In the ever-competitive world of television, few comebacks capture audience imagination like a beloved classic reimagined with fresh energy and star power. Enter Kathy Bates in CBS’s Matlock revival—a modern take on the iconic legal drama that originally starred Andy Griffith. After a blockbuster first season that established it as one of broadcast TV’s top new series, the show’s Season 2 premiere (often dubbed “Part 2” of the revival era) has launched with remarkable momentum. Reports indicate the opening episode amassed over 13 million multiplatform views when factoring in initial broadcasts, streaming on Paramount+, and delayed viewing—a testament to Bates’ enduring appeal and the series’ smart storytelling.
This strong debut not only solidifies Matlock as a ratings powerhouse but also highlights why Kathy Bates remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable talents. Let’s dive into what makes this revival so successful, the numbers behind the Season 2 launch, and why fans can’t get enough.
The Legacy of Matlock and Kathy Bates’ Bold Revival
The original Matlock aired from 1986 to 1995, charming audiences with its folksy Southern lawyer solving cases through clever courtroom tactics. Fast-forward to 2024, and CBS reimagined the concept entirely. No longer a folksy gentleman, the lead is now Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian attorney played by the Oscar-winning Kathy Bates. Matty infiltrates a high-powered law firm under the guise of an unassuming newcomer, using her age and perceived invisibility to uncover corruption from within.
This gender-swapped, contemporary twist—combined with sharp writing and procedural intrigue—earned immediate praise. The series debuted in September 2024 with a sneak-peek episode drawing 7.73 million live+same-day viewers, CBS’s strongest non-Super Bowl series premiere in over five years. Multiplatform numbers quickly climbed: the pilot reached 10.67 million in three days and over 15 million in longer windows, including streaming. Critics awarded it a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, hailing Bates’ performance as “magnetic” and the show as “smart comfort viewing.”
Season 1 averaged around 17 million multiplatform viewers per episode in some reports, crowning it broadcast’s #1 new series. CBS renewed it swiftly—first for Season 2 after just two episodes, and later for a third season in early 2026. The revival’s success proves that smart updates to classic formulas, paired with powerhouse acting, still resonate in the streaming era.
Season 2 Premiere: A Strong Return with Massive Viewership
Matlock Season 2 kicked off in October 2025 with high expectations. The premiere episode, titled “The Before Times,” aired as a sneak peek followed by related programming, delivering impressive results. According to multiplatform data (Nielsen big data plus panel viewing), the Season 2 opener tallied nearly 12 million viewers in its first week—a 2% increase over Season 1’s premiere averages in comparable metrics.
When including broader cumulative views (such as on-demand replays, Paramount+ streaming, and extended windows), figures push toward or exceed 13 million, aligning with the show’s pattern of strong delayed viewing growth. For context, Season 1’s premiere ballooned from 7.7 million live to over 15 million in 30 days, and even reached 22.8 million with repeats included. Season 2’s launch follows suit, proving the audience loyalty built in Year 1 carries over.
Live+same-day numbers for the premiere hovered around 6.5-6.6 million, competitive in today’s fragmented landscape. The 18-49 demo showed solid gains from prior episodes, underscoring Matlock‘s appeal across generations—younger viewers via streaming, older demographics via traditional CBS airings. This cross-platform strength has kept the show among CBS’s top performers, outpacing many competitors.
Why Kathy Bates Continues to “Revive” the Series
At the heart of Matlock‘s triumph is Kathy Bates. The Academy Award winner (for Misery) brings gravitas, humor, and vulnerability to Matty Matlock. Her portrayal of a sharp-minded senior navigating ageism, corporate intrigue, and personal redemption resonates deeply in an era where representation of older characters matters.
Bates has spoken about the role as potentially her “final dance” in acting, adding emotional weight to her performance. Critics and fans alike praise her ability to blend Matty’s folksy charm with fierce intelligence—much like the original Ben Matlock, but updated for today’s issues like workplace inequality and ethical dilemmas in big law.
Supporting cast members like Skye P. Marshall (as Olympia, the ambitious attorney), Jason Ritter, and others add depth, creating ensemble chemistry that elevates weekly cases. Season 2 builds on Season 1’s twists, with ongoing mysteries about Matty’s motivations and firm secrets keeping viewers hooked.
Key Factors Behind Matlock’s Impressive Viewership Growth
Several elements contribute to Matlock Part 2’s strong start:
- Streaming Boost via Paramount+ — Delayed and on-demand viewing accounts for much of the jump to 13+ million figures. CBS’s integration with Paramount+ ensures episodes reach cord-cutters quickly.
- Comfort Viewing Appeal — In a TV landscape dominated by heavy serialized dramas, Matlock offers satisfying case-of-the-week stories with overarching arcs—perfect for weekly bingeing.
- Kathy Bates’ Star Power — Her name draws viewers who might skip newer procedurals. Nominations (including Critics’ Choice wins) and Emmy buzz amplify visibility.
- Smart Scheduling — Pairing with hits like Elsbeth creates strong lead-in effects, boosting overall nights for CBS.
- Positive Word-of-Mouth — High viewer votes (often 8+ out of 10 on fan sites) and social media praise sustain momentum.
Despite challenges—like cast changes in Season 2—the series maintains strong numbers, averaging 4-6 million per episode in linear viewing with multiplatform totals much higher.
What’s Next for Matlock and Kathy Bates?
With renewal for Season 3 already secured (set for the 2026-2027 season), Matlock shows no signs of slowing. Midseason returns, potential crossovers, and deeper character explorations promise continued engagement. For fans, the revival honors the original while forging new ground—proving timeless stories can thrive with the right talent.
Kathy Bates’ commanding presence has truly “revived” Matlock, turning it into a modern hit. The Season 2 premiere’s impressive over 13 million views milestone underscores that audiences still crave smart, character-driven procedurals. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic or new to the Bates-led version, this series delivers justice—one compelling case at a time.
As Matlock continues its winning streak, one thing is clear: Kathy Bates isn’t just starring in a revival—she’s redefining it for a new generation.
