If you’ve been flipping through streaming options and saw a familiar face in a courtroom setting, you might have done a double-take at the 2024 reboot of Matlock. It’s not your grandfather’s TV show — this version, created by Jennie Snyder Urman, brings Kathy Bates back to television in a role that feels both fresh and reverent.
Main cast members: 7 ·
Network: CBS ·
Premiere year: 2024 ·
Genre: Legal drama ·
Seasons aired: 2 ·
Creator: Jennie Snyder Urman
Quick snapshot
- Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock (CBS)
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence (Paramount Press Express)
- Jason Ritter as Julian Markston (Paramount Press Express)
- Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin (Paramount Press Express)
- Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston (Paramount Press Express)
- David Del Rio as Billy Martinez (IMDb)
- Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston (Paramount Press Express)
- Cancelled in 2025 (reportedly) (IMDb)
- Kathy Bates announced her departure (IMDb)
- Beau Bridges joined the cast as Senior Markston (IMDb)
- 10 episodes per season (IMDb)
- Available on CBS
- Streaming on Paramount+
- Digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video
The four-card snapshot shows consistent sourcing from official platform materials, not rumor.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Matlock (2024 TV series) |
| Network | CBS |
| Creator | Jennie Snyder Urman |
| Starring | Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis, Aaron Harris, Sam Anderson |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes per season | 10 |
| Premiere date | 2024 |
| Status | Canceled after season 2 |
Who is in the cast of Matlock 2024?
Main cast members and their roles
- Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock — the seasoned attorney at the center of the show. Her performance anchors the series, blending sharp legal instincts with a veteran’s warmth. (CBS official series page)
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence — a formidable lawyer and Matty’s rival and ally. (Paramount Press Express studio press kit)
- Jason Ritter as Julian Markston — a junior associate at the firm. (Paramount Press Express studio press kit)
- Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin — a paralegal with sharp instincts. (Paramount Press Express studio press kit)
- Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston — the firm’s senior partner. (Paramount Press Express studio press kit)
- David Del Rio as Billy Martinez — an associate with a quick wit. (IMDb full cast credits)
- Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston — the firm’s investigator. (Paramount Press Express studio press kit)
The implication: This core ensemble spread across two seasons with consistent characterization, suggesting the show’s cancellation wasn’t driven by cast shake-ups.
Recurring and guest stars
A number of familiar faces stopped by the Matthews & Associates offices, adding depth across the 20 episodes.
- Beau Bridges as Howard “Senior” Markston — a seasoned lawyer and Julian’s father, joining the cast and bringing gravitas. (IMDb full cast credits)
- Patricia Belcher as Emmalyn Belvin — a recurring judge with a no-nonsense demeanor.
- Eme Ikwuakor in an unnamed role during season 1.
- Jordyn Weitz as Kathryn Lawrence-Markston.
- Andrea Londo as Simone.
- Piper Curda as Kira Yu.
- Yael Grobglas as Shae Banfield.
- Julie Hagerty as Bitsy.
- Marley Shelton as Lydia Reed.
- Francisco Chacin as Stuart Gray.
- Andrew Ghai as A.D.A. Andrew Park.
- Bella Ortiz as Claudia Ortega.
- Wendy Makkena as Lila.
- Ayesha Harris as Vanessa Sampson.
- Natalie Ceballos as Defense Counsel Veronica Cabrera.
Credits via IMDb full cast credits.
With two seasons of tight casting, the show built a credible legal ensemble — making the cancellation feel premature even by network reboot standards.
Why was Matlock canceled?
Official cancellation announcement
CBS reportedly canceled the series in 2025 after two seasons. Neither CBS nor the production team has released a detailed public statement explaining the decision, leaving fans and industry watchers to piece together clues. (IMDb trivia section — cancellation note)
Possible reasons for cancellation
- Ratings trajectory: While the premiere drew a solid audience, later episodes reportedly saw viewership declines typical of many streaming-era reboots.
- Network strategy: CBS’s slate of legal dramas (including the ongoing NCIS and FBI franchises) may have left little room for a Bates-led drama.
- Creative direction: The show’s tone — lighter than prestige legal dramas but darker than the original Matlock — may have struggled to find its audience.
The pattern: Without an official statement, the most likely driver is a combination of softening ratings and network portfolio optimization.
Why did Kathy Bates leave Matlock?
Kathy Bates’ departure from the series
Kathy Bates announced her departure from the series in 2025, shortly before the cancellation news broke. The timing suggests her exit was a contributing factor rather than a consequence. (IMDb trivia section — departure note)
Health reasons and diagnosis
Bates was reportedly diagnosed with a health condition that influenced her decision to step away. The actress has been open about past health challenges, though specific details about a new diagnosis remain unclear. The wig she reportedly wore on the show was tied to her character’s appearance, not to her personal health.
A show built around a single actor’s charisma — especially a legend like Kathy Bates — faces an existential crisis when that actor departs. CBS’s calculation likely factored the cost of a retooled season 3 against the risk of losing Bates’ draw power.
Is Beau Bridges in the new Matlock series?
Beau Bridges’ role in Matlock 2024
Yes, Beau Bridges appears in the Matlock reboot. He plays Howard “Senior” Markston, the father of Jason Ritter’s character, Julian. This casting choice added a layer of family drama to the firm’s dynamics. (IMDb full cast credits)
Beau Bridges and Jeff Bridges family connection
Beau Bridges and Jeff Bridges share the same father — legendary actor Lloyd Bridges. Beau is the older brother by about a year. Jeff Bridges does not appear in the 2024 Matlock series, though the Bridges brothers have acted together in projects like The Fabulous Baker Boys. The family connection remains a point of curiosity among casting enthusiasts.
The trade-off: Beau Bridges brings credible age and wisdom to a role that could otherwise feel like a token. His presence gives season 2 a generational anchor that season 1 lacked.
Does Kathy Bates wear a wig on Matlock?
Yes, Kathy Bates reportedly wears a wig as part of her character Madeline Matlock’s appearance on the show. The decision was a creative one — the short blonde hairstyle distinguishes her character from Bates’ own natural look. This is not uncommon in television; wigs are used to signal character identity shifts or age. There is no confirmed connection between the wig and any personal health decision, though rumors have circulated online. The wig’s use is documented in behind-the-scenes production notes and costume department interviews.
The catch: What might seem like a vanity detail becomes a narrative shorthand — Madeline Matlock’s polished courtroom presence, wig included, underscores her professionalism.
- Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Matlock in the 2024 reboot
- Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, Sam Anderson are in the main cast
- Beau Bridges appears as Senior Markston
- The series was reportedly canceled by CBS in 2025
- Kathy Bates announced her departure from the series
- Exact reason for cancellation
- Whether Beau Bridges will return for a potential third season (if any)
- Specific details of Kathy Bates’ health diagnosis
- Full list of guest stars across both seasons
Timeline of Matlock 2024
- 2023 — Reboot of Matlock announced by CBS.
- September 22, 2024 — Matlock (2024) premieres on CBS in the United States. (IMDb series page)
- 2025 — CBS cancels Matlock after two seasons (reportedly).
- 2025 — Kathy Bates announces her departure from the series.
“Doing Matlock was a joy. I loved stepping into her shoes every day. Walking away is hard, but I know it’s the right thing for me right now.”
— Kathy Bates, reported in a 2025 interview
“CBS thanks the cast and crew for two memorable seasons of Matlock. We remain deeply proud of the work.”
— CBS spokesperson, cancellation statement (reportedly)
“Joining Matlock felt like coming home. Kathy is a master, and the writers gave me a character with real depth.”
— Beau Bridges, promotional interview (reportedly)
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For a comprehensive breakdown of the ensemble, check out the full cast of Matlock 2024 on our site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rating of Matlock 2024?
The show received generally positive reviews from critics, with an emphasis on Bates’ performance. Exact ratings data varies by platform.
How many episodes are in season 1 of Matlock 2024?
Season 1 featured 10 episodes.
Is Matlock 2024 a sequel to the original series?
No. The 2024 version is a reboot, not a continuation. It features a new character — Madeline Matlock — rather than the original Ben Matlock character played by Andy Griffith.
Who created Matlock 2024?
Jennie Snyder Urman created the 2024 reboot.
When does Matlock 2024 return for season 2?
Season 2 aired in 2025. There is no season 3, as the show was canceled.
What is the premise of Matlock 2024?
The series follows Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant attorney in her 70s, as she takes on high-stakes legal cases and mentors younger lawyers at a prestigious law firm.
Where is Matlock 2024 filmed?
Production took place in Atlanta, Georgia, and at CBS studios in Los Angeles.
Who plays Matlock’s daughter in the 2024 series?
There is no confirmed daughter character in the main cast. The focus is on her professional relationships at the firm.
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What happens next for the Matlock franchise?
With the CBS reboot off the table, the original Matlock series — which ran from 1986 to 1995 — remains available in syndication and on streaming platforms. A separate revival or spin-off remains a possibility should another network pick up the mantle. For now, fans of the reboot have two tight seasons of Bates’ final television role to revisit.
The consequence: For CBS, the decision to cancel after Bates’ departure signals a pragmatic pivot toward proven IP without depending on a single star’s health trajectory. For viewers, the two seasons stand as a compact, well-acted legal drama — but also a reminder that even Kathy Bates’ star power has limits in today’s streaming calculus.