Kathy Bates is Matlock: Everything to know about the new CBS procedural

The long awaited premiere of Matlock, starring Kathy Bates in the titular role, is almost here! The new CBS procedural was delayed due to the Hollywood strikes back in 2023 but now it has finally slid into the line-up. Bates has referred to her series as "not your grandfather's Matlock" which has left us intrigued on just how the show will walk a different path from its predecessor.

We got our first look at the program via its trailer which showcases Bates at her finest as she embodies Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a lawyer re-entering the field after decades of not practicing law. She lands a job at a prestigious law firm much to the chagrin of Olympia, a senior attorney with a thirst for justice who's described as a "rainmaker." Also unhappy about the turn of events is Sarah, an ambitious young associate who has been partnered with Matty along with the charismatic Billy, a fellow associate.

Based on the synopsis, it seems Julian--the son of the firm's head and Olympia's ex-husband--is likely the one who secures Matty the job. He finds her cleverness and skillset to be intriguing and it's no wonder. Matty successfully got herself up to the firm when she didn't have clearance and shared privileged information that allowed the firm to rake in more money. She did this all by letting people's perception of her lower their guard. While Matty is a sweet, older Southern woman that doesn't preclude her from being discerning, curious, cunning, and incredibly intelligent. Underestimating her is a mistake.

Matlock premiere date

Matlock will be the first CBS scripted drama to premiere for the network's 2024 Fall TV slate. It'll air on a special night and time. You'll want to be seated or have your DVR ready for Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. ET. The first episode will air after 60 Minutes' return.

Due to this being a special airing, the series won't slide into its regular Thursday time slot until Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. when the premiere will air again. Episode 2 isn't set to debut until Oct. 17. Next day streaming will be available on Paramount+.

Cast

• Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock
• Skye P. Marshall as Olympia
• Jason Ritter as Julian
• David Del Rio as Billy
• Leah Lewis as Sarah

Kathy Bates teases what to expect from Matlock

As Hidden Remote previously reported, Bates sat down with Elsbeth star Carrie Preston to talk about their respective shows. During their conversation, the actress shared that Matlock is a series centered on woman and particularly her character's ability to effectively communicate. She's able to converse and meet people where they are to get the information she needs whether it be for case work or her own benefit.

Bates also teased that Matty and Olympia don't quite get on at first. Given how our heroine joins the law firm that's to be expected but there is a mutual respect the two women begin to cultivate as the season progresses. Presumably, the same will be true for Matty and the young associates. In the footage that's been released for the show, Sarah has more than one quip about Matty's age and the expectations she had about learning from a senior partner not someone who hasn't practiced law since the '90s.

However, we do see Sarah and Billy being impressed by the way Matty can either manipulate people into giving her what she wants or speak with folks that have particular modes of conversing that may seem confusing or abrasive to others.

The most intriguing tidbit Bates shared was that Matlock is certainly a case of the week procedural but it's much more than that as well. There is an overarching mystery in its freshman run and we will see callbacks to things we've learned over the season. The actress is most excited for viewers to watch the pilot because that's what hooked her and why she signed on for the show.

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