Kathy Bates teases Matlock will be a procedural with a twist

Matlock is a highly anticipated release for CBS. The procedural, which premieres on Sunday, Sept. 22 before settling into its regular Thursday slot on Oct. 10, stars Kathy Bates into the titular role. The actress has said that "This isn't your grandfather's Matlock" in a tongue-and-cheek acknowledgement that the series isn't a retread of the beloved Andy Griffith program. The CBS drama even makes reference to the TV show as a wink to the legacy it's stepping into.

But Bates' Madeline "Matty" Matlock isn't a popular attorney, she's actually getting back in the game after leaving it in the '90s. That makes our heroine an underdog who is already being discounted because of her age. She, however, is going to prove her worth by using people's assumptions about her against them. While speaking to Carrie Preston, in a social media play by the network dubbed "Conversations Between Stars," Bates teased that we can expect the procedural to come with a twist.

"There's all of this other stuff going on, all of these layers that I really can't talk about. I can say that this is a procedural but that it has an overarching mystery that's going on and a kind of mission that's happening. I really want people to see the pilot and be excited because that's what really knocked my socks off when I read it. I thought 'Wow, okay. This is not just about a case being solved every week. It's a whole 'nother layer and that's what I admire so much about the writing. It's all intricately put together. Things echoing back to one another."

The inclusion of a mystery makes for an intriguing addition to Matlock and it sounds like the ball will get rolling on that storyline in the premiere episode. Perhaps we'll learn why Matty has decided to brush off her law skills and relaunch her career. In the show's synopsis, she's touted as a "brilliant septuagenarian" who had a successful run when she was younger but it doesn't disclose what prompts her return to the field.

What we know so far about the series is that Matty uses her age to her advantange. It's how she lands the job at the law firm. Because she's considered to be unassuming, she's able to listen in on conversations or persuade people out of information they wouldn't normally divulge if they thought they were talking to anyone other than who they believe is just a sweet, old Southern woman. Their inability to see her as a shark in the water is what leads to their downfall or her benefit depending on the situation.

Matlock also stars Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, a senior attorney who's described as a "key rainmaker with a thirst for justice." Bates shared that their characters don't quite hit it off, but there's a respect there that continues to grow throughout the season. Olympia's ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter) finds Matty to be interesting particularly because of her skillset and cleverness, his opinion goes a long way since he's the son of the head of the firm.

Working closely with Bates are David Del Rio and Leah Lewis. They play Billy and Sarah, the firm's young associates who are learning from Matty. Sarah is super ambitious and comments about being partnered with Matty instead of a senior partner. Meanwhile, Billy is charismatic and potentially a bit more laid back about the situation.

We'll keep you posted as news comes in about Matlock. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote and follow us on X!