show’s second season at the halfway mark, it seems like a good time to say that Season 2 is even better than Season 1. Let me explain.

Elsbeth Season 1 spent a lot of time introducing characters with a new detective every episode all the way through the first half of the season. That’s not an issue for Elsbeth Season 2.

(Michael Parmelee/CBS)

The series has been able to focus more on the story rather than world-building, bringing back guests from Elsbeth Season 1. Even the fake reality show Lavish Ladies got a shout-out.

Anonymous VoteSign in with WordPressWhich Episode Of Elsbeth Season 2 Has Been Your Favorite So Far?Episodes 1 - "Subscription to Murder"Episode 2 - "The...

On Saturday December 21 2024, BBC America broadcasts Frosty’s Winter Wonderland!

Episode Summary

A new episode of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” is set to air on BBC America, bringing a heartwarming story for viewers to enjoy. This episode features the beloved snowman, Frosty, as he embarks on a magical journey of love. The title hints at a charming wedding, where Frosty will take a big step in his winter adventure.

Andy Griffith lends his voice to narrate this animated tale, adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia. His storytelling is sure to capture the spirit of the season, making the episode even more special. Fans of Frosty will be delighted to see how the magic of winter unfolds as Frosty prepares for his big day.

As the story progresses, viewers can expect to see familiar characters and new friends joining Frosty on his journey. The animation promises to be vibrant and enchanting, showcasing...

Every holiday season, we give thanks for Rankin/Bass, the team behind Christmas TV specials “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” The production company formed by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass gave us both iconic stop-motion and traditional animated tales, becoming a pop culture touchstone for generations of kids.

Not all the specials, especially some of the lesser-known entries, are streaming this Christmas. But several are available to rent alone, and many more are being shown as part of Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas.” Here’s where you can revisit these childhood favorites:

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Credit: Rankin/Bass)

The first and most beloved Rankin/Bass special is chock full of terrific songs, including “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “We’re a Couple of Misfits,” and the cutest misfits of all time, including red-nosed Rudolph, and Hermey the elf,...

There are Elsbeth episodes, and then there is this pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, eyes-wide, and can’t-look-away masterpiece of an episode. Hands down the best of the series.

While the show is known for its lightness and general wrapping things up in a nice and neat little bow, “One Angry Woman” gave viewers a crash course in what this show is capable of.

Elsbeth continues to raise the stakes and keep things fresh in exciting ways that not even die-hard fans can anticipate, yours truly included. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to play against the love of your life.

(Michael Parmelee/CBS)

Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 introduced Micheal Emerson’s killer, Judge Milton, in the most exhilarating way. Not to mention a giant easter egg from Emerson’s previous and most prominent role in Evil.

Anonymous VoteSign in with WordPressDid You Know Carrie Preston And Michael Emerson Are Married In Real Life?...

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1, episode 8, "No, No Monsters"

The ending of Matlock episode 8 explains how the second half of Jennie Snyder Urman's procedural will take shape. The quasi-reboot of Andy Griffith's Matlock series has had a mammoth run, and episode 8 marks its mid-season finale. The Matlock season premiere scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the series garnering renewal for Matlock season 2. Kathy Bates' character is at the epicenter of the series' success, delivering the game-changing Matlock twist with cunning and charm.

In the ending of Matlock episode 8, "No, No Monsters," the core characters confront issues that will play out when Matlock returns in January. Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian (Jason Ritter) reconcile their personal and professional relationships after the latter confessed to cheating at the end of Matlock episode 7. As episode 8 closes, Olympia presses the father of her children to reveal who he slept with, promising the...

The Matlock midseason finale, "No, No Monsters," delivers a solid outing for Kathy Bates' new show, proving that it has a future beyond its game-changing twist. In the age of reboots and revivals, bringing back such an iconic series understandably gained various reactions. There was excitement over the show's premise, especially considering who was involved. That said, some skeptics didn't think a reboot of Andy Griffith's show was necessary. Ultimately, Matlock's well-executed twist showed that it is nothing like your average nostalgia-laced series.

Matlock is a modern reboot of the classic series created for CBS that sees the titular role taken up by Kathy Bates. After years retired from her career, Madeline Matlock rejoins the legal world in a powerful new firm where she uses her seasoned skills to win cases and expose the underlying corruption within the legal system.

Release Date September 22, 2024Rating TV-14Main Genre DramaGenres Drama,...

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 4:15 Pm, BBC America will air Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, a heartwarming animated holiday special that brings the beloved snowman back to the screen. Narrated by the iconic Andy Griffith, this charming story follows Frosty as he embarks on a magical adventure, culminating in a joyous occasion — his marriage to a snowwoman named Crystal.

The magic of the season is brought to life as Frosty and his friends work together to create a winter wonderland. Through this tale, viewers are reminded of the spirit of love, kindness, and friendship that shines brightly during the holidays. With Andy Griffith’s warm narration guiding the story, the special offers a nostalgic experience for fans of all ages. Frosty’s journey is filled with enchanting moments, making it a perfect way to gather the family and enjoy a classic holiday treat. Tune in for a delightful story that captures the heart of wintertime magic.

Before Kathy Bates agreed to lead CBS’ “Matlock”, she had two requests for

creator Jennie Snyder Urman: “Don’t change a word” of the script and

“Don’t abandon me.”

“Many times when we work on projects, you get the job, and then you don’t

have a relationship with the creator or the producers. And I hate that,”

Bates said, adding that she had thought about going into “semi-retirement”

prior to reading the script. “I’ve always said I felt like a little capsule out in

space in my pod and the people behind the video screen, they’re in their

own bubble. And it makes me feel alone. It makes me feel like a child.”

With Urman’s assurances, Bates sealed the deal to star in the reimagining

of the 1980s Andy Griffith drama as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a lawyer in

her 70s who infiltrates a prestigious law firm to expose wrongdoing.

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Andy Griffith's legendary defense attorney Ben Matlock might enjoy a nice hot dog, but Griffith himself had somewhat different dietary preferences while filming "Matlock." On occasion, the actor was even known to tap into his character's more curmudgeonly tendencies because of his favorite treat -- or rather, a sudden lack thereof.

According to Daniel de Visé's biography of Griffith and his "The Andy Griffith Show" co-star Don Knotts, "Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show," the "Matlock" actor was rather fond of peanut butter. Unfortunately, the book also revealed that the tasty paste could also be a major source of stress. Griffith liked to snack on peanut butter and apples on the set, and the show's crew made sure he had some available. However, "Matlock" producer Dean Hargrove told the author...

Happy Days may not have been the first TV experiment in nostalgia.

But co-creators Michael Eisner and Tom Miller definitely knew they were taking a risk when they pitched the show to Paramount.

Not surprisingly, the concept didn’t fare well with execs, and the studio passed.

(ABC/Screenshot)

The market research department said a coming-of-age sitcom about the idealism and innocence of 1950s youth would never work in the trippy 1970s.

But over time, with a little push from George Lucas, Happy Days made history as one of the most significant nostalgia-based shows of all time.

And ever since Fonz and Richie Cunningham showed us how to laugh at our childhood, TV audiences have had a love affair with nostalgic TV shows.

Many new TV shows also followed the Happy Days formula, whether it was The Wonder Years, set in the late 1960s while airing in the late 1980s,...

Bad news, Matlock fans the new hit CBS series isn't on tonight, Thursday, November 21. So, viewers will have to wait a little bit longer to see what happens next in the legal drama TV show based on the 1986 series of the same name. The show has been a massive success for the network, as the Matlock reboot set a major CBS premiere record and has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score (100 percent). Consequently, taking a quick hiatus during the holidays likely won't affect Matlock's ratings as season 1 continues.

Less than a week following the release of Matlock season 1, episode 2, "Rome, in a Day," CBS renewed the TV series for a second season. The show's impressive ratings, which were retained with episode 2, undoubtedly had a hand in its swift renewal.

The Matlock reboot gender flips the original series, with Kathy Bates taking over from Andy Griffith as the eponymous character almost 30 years after the first show ended.

Kathy Bates stars in the new reboot of Matlock on CBS, which has been such a success that it is already returning for a second season.

As Monsters and Critics have reported, the new Matlock show is a bit different from the original with Andy Griffith, and those differences are exciting to see.

Kathy Bates stars as lawyer Madeline Matlock, much like the original Ben Matlock, but her character is shrouded in mystery.

Kathy’s reasons for working in a specific law firm stem from good intentions revealed at the end of Season 1, Episode 1, and explained in the next few episodes.

Just as fans dig in to see what happens next, CBS has pulled Matlock from airing new episodes this week and next.

Fans cannot immediately see the next new episode of Matlock: Belly of the Beast, Season 1, Episode 7, but the wait will only build up anticipation for the following exciting developments.

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1, episode 6, "Sixteen Steps"

Matlock is having a massive run in its freshman season, but episode 6 highlights the greatest threat to her secret plan for revenge. Madeline Matlock is actually Madeline Kingston in the remake of the 1980s procedural classic Andy Griffith's Matlock. Kathy Bates' character has a covert plan to infiltrate Jacobson Moore, a prestigious law firm in New York City that she plans to hold accountable for the death of her daughter, Ellie. Madeline's plan is firing on all cylinders. However, something is quietly slowing her down episode after episode, and it has been the Matlock story's greatest challenge.

In Matlock episode 6, Madeline assists Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) on a case with Julian (Jason Ritter). The Matlock characters are retrying a contaminated baby formula lawsuit, which they lost the first time. "Sixteen Steps" reveals the lawsuit caused tension between Olympia and Julian,...

It’s ironic that a show about a woman trying to get revenge for her daughter’s opioid overdose death is so addicting, but here we are.

Kathy Bates’ Matlock is one of the 2024 season’s most popular new shows, and with good reason. People love her undercover mission, raw talent, and the twists in every episode.

If you love this show, there are a number of other legal series you have to check out, going all the way back to the late 1980s.

The Original Matlock (1986 – 1995) (NBC/Screenshot)

The original Matlock is very different from Kathy Bates’ version, but if you haven’t seen the ’80s version in a while, you’ll probably enjoy it more now that you can compare it with our Matlock.

Andy Griffith’s Matlock could arguably be seen as a reboot of Perry Mason, or at least based on it. Like the legendary Raymond Burr character,...

Kathy Bates is making a massive comeback with her career in her latest role as Madeline Matlock in the new show Matlock.

The new series is a fan favorite and was renewed for Season 2 after just two episodes. Although Kathy was scared at first, she is coming into her own with the role.

Kathy shared that this would be her last role, and she was ready to retire before being offered this new role with a twist. She seems to love the acting, and hopefully, the show will last for years.

The original Matlock featured Andy Griffith as an older lawyer who solves cases each week while dispensing wisdom to everyone, so there are some differences, as Monsters and Critics has reported.

Still, the new show’s surprising twist, revealed at the end of the first episode, explains why Madeline Matlock is trying so hard to get a job at...

Matlock is bringing back a popular character while also confirming the episode count for the CBS drama!

By now, many know the truth about CBS’ reboot of Matlock as the network is detailing it in promos. At first, the show looked to be a spin on the 1980s NBC series starring Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a defense attorney whose age hid his sharp mind and skills in exonerating clients.

The new CBS series stars Oscar winner Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who jokes about having the same name as the show. A retiree, Matty returns to the law firm of Jacobson Moore, claiming she needs work as her terrible husband died and she has to raise her grandson. She proves herself capable of using her wiles and people not noticing her to get information and lands a job at the firm.

However, the first episode reveals the truth: Matty is Madeline Kingston,...

American actor Tony Todd, known for his terrifying performance as the hook-handed, fur coat-donning ghost in the “Candyman” horror franchise, as well as his work on “Star Trek: The New Generation” and “Deep Space Nine,” passed away at his home in Marina Del Rey, California on Wednesday, November 6. He was 69.

The news was confirmed by Deadline and Variety and later confirmed by IndieWire. No cause of death has been revealed.

Todd was born in Washington D.C. on December 4, 1954. He grew up in Hartford, Connecticut and was an alumnus of the Artists Collective, Inc. formed there to promote the art and culture of the African diaspora. He attended college at the University of Connecticut, then went on to study theater at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute in Waterford and later the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.

In his over 40-year career, Todd would work with the likes of Oliver Stone,...

Warning! This article discusses drug use.

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1, episode 5, "Claws"Kathy Bates' Madeline "Matty" Matlock character is out for revenge, but Matlock episode 5 puts introduces a new hurdle in her plans. Bates' new show is inspired by the original Andy Griffith Matlock series, one of the best procedural TV shows ever. While Griffith's series is hard to top, Bates has rivaled its predecessor and made it look easy. Matlock is one the most popular series of the new TV cycle, garnering renewal for Matlock season 2 after just a handful of episodes.

Since its opening episode drew an audience of 7.7 million viewers, Matlock season 1 has maintained its 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Part of the reason that Kathy Bates' Matlock is so successful is the series' underlying twist: Bates' Madeline Matlock character is a disguise for Madeline Kingston, a wealthy septuagenarian and retired lawyer who is infiltrating a prestigious law firm,...

We probably don’t need to tell you that these are tense times in America.

After a decade of simmering tensions that some have described as a “cold civil war,” we now face what promises to be an ultra-dramatic conclusion to a historically bonkers election season.

How did we get to this point? Can we ever rebuild what we’ve lost? And if so, how do we keep it from falling apart again?

(Copyright 2017, FX Networks. All rights reserved.)

These are profound and important questions — and we’re not even gonna attempt to answer them here.

What we will do, however, is explore a familiar patch of common ground in an effort to remind our fellow Americans of what still unites us.

We’re talking, of course, about the wonderful world of television.

Yes, TV — the most American of all mediums.

Obviously, it exists in every country on the planet,...

Kathy Bates thought that her career would be coming to an early end, but Matlock changed everything. The show serves as a reboot of the 1986 hit, though the characters in-universe are aware of the original show's existence. Inspired by the original Matlock, Bates' Madeline Kingston is inspired to return to law under an alias. She spends much of the show shielding her true identity from her coworkers. Thanks to high viewership, Matlock season 2 has already been approved, despite the fact that season 1 has not even finished.

In an interview with Newsweek, Bates opened up about her emotional response to the renewal. After 55 years as an actor, she thought that her career was drifting to an unwelcome end, but the near-universal acclaim set the show apart and motivated her. She believed that she would slip into the realm of invisibility, but this very production saved her from that sense of uncertainty and powerlessness.

It’s been almost 60 years since Ron Howard last played that lovable scamp Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show,” but the Oscar-winning filmmaker still carries the hit television show in his heart to this day. In announcing his TCM Picks for November, Howard began by honoring his TV father, the late Andy Griffith, with the selection of Elia Kazan’s 1957 satire, “A Face in the Crowd.”

“It’s significance has grown tremendously over the decades, both as a distinct piece of cinema and an increasingly relevant social commentary,” Howard said in the video below. “Most personal to me is Andy Griffith’s performance as the central figure, Lonesome Rhodes, an easygoing folk singer who’s transformed by a media producer into a populist figure who’s changing the face of politics.”

Howard goes on to explain how Griffith was the second choice behind Kazan’s regular leading man Marlon Brando,...

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1, episode 4, "The Rabbit and the Hawk"

Kathy Bates' Madeline Kingston has a secret plan in Matlock, and a tragedy in episode 4 brings the septuagenarian one step closer to completing it. The hit CBS series was sold as a legal procedural reboot of Andy Griffith's Matlock show, one of the best procedural TV shows ever. However, Matlock isn't exactly that The skilled lawyer is on a covert mission to infiltrate the prestigious Jacobson Moore law firm and prosecute whoever hid legal documents that could have saved her daughter's life.

The heart of Madeline's plan is one of the reasons that Kathy Bates' Matlock show is so successful. The first step in Madeline's covert plan was to gain Olympia's (Skye P. Marshall) trust because she needed her boss' information to access sensitive intel. After winning over Olympia in episode 2, Madeline's covert case took an...

These days, fans are familiar with seeing reboots of successful old series. Even shows that fans hold sacred have been plucked from the dusty shadows to see new life.

The Matlock approach turned out to be a very different way of handling a series that has been done before — a show that we might file under legendary status.

Understandably, most fans were skeptical, maybe even protective, when they heard the news that CBS was rebooting a classic.

(Courtesy of CBS Studios)

Is nothing sacred?

In the last decade, we’ve seen more reboots, spinoffs, and book-to-film adaptations than unique original works. Where did the creativity go?

Most reboots don’t fare well. Look at Magnum, P.I., Hawaii Five-o, Saved by the Bell, and the similarly mystery-themed Perry Mason.

Where Did the Monsters Go? How Serialized TV Killed the Monster of the Weekby Lisa Babick Bring Back the Grit: Why...

Some unsurprising news about Matlock's future also sets up its biggest story challenge. The Kathy Bates-led quasi-reboot of the classic Andy Griffith cozy mystery series is already one of CBS' most successful shows of the fall 2024 season. The pilot episode of Matlock season 1 scored an impressive 7.74 million viewers and the series did not lose any momentum despite a month-long hiatus before it settled on its official Thursday timeslot. There are several reasons why Matlock is so successful, but one of the strongest is the way it differs from the show that inspired it.

In the final minutes of Matlock's premiere episode, it was revealed that Madeline's last name isn't really Matlock and that she named herself after the Andy Griffith character to infiltrate a law firm that hid documents related to the opioid crisis to get revenge for her daughter's death from the drugs. This Matlock plot twist...

Spoilers ahead for Matlock season 1.

Kathy Bates' Matlock series is a massive hit, and the show has a secret recipe for success. Just two episodes into Matlock season 1, the legal procedural series is the first TV show of the 2024-2025 cycle to garner renewal for the next season. The series debuted with a sneak peek ahead of CBS premiere week, amassing 7.7 million viewers. In five years, the Matlock pilot had the highest ratings for a non-Superbowl premiere after Matlock received a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Jennie Snyder Urman's Matlock put a fresh spin on the original series, one of the greatest procedural TV shows ever. In light of Matlock's brilliant and refreshing plot twist, revealing Bates as Madeline Kingston, the Misery actor's show has the chops to compete with its predecessor. That said, many elements of the Matlock reboot make the procedural fresh and exciting, creating arguably the best...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Matlock episode 3, "A Guy Named Greg."

Matlock episode 3 introduces a fascinating new character who complicates Madeline Kingston's secret plan for revenge. Kathy Bates stars in Matlock, inspired by Andy Griffith's original courtroom drama, one of the best procedural TV shows ever. Bates' show has shown it can compete with its predecessor in the first few episodes: Matlock season 1 has a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes just two episodes into its run. The CBS series is full of twists that rival those Griffith was able to achieve with his unassuming, folksy demeanor, which Bates pulls off excellently.

Bates' success in reviving the classic character in a modern setting has not gone unnoticed. After just two episodes, Matlock was the first CBS series renewed for the next TV cycle. Matlock season 2 will give Bates space to develop the Madeline Matlock persona, which she will likely maintain...

CBS' unorthodox reboot of Matlock has charmed in its first season thus far, and the Kathy Bates-led legal procedural has earned a season 2 renewal. Based on the 1980s series of the same name, the modern reboot follows a septuagenarian lawyer named Matty Matlock (Bates) who returns to the world of law and uses her unassuming status to get to the bottom of her cases. Though the series features the same procedural structure as its predecessor, it has the added wrinkle of exploring Matty's mysterious backstory that involves a case from her past.

Though reboots of classic shows are nothing new the new Matlock is a truly original take because it adds an unprecedented wrinkle. In the Kathy Bates version, Andy Griffith's '80s Matlock exists in-universe as a TV show, and it's only a coincidence that the lead characters share a name. This frees the reboot from the original's canon,...

Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock”. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hey, if CBS can remake The Equalizer and recast the lead as a female, why not reboot Matlock with Kathy Bates as the title character? That’s exactly what they’ve done, with Bates taking on the role of lawyer “Matty Matlock,” who, like the original Andy Griffith character, has a knack for solving legal mysteries with flair and panache. Without giving too much of the premise away, however, there’s more to Bates’s character than meets the eye, and she’s putting on performances for everyone around her, whether it’s the partners she’s working with or the suspects and witnesses she’s grilling in her quest to solve the case. Cloaked in those performances is a lot of deception, and it would be difficult for a lot of actors to keep their stories straight.

Matlock is back on the air, but it isn’t the one your grandmother used to watch; oh no, this is an all-new show, and fans love it.

While this new Matlock is two episodes into Season 1, some great news about the show was released.

Matlock, or Matlock 2024, as some have called it to distance it from the original starring Andy Griffith, does share some similarities with its namesake.

As Monsters and Critics reported, both shows used a lawyer as their main character. Andy Griffith originally played Ben Matlock, but Kathy Bates now stars as Madeline Matlock in the new show.

The similarities start to wane there since Kathy Bates is a lawyer and so much more, as viewers learn she hides a secret revealed at the end of the first episode.

Incredible news dropped that, after only two episodes, Matlock will return for Season 2, and Kathy Bates was...

Matlock has become the first 2024-25 show to score a renewal, so what does this mean for Season 2 of the CBS drama?

Caution: This article contains Spoilers for the first two episodes of Matlock. 

When CBS announced Matlock in 2023, it seemed to be a classic case of a reboot of an old TV show. The original Matlock aired on NBC from 1986 to 1992 and on ABC for three more seasons. It starred Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, an attorney who used his age and charm to exonerate his clients in murder cases. 

The new take begins with Oscar-winner Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, an aged attorney, joining the firm of Jacobson & Moore. Matty openly notes how her name is like the TV show and quickly proves how folks underestimating her helps her gain information to land a job. She also talked of her late husband and distant grandson.

However, the...

Kathy Bates' hit CBS legal drama Matlock has become the network's first show to receive a renewal for next season. The series, which is a gender-flipped re-imagining of the successful Andy Griffith show of the same name, debuted on September 22 on CBS and was watched by 7.74 million viewers. The series sees Bates in the role of Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a brilliant but aging former lawyer who rejoins a prestigious law firm and uses her unconventional approach to win cases.

The positive reception of the show has not gone unnoticed - with its second episode attracting 6.38 million viewers - and, per Deadline, CBS has made the decision to greenlight a season 2 already. Matlock set a CBS record when it posted the biggest audience for a non-post-Super Bowl series premiere since The Code in 2019, and hopes are high for the 18-episode first season. CBS President of Entertainment Amy Reisenbach praised the show and its clever plot twist,...

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Keri Russell is a brilliant actress who has wowed everyone by using her acting chops for more than 30 years. Russell made her acting debut with a Disney series The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. Since then she has been a part of many brilliant movies and shows including both indies and blockbusters. So, if you also love Russell’s performances here are the best movies and shows starring Keri Russell you should check out.

10. Antlers (Paramount+ & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Searchlight Pictures

Antlers is a supernatural horror film directed by Scott Cooper who also co-wrote the screenplay with C. Henry Chaisson and Nick Antosca. Based on the short story The Quiet Boy by Antosca, the 2021 film follows the story of a teacher and her brother, a sheriff discovers that one of her students is harboring a dangerous secret...

That was fast! Matlock has been renewed for Season 2 at CBS, making it the first new show of the Fall 2024 season to be guaranteed another go and the first broadcast network renewal of the season overall. Matlock Season 2 will premiere in 2025, CBS announced on Tuesday, October 22. The renewal comes just before Matlock Season 1 Episode 3 airs this Thursday, October 24 at 9/8c. Matlock stars Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her younger years and decides to rejoin the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases all while investigating a deeply personal secret of her own. It’s a reimagined version of the classic Andy Griffith series of the same name. Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Beau Bridges, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis, and Sam Anderson also star. The procedural...

Kathy Bates will be returning to “Matlock.” CBS renewed the drama starring the legendary actor for a second season after airing only two episodes.

It’s not surprising that CBS would be eager to renew this particular series. The gender-swapped revival of the classic drama starring Andy Griffith debuted a sneak peek in September. That first episode was CBS’ best non-Super Bowl premiere in over five years, securing 7.7 million viewers. The audience grew to 10.67 million viewers within three days of multiplatform viewing. In addition to being widely watched, the series has also proven to be a critical success and currently holds a coveted “Certified Fresh” 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“This re-conceived ‘Matlock’ was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates,” Amy Reisenbach,...

“Matlock” has scored an early Season 2 renewal at CBS, Variety has learned.

The news comes just ahead of the series airing its third episode at the broadcast network. Kathy Bates stars in the series, which serves as a reimagined version of the series of the same name starring Andy Griffith. Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis also star.

“This reconceived ‘Matlock’ was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The audience reception and critical acclaim for it has been overwhelming. We can’t wait to get started on a second season.”

“Matlock” has proven popular with critics and audiences since its launch on Sept. 22. The series currently has a 100% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

CBS has delivered a swift, and positive, verdict on its first-year drama Matlock.

The network has ordered a second season of the series after just two episodes have aired. The legal drama, which stars Kathy Bates in a reimagining of the Andy Griffith-led 1980s-90s staple, has performed strongly in those two episodes. The Sept. 22 premiere, which followed an NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes, drew 7.73 million same-day viewers, CBS’ best series debut in more than five years; that figure grew to 10.67 million with three days of cross-platform viewing.

After several weeks off, Matlock’s second episode on Oct. 17 (airing in its regular Thursday home) brought in 6.38 million viewers, 44 percent more than the same-day average for its time period last season.

“This reconceived Matlock was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode...