When you think courtroom drama, the name Matlock hits different especially now with Gen Z rediscovering it through the 2024 reboot. From Andy Griffith to Kathy Bates, explore the evolution of Matlock (1986–1995) vs Matlock (2024–), comparing ratings, best episodes, and emotional moments. But how does it stack up to the classic? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty: the best moments, worst episodes, character arcs, and even IMDb ratings 📉📈.
🔎 Matlock 1986–1995: The Classic Legal Icon
The original Matlock, starring the unforgettable Andy Griffith, ran from 1986 to 1995 across NBC and ABC for 9 seasons and 193 episodes [1]. Set in Atlanta, Ben Matlock wasn’t just a defence attorney he was a vibe, delivering twisty “whodunit” courtroom bangers with a Southern drawl and a $100k retainer [1].
📺 Memorable OG Episodes
- Pilot “Diary of a Perfect Murder”: Ben cracks the case of a murdered ex-wife with next-level deductive swag [4].
- “The Judge”: A pro bono case nearly ruins friendships the drama still rides for justice [4].
💔 Most Emotional Moments
- Beautiful: “The Matlock Moment” Ben tricks the jury into thinking the victim is alive to sow doubt. Genius [7].
- Sad: Charlene (Ben’s daughter) exits after Season 1. Tears, bro [1].
- Hated: “The Temptation” (S8, Ep14) ditched the usual courtroom drama. Fans were not happy [8].
⭐ IMDb Ratings Breakdown
- Overall: 7.1/10 [9]
- Fan Favorite: “The Kidnapping (1)” 8.81/10 (27 votes) [10]
- Controversial: “The Temptation” shockingly 9.37/10, though fan sentiment says otherwise [10]
🧠 Matlock 2024–: Kathy Bates Takes the Gavel
Fast-forward to today CBS brought the drama back with a bang. The reboot premiered in fall 2024, with Kathy Bates playing Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a fierce attorney taking down corporate corruption [2].
🔥 Season 1 Highlights
- Premiered: Sneak peek on Sept 22, 2024, official start Oct 17 [2].
- Available: Streaming now on Paramount+ [3]
- Renewed for Season 2, coming Fall 2025 [3] 🎉
❤️ Most Talked-About Episodes
- Ep 17 – “I Was That, Too” (Apr 10, 2025): Matty defends a pregnant woman in a gut-punch divorce battle against her abusive husband [5].
- Ep 7: Billy proposes and gets rejected. Painful. Raw. Real [6].
📉 Low Points
- Episode 4 didn’t land well with audiences felt slow, no real courtroom punch [5].
⭐ IMDb Ratings Breakdown
- Series Overall: 7.6/10 (11.9K votes) [5]
- Episode 1: 8.1/10 (1.4K votes) solid pilot [5]
- Episode 17: 8.7/10 (475 votes) powerful, emotional, and very “Matty” [5]
👑 Verdict: Which Version Wins?
Look, it’s not about who’s better Ben or Matty. The 1986 original laid the foundation with classic murder trials and witty Southern charm. The 2024 reboot redefined courtroom storytelling with modern cases, emotional intensity, and a fierce female lead.
For nostalgic boomers and curious Gen Z-ers, both shows hit differently but they both hit. And with Season 2 dropping Fall 2025, Matty Matlock’s just getting started [3].
📚 References
- Matlock (1986 TV series) [Internet]. Wikipedia. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matlock_%281986_TV_series%29
- Matlock (2024 TV series) [Internet]. Wikipedia. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matlock_%282024_TV_series%29
- ‘Matlock’ Season 2 Premieres This Fall [Internet]. TV Insider. 2025 Jun 4 [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.tvinsider.com/1169100/matlock-season-2-premiere-date-cast-trailer-updates-kathy-bates/
- Episode Guide | Matlock [Internet]. Hallmark Mystery. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.hallmarkmystery.com/matlock/episode-guide
- Matlock (TV Series 2024– ) – Episode list [Internet]. IMDb. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26591147/episodes/
- 12 Most Heartbreaking Moments In Matlock Season 1, Ranked [Internet]. ScreenRant. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://screenrant.com/matlock-season-1-most-heartbreaking-moments-ranking-list/
- The Matlock Moment [Internet]. Liberty. 2017 [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://libertyunbound.com/the-matlock-moment/
- Temptation [Internet]. Reddit. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/matlock/comments/1bqdozn/temptation/
- Matlock (TV Series 1986–1995) [Internet]. IMDb. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090481/
- Episode Ninja – Matlock [Internet]. Episode Ninja. [cited 2025 Jun 26]. Available from: https://episode.ninja/series/matlock
