Some unsurprising news about Matlock’s future also sets up its biggest story challenge. The Kathy Bates-led quasi-reboot of the classic Andy Griffith cozy mystery series is already one of CBS’ most successful shows of the fall 2024 season. The pilot episode of Matlock season 1 scored an impressive 7.74 million viewers and the series did not lose any momentum despite a month-long hiatus before it settled on its official Thursday timeslot. There are several reasons why Matlock is so successful, but one of the strongest is the way it differs from the show that inspired it.
In the final minutes of Matlock’s premiere episode, it was revealed that Madeline’s last name isn’t really Matlock and that she named herself after the Andy Griffith character to infiltrate a law firm that hid documents related to the opioid crisis to get revenge for her daughter’s death from the drugs. This Matlock plot twist demonstrates how different this series is from its source material. However, it may be difficult to sustain this storyline in Matlock season 2.
Kathy Bates’ Matlock Is Already Renewed For Season 2
CBS renewed Matlock after only two episodes of the series had aired. Although the lawyer drama’s renewal was extremely early, it was unsurprising. Matlock was one of the most anticipated shows of the new season, and that was reflected in its high ratings, especially the record-setting numbers it earned for a non-Super Bowl show. CBS wanted to ensure that it kept up the excitement, so it quickly completed and announced a renewal deal. Thus, in addition to the eighteen episodes already greenlit by CBS, Matlock will be returning with a brand-new set of stories in the fall of 2025.
Matlock episode 3 introduced a fascinating new character who will poke holes in Madeline Kingstons secret revenge plan, presenting a new challenge.
Matlock’s early renewal was helped by the enthusiasm of CBS President Amy Reisenbach, who praised the “brilliant surprise plot twist” and called the series “something very special.” (via Deadline). Assuming the series keeps up its high quality, it will likely remain on CBS’ schedule for years to come. However, it will have to maintain audience interest as well as continue to excite CBS executives, a task made more difficult by the seeming finite nature of its central plot. Madeline’s investigation of Jacobson Moore will have to come to an end at some point, and it is unclear how the show will proceed from there.
Matlock Faces A Tricky Story Challenge Now That Season 2 Is Confirmed
Now that Matlock has been confirmed for season 2, the writers must decide whether to wrap up the revenge story in season 1. The plot is not only part of its central premise, but it also separates the series from other lawyer shows. Once Matlock’s secret story is wrapped up, there’s a risk that the audience will lose interest, especially if it becomes yet another show with a case of the week and nothing else differentiates it from other shows in the genre.
…once the revenge narrative ends, it will be harder for Madeline to keep up this facade, as she will have to reveal it is all an act.
Of course, a secondary reason for Matlock’s appeal is that it often addresses women’s issues, especially related to the way senior citizens are treated and perceived. Kathy Bates’ Madeline is a former lawyer who came out of retirement, and part of the reason it’s so easy for her to pretend to be bumbling is that people view her as a relic from a previous era who they don’t expect to be on the ball. However, once the revenge narrative ends, it will be harder for Madeline to keep up this facade, as she will have to reveal it is all an act.
