In a strategic shake-up, CBS has brought back the classic legal procedural Matlock, led by the iconic Kathy Bates. Although some fans were disappointed by the cancellations of NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd, it appears CBS’s gamble has paid off, as Matlock has quickly proven to be a ratings success. The network’s decision to bring a fresh take to a beloved series is drawing in impressive viewer numbers and hinting at a promising future for the show.
How Matlock Has Fared in the Ratings So Far
Despite initial skepticism, Matlock has managed to exceed expectations with its performance in the ratings, even leading CBS to renew it for a second season, an early indicator of its success. The show, which currently occupies the Thursday 9 p.m. ET slot, garnered an impressive 6.5 million viewers for its most recent episode and maintained a steady 0.4 demo rating among adults aged 18-49. This figure is notably strong, especially considering the intense competition on Thursday nights. During its premiere on September 22, which aired as a sneak peek on a Sunday, the series pulled in 7.7 million viewers and a 0.4 demo, marking CBS’s best launch for a new series not attached to a primetime Super Bowl slot.
The show continued to hold its audience with subsequent episodes, demonstrating stability that networks highly value, especially for new series. This consistent viewership not only makes Matlock a standout among other new CBS shows but also supports the network’s risky decision to cancel two established series to make room for it.
A Look Back at NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd’s Loyal Fanbases
The decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd left fans disappointed, as both series had maintained respectable viewer bases and were especially popular among their respective demographics. So Help Me Todd, a quirky legal dramedy, had a solid following and drew an average of 6.3 million viewers per episode with delayed viewing taken into account. It was praised for its humor, character-driven storylines, and the charming rapport between Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin.
NCIS: Hawai’i, a spin-off of the long-running NCIS franchise, also held its ground in viewership, with its final episode attracting 5.41 million viewers — its second-highest audience since its Season 3 premiere. Many NCIS fans rallied to save the Hawaii-based spin-off, demonstrating its strong appeal and community of devoted viewers.
However, despite their popularity, CBS ultimately chose not to retain either show. David Stapf, President of CBS Studios, commented that in “probably any other year,” both shows might have survived the cut. But due to a lack of available time slots and CBS’s strategy to introduce new programming, NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd were ultimately removed from the schedule. The decision was part of CBS’s broader effort to revamp its lineup and draw in viewers with fresh content.
The Bold Appeal of a Matlock Reboot and Strategic Scheduling
CBS’s decision to bring back Matlock with a fresh twist is part of a strategy to tap into nostalgia while appealing to modern audiences. The casting of Kathy Bates as the new lead added a twist, bringing a seasoned actress with a strong fanbase into the role, which was originally portrayed by Andy Griffith. Bates, known for her powerful screen presence and versatility, is undoubtedly a draw for viewers who may remember her from acclaimed performances across film and television. Matlock, alongside Elsbeth, another female-led series by CBS, is strategically placed to anchor Thursday nights with fresh faces and gripping storylines.
Carrie Preston, the lead in Elsbeth, expressed excitement about sharing the Thursday night lineup with Matlock, emphasizing the importance of female-led narratives in prime time. She noted that the two shows have the potential to make a strong impact, especially with the diverse, complex characters they bring to CBS’s programming. This shift reflects CBS’s commitment to expanding its offerings beyond established franchises, adding unique narratives that can draw in new viewers while keeping the loyal audiences engaged.
Why Matlock’s Success Could Open Doors for Other Reboots and New Shows
Matlock’s initial success indicates that CBS’s strategy could set a precedent for other networks and production companies looking to leverage both nostalgia and innovative casting choices. By bringing back a beloved classic with a modern twist, CBS has shown that there is an appetite for familiar shows reimagined for today’s audiences. The positive reception also highlights Kathy Bates’ star power and the draw of character-focused legal dramas that appeal to a broad demographic.
As streaming platforms continue to expand their libraries, networks like CBS are rethinking their lineups to compete effectively, especially as audiences grow more segmented. While streaming services have brought in fresh competition, traditional networks remain a crucial platform for reaching wide audiences. Matlock’s success suggests that audiences still value episodic television experiences, particularly when classic shows are given thoughtful updates and well-known actors take on iconic roles.
Moving Forward: Balancing Nostalgia with Innovation
As Matlock continues its run, CBS will likely monitor whether it maintains or increases its strong viewership numbers. Should this trend hold steady, it may embolden CBS and other networks to introduce more reboots, potentially exploring shows with loyal followings that could similarly benefit from a refresh. However, networks must also consider the importance of balancing nostalgia with originality, ensuring that new programming decisions appeal to both longtime fans and newer viewers.
While fans of NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd may feel a lingering disappointment, Matlock’s performance could ultimately help sustain CBS’s position as a major network provider of popular procedural and character-driven dramas. The decision to cancel two popular series in favor of Matlock and Elsbeth was a high-risk move, but one that CBS may continue to benefit from if the ratings hold.
Overall, CBS’s investment in Matlock seems to be paying off as the show builds a following among both longtime fans and new viewers alike, demonstrating that classic stories, when reimagined, can remain powerful crowd-pullers in a rapidly evolving television landscape.
