Matlock has the last chance to secure the recognition its brilliant season 1 deserves. Spearheaded by the exceptional Kathy Bates as Madeline Kingston, CBS’ new hit show was an immediate crowd darling. It tells the story of Madeline aka. Matty as she re-enters the workforce as an older woman.
When Matlock was announced, there was skepticism about remaking Andy Griffith’s beloved classic from the ’80s. However, the new show quickly quieted naysayers when it was revealed that Bates’ character mined inspiration from the original Matlock show to infiltrate a law firm as part of her revenge plot for the death of her daughter from an opioid overdose.
Instead of simply a gender-swapped remake, CBS’ Matlock becomes the perfect homage to Griffith’s classic. Beyond that, however, it has proven time and again that it has more to offer beyond its initial twist. Because of that, it deserves all the success it has received, which can culminate with proper recognition of its achievements.
July 15 Will Be When The Emmy Nominees Will Be Announced
Nominations-Round Voting Just Ended
After the 2024-2025 TV cycle officially ended on May 31, nominations-round voting started on June 12 and lasted until June 23 at 10 pm. On July 15, the official nominees for the 2025 Emmys will be announced at 11:30 am. With several standout shows in the past year, some categories have very tight races.
CBS submitted Matlock for some of those brackets, which includes Bates for Best Drama Actress and the show for Best Drama Series. Check out all the potential categories that the show could be nominated for below:
| Matlock’s Possible Nominations: | |
|---|---|
| Kathy Bates | Best Drama Actress |
| Sam Anderson | Best Drama Supporting Actor |
| David Del Rio | Best Drama Supporting Actor |
| Jason Ritter | Best Drama Supporting Actor |
| Skye P. Marshall | Best Drama Supporting Actress |
| Leah Lewis | Best Drama Supporting Actress |
| Beau Bridges | Best Drama Guest Actor |
| Yael Grobglas | Best Drama Guest Actress |
| Julie Hagerty | Best Drama Guest Actress |
| Matlock | Best Drama Series |
Kathy Bates’ Matlock Proves Network TV Can Still Do Quality Storytelling
Matlock Is Arguably The Best New Network Show During The 2024-2025 TV Cycle
Over the last decade, streaming and cable TV shows have become prestige small-screen projects, leaving network shows with barely any critical acclaim. However, Matlock is in the best position to change that. The CBS series developed by Jennie Snyder Urman is proof that traditional broadcast series can still deliver exhilarating storytelling.
Bates being so compelling in the role of Madeline has always been expected, but the rest of Matlock cast have all been brilliant. Couple that with their own interesting arcs and creative weekly cases, and it is able to thrive as a whole. Aside from being a critical favorite, Matlock is also one of the most-watched shows on network TV.
Bates represents an older generation who is reconciling with the regret that comes with their life choices.
While there’s a sense of silliness with Madeline using Griffith’s Matlock as a ruse, the show tackles some very serious topics such as the opioid epidemic, women’s struggles in the workforce, and even toxic parent-child relationships. Bates represents an older generation who is reconciling with the regret that comes with their life choices.
More impressively, the Matlock season 1 finale sets up a more interesting season 2. It’s an indication that the show has legs beyond its ballsy twist, which has already been resolved. Still, Matlock deserves recognition for what it’s able to do in its debut year.
What Are Matlock’s Chances Of Nabbing Some Emmy Nominations?
There’s Emmy Bias Against Network Shows
Oftentimes, network TV shows are looked down on. There’s prejudice against shows on traditional broadcasters, with some ruling them poor quality. While stories can be repetitive, especially for series that have been on the air for many years, there’s a reason why they have built a loyal following.
Matlock could change this perception of network TV projects, however. Its premise twist is great, but it is also able to build on it consistently in season 1. No character is one-dimensional, helping it effectively ask questions about morality and justice. The best part is that it’s executed in a way that’s easily digestible, which isn’t always the case for non-network stories.