Follows Madeline Matlock as she rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing.Follows Madeline Matlock as she rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing.Follows Madeline Matlock as she rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 6 wins & 15 nominations total
Browse episodes
Summary
Reviewers say 'Matlock' receives mixed feedback, highlighting Kathy Bates' strong performance and the compelling premise. Criticisms include disconnect from the original series, weak writing, and unrealistic plots. Some viewers find characters and storylines unengaging, while others enjoy the fresh approach and clever twists. The show's treatment of social issues and diversity sparks debate, with opinions varying on its effectiveness and authenticity. Overall, 'Matlock' is viewed as an uneven reboot, benefiting from Bates' talent but hindered by inconsistent writing.
Featured reviews
Well, I did enjoy the first episode of Matlock. Of course, any material Kathy Bates touches is going to get a lift. I think she had good chemistry with the rest of the cast. Again, maybe thats what you get with an acting legend. And we love Beau Bridges who made a cameo like appearance. What an ACE in the hole CBS has there. Then, along comes Sam Anderson whos talent and charisma brings something special to every character he plays. If the stories and writing can keep up with the talent pool this series has, and the director can give a little guidance to the younger cast, I think CBS is going to have a hit on its hands.
I found episode 1 and stream watched it. It was brilliant. When do we get to see the rest? We need a good series that is suspenseful and entertaining. And this will do it for me.
The storyline so far is end of your seat entertaining. The streetwise Matlock has all the makings of a grandmother that you want to keep an eye over and then she surprises you with her streetwise, years of experience of reading people and knowing how to manipulate a situation to meet her end goal.
I have been waiting for this series since it was announced. Kathy Bates is a brilliant actress and the rest of the cast is not bad either.
My women on the street who loves a good thriller opinion.
Please release the rest of the series.
The storyline so far is end of your seat entertaining. The streetwise Matlock has all the makings of a grandmother that you want to keep an eye over and then she surprises you with her streetwise, years of experience of reading people and knowing how to manipulate a situation to meet her end goal.
I have been waiting for this series since it was announced. Kathy Bates is a brilliant actress and the rest of the cast is not bad either.
My women on the street who loves a good thriller opinion.
Please release the rest of the series.
As soon as I saw Kathy Bates was going to star in a reboot of Matlock, I texted my mother asking her if this was something we would be watching together. We live in different states, but occasionally watch shows together. And I thought this would be an excellent choice. I love the idea of an older woman returning to the world of work. Especially a woman in her 70s!
Let me be clear. I am not a fan of legal shows, and while I'm sure at 54 years old before DVRS when we were at times captive audiences of shows we'd rather not watch, I've unintentionally, accidentally watched an episode or two of the original Matlock. But I definitely was not a fan of the show. That being said, I jumped right in--because everything I've watched with Kathy Bates, *Misery*, *Primary Colors*, *Dolores Claiborne*, etc., etc., etc., has been excellent. So I trusted that *Matlock* would be stellar as well-or Kathy Bates would not be involved.
I watched the pilot and loved the whole thing. Since I did not watch the original *Matlock*, I had nothing to compare it to. I have watched law shows and police procedurals that went so fast and were so complicated I got lost. But *Matlock* is easy breezy, and I was right with all of the twists and turns. Thankfully, none of the characters are annoying or extremely unlikable. As other reviewers said, there is a surprise at the end that we can't talk about, but clues were dropped all along.
If I had to compare the show to another show, I'd say it's like *Columbo*. There are times when "Mattie" struggles with the changing times, she has not practiced law in many years, and then there are times when she seems to be bumbling-so the person can walk right into a trap. It's like Mattie said, "Nobody sees us coming..." YASS the super power of the older woman!
Let me be clear. I am not a fan of legal shows, and while I'm sure at 54 years old before DVRS when we were at times captive audiences of shows we'd rather not watch, I've unintentionally, accidentally watched an episode or two of the original Matlock. But I definitely was not a fan of the show. That being said, I jumped right in--because everything I've watched with Kathy Bates, *Misery*, *Primary Colors*, *Dolores Claiborne*, etc., etc., etc., has been excellent. So I trusted that *Matlock* would be stellar as well-or Kathy Bates would not be involved.
I watched the pilot and loved the whole thing. Since I did not watch the original *Matlock*, I had nothing to compare it to. I have watched law shows and police procedurals that went so fast and were so complicated I got lost. But *Matlock* is easy breezy, and I was right with all of the twists and turns. Thankfully, none of the characters are annoying or extremely unlikable. As other reviewers said, there is a surprise at the end that we can't talk about, but clues were dropped all along.
If I had to compare the show to another show, I'd say it's like *Columbo*. There are times when "Mattie" struggles with the changing times, she has not practiced law in many years, and then there are times when she seems to be bumbling-so the person can walk right into a trap. It's like Mattie said, "Nobody sees us coming..." YASS the super power of the older woman!
I really want to like this show but it really needs more meat to it. I would say first problem is the writing. The weekly episode is glossed over and not very deep just so they can spend the final moments reminding the audience the reason for the whole deception to begin with. Second is the direction of the other two females. Their characters come off as cartoonish. Always loud and high strung and lacking any real emotion. This isn't against the actress themselves but I am assuming this is the direction they are given. Some of the sets seem exactly that ..sets. The lighting is flat. Overall not a very rich feel to it. I tune in each week for one reason and one reason only but I don't know if I can keep it up. I think Kathy Bates deserves better than this.
It's pure entertainment. Finally. Good stories Good dialogue. Great to see Kathy bates and Beau bridges in better than Ever form I hope the series continue for sometime. It might bring back network watching.
The cleverness of Matlock perceiving personalities and possibilities really drives the story forward and keeps the viewer engaged. I'm looking forward to next episodes.
Beau Bridges, as head of the law family firm is a good guy, but tough as nails when it comes to winning every case. The new "kids" in the firm add just the right touch of the present generation trying to show their stuff while getting into the big time.
The cleverness of Matlock perceiving personalities and possibilities really drives the story forward and keeps the viewer engaged. I'm looking forward to next episodes.
Beau Bridges, as head of the law family firm is a good guy, but tough as nails when it comes to winning every case. The new "kids" in the firm add just the right touch of the present generation trying to show their stuff while getting into the big time.
The 77th Emmys Acting Nominees in Character
The 77th Emmys Acting Nominees in Character
Check out our gallery of the nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories.
Did you know
- TriviaKathy Bates has said " At my age, I didn't know that I would have an opportunity to do something like this, and I sort of had one foot out the door because I've played a lot of supporting roles over the years."
- GoofsThe previous claim that there are factual errors was posted too soon. All of the asserted "factual errors" are not errors. They are explained in episode 17; thereby making the assertion erroneous .
For Madeline to be hired by a New York law firm, they would have had to have checked her law license status through one of three official mechanisms, each of which is carefully managed by the state. This would have verified identity, address, current license status, disciplinary actions, etc.
- ConnectionsFeatured in CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley: Episode #47.29 (2025)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Метлок
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content