CBS’s new take on Matlock has been picked up steam leading into this year’s Emmys, mostly in regard to Kathy Bates’s new role as the title character in Matlock. The reboot never had consideration as a major contender for Emmys, but after the recent critical acclaim and solid viewership, it has begun to develop into potential awards chatter.
The new Matlock centers on Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a smart and well-experienced lawyer who comes out of retirement to practice law. Bates is playing the new Matty with the combined confidence and depth one expects from the esteemed Oscar-winning actress. At 76, Bates brings a powerful presence to the screen, making the character credible and at the same time, very watchable.
The series upholds the legal drama style of the original show that aired in the '80s, but it updated to honor today's social and legal landscape. The show's courtroom cases are new and relevant, often centered on contemporary topics on corporate misconduct, opioid addiction, and oppression. While these topics seem relevant, it does not disrupt the practice of the show we are familiar with.
So far, Matlock has performed quite well with audiences, becoming the network's second-most-viewed new series of the season after averaging close to 10 million viewers an episode—a staggering number in an era of stiff competition against streaming services. Coupled with Bates' solid performance on the show, the ratings are leading some in the business and audience to take serious consideration of Matlock as an Emmy nominee.
While CBS dramas are rarely viewed as serious contenders for Emmys, Matlock could be a possible exception. Bates already achieved a Critics' Choice Award for her portrayal, and some Emmy observers think she can be nominated. Should she make the cut in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category, it certainly won't go unnoticed as she would be one of the oldest nominees in the guy. A clear feat itself.
Critics have commented that a large reason why the show's worked stems from Bates' ability to portray nuance and subtlety. She portray Matty Matlock with a quiet but resolute determination, letting the silence and small acts of the character do the heavy lifting. This has had an emotional resonance with audiences and critics alike, with many which have led to words of praise, and indicating how from early on her character felt completely formed.
The series is also buoyed by a solid supporting cast that includes Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, Leah Lewis, and David Del Rio, whose contributions expand the narrative and provide the show with more complexity than most legal dramas on TV these days.
As we approach the mid-July announcement of Emmy nominations, Matlock may not be the boldest series in consideration, but it has yet produced a formidable argument for recognition. Plus, since CBS has already confirmed a second season for fall 2025, they must believe it has longevity.
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