Matlock
Everything you need to know about Matlock
In this semi-reboot of the classic crime procedural, Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Kingston, a whip-smart lawyer who, now in her 70s, decides to rejoin the workforce to seek justice for her daughter, Ellie, who died after becoming addicted to opioids.
Landing a job at the prestigious law firm she believes buried evidence that could have saved daughter Ellie, Madeline rebrands herself as ‘Matty’ Matlock, a needy widow who is often underestimated due to her age and naturally calm demeanour.
In a bid to gain the trust of those at her firm, she joins in on helping with their cases, slowly infiltrating the team in order to find the information she needs to finally get to the truth.
However, Matty is one hell of a lawyer, who knows just what it takes to win cases, and she quickly finds herself bonding with her younger, and at times highly ambitious, associates.
As she puts it, being an older woman is useful, “because no one sees her coming”.
Season one debuted in September 2024, earning rave reviews and a 95% Rotten Tomatoes critics score.
Season two debuted in the US in October 2025 – and is now heading to the UK exclusively on Sky Witness and NOW on January 7th, 2026.
What other shows is Matlock connected to?
Matlock is loosely connected to its predecessor, also named Matlock.
The original Matlock starred Andy Griffith in the leading role, and ran for nine seasons and 194 episodes from 1986 to 1995.
Another ‘case of the week’ procedural, the Matlock character was often underestimated but won people over with his southern charm and incredible skills.
He could sometimes come across as a bit brusque in his quest for justice.
In the new Matlock, the original TV series exists, with Madeline opting to take on the name in honour of her daughter, who loved the show.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Kathy Bates explained: “Andy Griffith's iconic show from the '80s — it is an episodic. Our show does have a case every week, but there's also a serial aspect to it — a thread that goes through all of the episodes.
“When I saw that it was about something really current and important to talk about and to see, that appealed to me."
Who stars in Matlock?
The legendary Kathy Bates leads the cast as Madeline ‘Matty’ Matlock.
She has been nominated for four Academy Awards during her career, winning one for her iconic performance of Annie Wilkes in 1991 Stephen King horror, Misery.
Other credits include American Horror Story, Titanic, Harry’s Law, The Office, The Blind Side and Six Feet Under.
Joining her in the cast is:
Skye P. Marshall (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Black Lightning) as Olympia
Jason Ritter (A Million Little Things, Raising Dion) as Julian
Leah Lewis (Nancy Drew, Elemental) as Sarah
Eme Ikwuakor (Inhumans, On My Block) as Elijah
Beau Bridges (Masters Of Sex, Homeland) as Howard ‘Senior’
Newcomer Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston
Sam Anderson (Painkiller, Forrest Gump) as Edwin Kingston
Patricia Belcher (Villains of Valley View, AP Bio) as Mrs. B
Yael Grobglas (Jane The Virgin, The Island) as Shae Banfield
Piper Curda (I Didn’t Do It, May Decembers) as Kira Yu
Andrea Londo (The Winchesters, Narcos) as Simone
David Del Rio (Maggie, The Baker and The Beauty) starred as Billy in season one, but is no longer a part of the cast.
How successful has Matlock been and what awards has it won?
Matlock season one proved to be a huge hit upon its initial US release on network CBS, and it was reflected in awards season, which is relatively unique for crime procedurals.
Bates won a Critics Choice award and a Satellite Award for her portrayal of Matlock, also being nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
Skye P Marshall was also nominated for a Critics Choice Award, with the team getting three nominations at the Gothams for Breakthrough Drama Series, Outstanding Lead (for Bates) and Outstanding Supporting Performance for Marshall.
How to watch Matlock in the UK
Matlock season one is available to watch in full now on Sky Witness and NOW.
Season two starts January 7th, 2026 at 9pm and airs weekly.
It will also be available to stream on Sky Witness, NOW and Sky Go.
