User reviews

This is a charming and interesting take on a legal series. Casting of Kathy Bates and Beau Bridges is classic CBS, and while this doesn't ask much of you, it's a fun and easy watch. Yes, there's a twist at the end, which will give the series some sorely needed depth.

Kathy Bates plays the titular character, Matlock, a post-midlife lawyer who hasn't practiced since 1991. She boldly maneuvers her way into a trial period with a law firm, and set out to make herself useful in order to gain employment. Obviously, everyone doubts her abilities and thinks she's too old, and she seeks to prove them wrong.

I was looking to try a Kathy Bates program with a largely overly sentimental but I discovered I was wrong. It took until the last ten minutes to know what this wonderful show was about under the surface. I hope it last well beyond Mattie getting the information she is looking for. Many new faces and some old favorites in different style roles. I'm sorry that this initial showing is a one off but I'm glad not all the good new stuff is on Sunday CBS during football season. I will be looking forward to more episodes on Thursday nights. I'm just glad that it's not on opposite my 911. Kathy Bates deserves to make the full ten episode run no matter what. I look forward to the final resolution of Mattys background espionage.

If you are thinking you are going to watch a retread of the old Matlock series, you are in for a big surprise. My The writing is on point and you will not see the twist that happens at the end of the first episode coming; as always, it is hard to take your eyes off Kathy Bates- she commands the screen as few actresses have ever been able. Give it an hour, just one hour. I have to imagine that the second episode takes a hard right in have a very different direction. I was skeptical when I first heard about the show. I was so glad I was bored on a Saturday night and decided to watch the the premier of the show. And come on now, it's got Beau Bridges. We can go home when he's part of the cast.

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.

I'm not sure what the detractors saw but I just watched the pilot "sneak peek" and thoroughly enjoyed it. As Kathy Bates requested the ending be kept secret, I won't go into any details. Perhaps my age (78) is one reason I enjoyed it so much, just as I really enjoyed the original "Matlock" with Andy Griffith. "Maddy Matlock" is a very interesting character-an elderly lady-former practicing attorney (25+ years ago) whose late husband cheated on her and left her with lots of debt, who is raising her surly grandson as her daughter died due to drug addiction. She desperately needs a job and has an amazing way of getting past security in a very high powered law firm.

Looking forward to the season beginning in October.

Being a huge Matlock fan of the 80s series, I was excited to see this new show. I was more curious about how they were going to show the relationship between Ben Matlock & the current Maddie Matlock. Very interesting concept, indeed. The first part of the show was a bit slow moving as you got to know the characters but they made up for it during the last half of the show. I'm definitely hooked and look forward seeing many more episodes. Kathy Bates, who is one of my favourite actors, was just brilliant. Jason Ritter is not to shabby either. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this show does well.

New "Matlock" (2024) attempts to revive the classic legal drama formula but stumbles in execution. While maintaining some entertainment value, the show suffers from significant shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its potential.

The most glaring issue is the uneven acting performances, with many cast members delivering stilted, unconvincing portrayals that break immersion. Also, the inclusion of a 12-year-old hacker character stretches credibility beyond reasonable limits. Despite the flaws, the show manages to provide some engaging courtroom drama moments. However, logical inconsistencies and bad acting by supporting cast will likely distract viewers.

The show's saving grace lies in its occasional moments of charm and Kathy Bates performance. Yet, these bright spots aren't enough to overcome the fundamental issues with overall performance quality and script believability. It is best suited for casual viewing with tempered expectations.

Raring: 6+/10.

This is going to be a great show, perfect casting. Kathy Bates, my goodness perfect actress for this role.

The introduction to the motivation of the so-called Maddie Matlock intrigues me, I can't wait to see the trail of successful wins she racks us on her way to vindication.

One thing; please don't change the writers or directing in the middle of the series, trust me you will lose viewers. This series deserves a chance. Not to mention influence from outside forces to cancel the series because it digs deep into the social concerns that needs the most attention. I'm with Judi I am going to keep my fingers crossed for a long run for the new addition to the Paramount family!

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!

Loved the pilot so much. Yes, there's lawyers and cases and stuff, nothing "wow" but it's Kathy Bates in it and she's amazing :D

The show is relaxing and the end of the first episode came with a surprise (that I was waiting) and it served perfectly. I hope it will go on forever, it's like an old book with a new cover that you read while it's raining outside - and it's almost October so yay for cozy moments and a new series that's gonna be great.

I'm curious about the other actors that I don't like very much for now, well beside Beau Bridges and Jason Ritter. There's room to grow I guess.

Oh I forgot: it's Kathy Bates int it!

:))

I really wanted to like this as a Kathy Bates fan. The premise of the show is addictive & interesting & Kathy Bates is charming as ever. Despite a slightly unrealistic plot, Bates makes its believable, & you're rooting for her from the start.

However the whole gig is let down by very poor acting (or should we say over-acting) from the support cast, and corny sub-plots. The female paralegal who is supposed to be grumpy and edgy but just ends up being a ridiculous hand-waving caricature, was particularly hard to watch. There's only so many over-acted hissy fits one can endure.

I couldn't get past it, so checked out at episode 3.

WOW! I never watched 10 minutes of the original, but I don't think you can properly call this a remake. And as I mentioned in the title- the reviews that don't talk about how different the show is didn't see the entire show. The Twist at the end is so impressive and unexpected- I can't wait to watch the rest of the series. Kathy Bates is fabulous in this - she's said this would be her final job before retiring, and if it truly is- what a great note to go out on. Beau Bridges is also in the show, and I've always liked everything he's done and this is no exception. The rest of the cast also fills their rolls very nicely. I decided to watch the pilot purely because of Kathy Bates and I'm so glad I did - I truly can't wait to see the rest of the series! Do yourself a favor and watch the entire pilot- by the end you'll know just how cool the show is going to be.

Cathy Bates was a great choice in the leading role, cunning, intelligent, it's going to be a wonderful season with cutting edge plots and twists. Plus the cast is great (you will love the past references from the original TV show with Andy Griffith). You won't be disappointed.

It has a wonderful cast, with a few plot thinking characters .don't l Miss out on this new show if it on when any other show you watch, weather it be sports or anything else DVR the show and extend the time.

Again Cathy Bates played a great part in this show. The 2st show I watched with my wife and we both loved the show from the start and to the end.

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.

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.

I was anxiously anticipating this program based on the previews that were shown months in advance. I missed the first few minutes of the episode so I do not know what role Beau Bridges plays in the series. I loved Kathy Bates and was impressed with the storyline. What really threw me was the very end of the program when the true meaning of her return to work was revealed. It was somewhat of a shocking turn of events, but one that was very intriguing. I am not sure if I will continue to watch more episodes, but it does look to be interesting. I liked her interaction with the members of the law firm and was impressed with her ability to dig up previously obvious information that was later presented to her team mates as newly found data. The constant references to old-time information to millenials was funny due to the fact that I am a senior citizen and find that if I mention something that is commonplace to me, it goes right over the heads of young people. I liked this first episode, but as stated earlier, not sure if I will be watching any more.

In my opinion, Kathy Bates's fantastic performance and scenic presence are not enough to catapult this show to the podium among the 'best of the year', as some reviews seem to consider.

The supporting cast simply does not work at all. They are completely lacking in nuances and they turn their roles into cartoonish, thick-stroke annoying characters. (The Asian young lawyer, probably the worst of all).

The plotline gets tangled in a confusing medley between realistic legal cases, poor comedic gags, some red herrings which seem unconvincing and a general light comedy tone sustained by the music, the trivial shallow resolution of tension and some Disney-like performances. This, plus the inclusion of sensitive «serious themes» and dramatic moments (as drug addictions, corporate involvement, loss and bereavement) which deserve and demand a deeper context. So either you feel that it is a comedy turning preachy and loaded, or you feel that issues deserving a serious treatment become trivialized and deprived of substance.

This unstable mix of comedy, suspense, legal and drama, which seems to be in fashion lately in entertainment industry (see Elsbeth, which has also derailed), is simply not my thing. Or, at least, it needs to be done in a better way. Very sorry for Kathy Bates, which is immense and a delight to watch, but she cannot rescue the show on her own and by herself.

Excellent!!! Loved the element of surprise at the end of the show. And loved from beginning to end. It is always pleasant to see old actors together. Entertainment we need. Kathy Bates is a great actor. The series chose the perfect artist to play Matlock. I like the twist to it.

The young actors add comedy to it as well. You know...who is Matlock and such. Two different generations working together is interesting to see and funny. I applaud everyone who worked on this new show. May it last a long time. Well, if it's meant for one season only too bad. Great Creativity!!! Great Creativy!!! !!!!

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.

First, is there a more charming, talented actress than Bates? The answer is no. I have been a huge fan for years. She has proven her longevity in spades and can play any part. I absolutely love her (Fried Green Tomatoes is my fav). Her recent NY Times interview must have been done on an off day because I don't believe for a moment she's that sullen or insecure. Secondly, we need to see older actresses in great roles. Wake up networks and streaming services. This had a substantial twist near the end which is another reason to watch. Thank you Kathy, please do not retire....we need you front and center!