CBS gave a swift and positive verdict to its first year drama Matlock.
The network ordered a second season of the series after just two episodes aired. The Kathy Bates-starring courtroom drama, a reimagining of the 1980s-90s classic starring Andy Griffith, performed well in these two episodes. The September 22 premiere, which followed an NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes, drew 7.73 million viewers on the same day, making it CBS’ highest series debut in more than five years. This number increased to 10.67 million people in three-day cross-platform viewing.
After a few weeks off, the second episode of Matlock on October 17 (regular airing on Thursdays) brought in 6.38 million viewers, 44% higher than last season’s same-day average for the same time slot.
“This re-imagined Matlock was conceived by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates… From the moment we saw it, we knew we had something special,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. statement. “The audience reception and critical acclaim has been overwhelming. We can’t wait for the second season to begin.”
Matlock was developed for the 2023-24 season and received a series order in May 2023. After last year’s labor strike forced most scripted shows to premiere in the winter or spring, CBS opted to put the series on hold until 2024-25. The current season includes 18 episodes.
Bates told The Hollywood Reporter that he had been considering “semi-retirement” before reading Matlock’s script, who plays the title character, a lawyer who has been out of practice for decades before landing a job at a major New York firm. He said he jumped at the chance. (while harboring a secret that is at the heart of the series premiere’s plot twist).
“It’s a miracle. We all keep pinching ourselves,” Bates said. “The crew loves it. The actors love it. I know everyone says that when promoting the show, but this is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. All of this is really unbelievable, especially at my age.”
Besides Bates, the show’s cast includes Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis. Beau Bridges, Sam Anderson, Emme Ikwako, and Aaron D. Harris have recurring roles.
CBS Studios will produce Matlock. Urman (Jane the Virgin) developed and executive produced the series alongside Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Kat Coiro, and Bates.
