We're truly in a great era for broadcast television as the networks all really brought it this year with their new shows. There's so many that have come in with unique ideas, intriguing storytelling, and characters we're excited to see each week. Just look at ABC's Doctor Odyssey and High Potential, The Hunting Party on NBC, and one of my personal favorites, Matlock on CBS.
The legal drama is not your typical series in the genre. It comes with an unexpected twist right from the start. Madeline "Matty" comes out of retirement to work as a lawyer once again at Jacobson Moore. Set in NYC, she tells everyone that her dead husband's gambling left her needing money after his passing. Though she's actually there for revenge. More about that in a moment.
The show really does manage to hook you in from the start. It's not your typical legal drama, which is so refreshing to see in a time where it's felt like shows and movies are becoming so repetitive. That's one thing about the series that has surprised lead actress and the titular character herself, Kathy Bates, according to The Wrap.
In speaking to the news outlet, she shared that winning Best Actress in a Drama at the Critics Choice Awards for Matlock left her 'gobsmacked.' Plus, everything about the experience so far has left her reeling, including the "tremendous audience response we’ve had. It’s just unbelievable, right?"
It's crazy, but as a fan of the series I know why the success is not surprising. So it turns out that Matty is actually Madeline Kingston, a woman with a lot of money living with her husband and grandson. She actually took the job at the law firm to get revenge on the person who hid documents that could have contributed to opioids being taken off the market, which her daughter died from after overdosing. We love a good plot twist.
The show really has become not just one of the biggest for the network, but on television in general! Like I said, this broadcast television season really managed to surprise us in all the best ways. And with Matlock season 2 happening and premiering sometime in fall 2025 on CBS, we're not surprised the series got a quick renewal. That also means we get more of this wonderful story, and I cannot wait!
Bates is perfect in the role and is getting her chance to shine even more. She's shown off her talent for years, and now she's really getting more attention that she deserves. The actress also shared that she hopes the legal drama goes on for five seasons or more and all I can say is, count us in!
Matlock season 2 premieres in fall 2025 on CBS.
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