Matlock 1986
“AMERICA'S GREATEST LAWYER. CASE CLOSED.”
- Status
- Ended
- First Aired
- March 3, 1986
- Last Aired
- May 7, 1995
- Format
- 9 seasons · 194 eps
- Total Runtime
- ~145.5 hours (45 min/ep)
- Highest Rated Episode
- S2E2 "The Billionaire (2)" (★ 10/10)
- Created By
- Dean Hargrove
- Networks
- NBC, ABC
- Where to Stream
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 7.1/10 from 137 votes TV-PG DramaCrime 9 seasons · 194 eps Ended
Where to watch:
Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Video
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Quick answer
What is Matlock?
Matlock is an American legal drama television series that premiered with a sneak peek on September 22, 2024. The series follows Madeline Matlock, a brilliant lawyer portrayed by Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1986
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 194
- Runtime
- 45 minutes
- First aired
- Mar 3, 1986
- Last aired
- May 7, 1995
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- NBC, ABC
- Genres
- Drama, Crime
- Updated
Series guide
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 7.1/10 from 137 votes
- Format
- 9 seasons · 194 episodes
- Episode runtime
- ~45 minutes
- Status
- Ended
- Networks
- NBC, ABC
Availability by region
Where to watch in United States
With ads
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Amazon Prime Video
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Amazon VideoStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
Planning tool
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 194 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
No official trailer is available for this title yet.
Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Matlock is an American legal drama television series that premiered with a sneak peek on September 22, 2024. The series follows Madeline Matlock, a brilliant lawyer portrayed by Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates. The show features a cast including Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence and Jason Ritter as Julian. As a character, Matlock is described as thrifty, folksy, and cantankerous. She is known for charging a premium for her services while maintaining an uncanny knack for finding overlooked clues and exposing murderers during dramatic courtroom scenes. The character is often associated with a trademark light-gray suit and a Ford Crown Victoria. The series explores Madeline Matlock’s professional life and her hidden agenda. Following the resolution of the Wellbrexa cover-up in the season two finale, the show concluded its run despite a previous renewal for a third season. The production was created by Jennie Snyder Urman and aired on CBS, featuring high-profile legal cases and investigations throughout its tenure on television.
Sources & verification
Matlock (2024 TV series) - Wikipedia
Matlock (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb
CBS Confirms the End of Matlock Despite Season 3 Renewal
'Matlock' Season 2 Finale Explained: Wellbrexa Ending, Season 3's New ...
Cast of Matlock (Season 1-2) | Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall & More
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Should you watch it?
“A folksy yet sharp criminal defense attorney defends clients by uncovering overlooked clues and exposing true killers.”
Reasons to watch
- engaging courtroom confrontations
- charismatic lead performance
Keep in mind
- high legal fees serve as a recurring plot point
Watch it if you enjoy classic legal dramas featuring clever investigators solving complex criminal cases.
The series features standard legal drama themes and courtroom mystery elements suitable for general audiences.
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Ask anything about Matlock — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Matlock worth watching?
Cast
Andy Griffith
Ben Matlock
Nancy Stafford
Michelle Thomas
Julie Sommars
Julie March
Clarence Gilyard Jr.
Conrad McMasters
Kene Holliday
Tyler Hudson
Daniel Roebuck
Cliff Lewis
☻
David Froman
Bob Brooks ☻
Richard Newton
Richard Cooksey
Brynn Thayer
Leanne McIntyre
Kari Lizer
Cassie Phillips
Linda Purl
Charlene Matlock
Michael Durrell
Lloyd Burgess
Comprehensive Directory
Episode guide
🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Future titles & recaps blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any item to peek.
Season 1 · 24 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 Diary of a Perfect Murder Mytharc Mar 3, 1986
- E2 The Judge Core Sep 23, 1986
- E3 The Stripper Mytharc Sep 30, 1986
- E4 The Affair Core Oct 7, 1986
- E5 The Seduction Core Oct 14, 1986
- E6 The Don (1) Core Oct 28, 1986
- E7 The Don (2) Core Nov 4, 1986
- E8 The Sisters Core Nov 11, 1986
- E9 The Cop Core Nov 18, 1986
- E10 The Angel Mytharc Nov 25, 1986
- E11 The Professor Core Dec 2, 1986
- E12 Santa Claus Core Dec 9, 1986
- E13 The Chef Mytharc Jan 6, 1987
- E14 The Author Core Jan 13, 1987
- E15 The Rat Pack Core Jan 20, 1987
- E16 The Nurse Core Feb 3, 1987
- E17 The Convict Core Feb 10, 1987
- E18 The Court Martial (1) Core Feb 17, 1987
- E19 The Court Martial (2) Mytharc Feb 24, 1987
- E20 The Therapist Core Mar 3, 1987
- E21 The People vs. Matlock Core Mar 24, 1987
- E22 The Photographer Mytharc Mar 31, 1987
- E23 The Reporter Mytharc May 5, 1987
- E24 The Doctors Mytharc May 12, 1987
Season 2 · 24 episodes
Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Billionaire (1) Mytharc Sep 22, 1987
- E2 The Billionaire (2) Core Sep 22, 1987
- E3 Blind Justice Core Sep 29, 1987
- E4 The Annihilator Core Oct 13, 1987
- E5 The Husband Core Oct 20, 1987
- E6 The Power Brokers (1) Mytharc Oct 27, 1987
- E7 The Power Brokers (2) Core Nov 3, 1987
- E8 The Network Mytharc Dec 1, 1987
- E9 The Best Friend Core Dec 8, 1987
- E10 The Country Boy Core Dec 15, 1987
- E11 The Gift Core Dec 22, 1987
- E12 The Gambler Core Dec 29, 1987
- E13 The Body Core Jan 5, 1988
- E14 The Reunion Mytharc Jan 12, 1988
- E15 The Gigolo Core Jan 19, 1988
- E16 The Umpire Mytharc Jan 26, 1988
- E17 The Investigation (1) Core Feb 2, 1988
- E18 The Investigation (2) Core Feb 9, 1988
- E19 The Hucksters Mytharc Feb 16, 1988
- E20 The Lovelorn Core Feb 23, 1988
- E21 The Genius Core Mar 15, 1988
- E22 The Magician Core Mar 22, 1988
- E23 The Fisherman Mytharc Mar 29, 1988
- E24 The Heiress Mytharc May 3, 1988
Season 3 · 20 episodes
Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Lemon Mytharc Nov 29, 1988
- E2 The Ambassador (1) Core Dec 6, 1988
- E3 The Ambassador (2) Core Dec 13, 1988
- E4 The Mistress Core Dec 20, 1988
- E5 The D.J. Core Jan 3, 1989
- E6 The Captain Core Jan 10, 1989
- E7 The Vendetta Core Jan 17, 1989
- E8 The Mayor (1) Core Jan 31, 1989
- E9 The Mayor (2) Core Feb 7, 1989
- E10 The Black Widow Core Feb 14, 1989
- E11 The Other Woman Core Feb 21, 1989
- E12 The Starlet Core Feb 28, 1989
- E13 The Psychic Core Mar 7, 1989
- E14 The Thief (1) Core Mar 28, 1989
- E15 The Thief (2) Core Apr 4, 1989
- E16 The Thoroughbred Mytharc Apr 18, 1989
- E17 The Model Core Apr 25, 1989
- E18 The Cult Core May 2, 1989
- E19 The Blues Singer Mytharc May 9, 1989
- E20 The Priest Mytharc May 16, 1989
Season 4 · 24 episodes
Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Hunting Party (1) Mytharc Sep 19, 1989
- E2 The Hunting Party (2) Core Sep 19, 1989
- E3 The Good Boy Core Sep 26, 1989
- E4 The Best Seller Core Oct 10, 1989
- E5 The Ex Core Oct 17, 1989
- E6 The Clown Core Oct 24, 1989
- E7 The Star Core Oct 31, 1989
- E8 The Con Man Core Nov 7, 1989
- E9 The Prisoner (1) Core Nov 14, 1989
- E10 The Prisoner (2) Core Nov 21, 1989
- E11 The Fugitive Core Nov 28, 1989
- E12 The Buddies Mytharc Dec 12, 1989
- E13 The Scrooge Core Dec 19, 1989
- E14 The Witness Core Jan 2, 1990
- E15 The Student Core Jan 9, 1990
- E16 The Talk Show Mytharc Jan 16, 1990
- E17 The Victim Core Jan 23, 1990
- E18 The Kidnapper Core Feb 6, 1990
- E19 The Pro Core Feb 13, 1990
- E20 The Informer (1) Mytharc Feb 20, 1990
- E21 The Informer (2) Core Feb 27, 1990
- E22 The D.A. Core Mar 20, 1990
- E23 The Blackmailer Mytharc May 1, 1990
- E24 The Cookie Monster Mytharc May 8, 1990
Season 5 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Mother Mytharc Sep 18, 1990
- E2 Nowhere to Turn (1) Core Sep 25, 1990
- E3 Nowhere to Turn (2) Core Sep 25, 1990
- E4 The Madam Core Oct 2, 1990
- E5 The Personal Trainer Mytharc Oct 9, 1990
- E6 The Narc Mytharc Oct 23, 1990
- E7 The Secret (1) Core Oct 30, 1990
- E8 The Secret (2) Core Nov 6, 1990
- E9 The Brothers Mytharc Nov 13, 1990
- E10 The Cover Girl Mytharc Nov 20, 1990
- E11 The Biker Mytharc Nov 27, 1990
- E12 The Broker Mytharc Dec 4, 1990
- E13 The Fighter Core Dec 11, 1990
- E14 The Critic Mytharc Jan 8, 1991
- E15 The Parents Core Jan 15, 1991
- E16 The Man of The Year Core Jan 29, 1991
- E17 The Arsonist Core Feb 5, 1991
- E18 The Formula Core Feb 12, 1991
- E19 The Trial (1) Mytharc Feb 19, 1991
- E20 The Trial (2) Core Feb 26, 1991
- E21 The Accident Mytharc Mar 26, 1991
- E22 The Celebrity Mytharc Apr 30, 1991
Season 6 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Witness Killings (1) Mytharc Oct 18, 1991
- E2 The Witness Killings (2) Mytharc Oct 18, 1991
- E3 The Strangler Core Oct 25, 1991
- E4 The Nightmare Core Nov 1, 1991
- E5 The Marriage Counselor Mytharc Nov 8, 1991
- E6 The Dame Core Nov 15, 1991
- E7 The Suspect (1) Core Nov 29, 1991
- E8 The Suspect (2) Core Nov 29, 1991
- E9 The Defense Core Dec 6, 1991
- E10 The Game Show Mytharc Dec 13, 1991
- E11 The Foursome Core Dec 20, 1991
- E12 The Picture (1) Core Jan 17, 1992
- E13 The Picture (2) Core Jan 24, 1992
- E14 The Outcast (1) Mytharc Feb 7, 1992
- E15 The Outcast (2) Mytharc Feb 7, 1992
- E16 The Big Payoff Core Feb 28, 1992
- E17 The Abduction Core Mar 6, 1992
- E18 Mr. Awesome Core Apr 17, 1992
- E19 The Evening News (1) Core Apr 24, 1992
- E20 The Evening News (2) Mytharc May 1, 1992
- E21 The Assassination (1) Mytharc May 8, 1992
- E22 The Assassination (2) Mytharc May 8, 1992
Season 7 · 18 episodes
Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Vacation Mytharc Nov 5, 1992
- E2 The Vacation (2) Core Nov 5, 1992
- E3 The Legacy (1) Core Nov 19, 1992
- E4 The Legacy (2) Core Nov 19, 1992
- E5 The Ghost Core Jan 14, 1993
- E6 The Class Core Jan 21, 1993
- E7 The Singer Core Jan 28, 1993
- E8 The Mark Core Feb 4, 1993
- E9 The Juror Core Feb 11, 1993
- E10 The Fortune (1) Core Feb 18, 1993
- E11 The Fortune (2) Core Feb 18, 1993
- E12 The Debt Core Mar 18, 1993
- E13 The Revenge Core Mar 25, 1993
- E14 The Obsession Core Apr 1, 1993
- E15 The Divorce Core Apr 8, 1993
- E16 The Final Affair (1) Core Apr 29, 1993
- E17 The Final Affair (2) Mytharc Apr 29, 1993
- E18 The Competition Mytharc May 6, 1993
Season 8 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Play Mytharc Sep 23, 1993
- E2 The Fatal Seduction (1) Core Sep 30, 1993
- E3 The Fatal Seduction (2) Core Oct 7, 1993
- E4 The Diner Core Oct 14, 1993
- E5 The View Core Oct 28, 1993
- E6 The Last Laugh Core Nov 4, 1993
- E7 The Capital Offense Core Nov 11, 1993
- E8 The Haunted (1) Core Nov 18, 1993
- E9 The Haunted (2) Core Nov 18, 1993
- E10 The Conspiracy Core Nov 25, 1993
- E11 Matlock's Bad, Bad, Bad Dream Core Dec 2, 1993
- E12 The Defendant Core Dec 16, 1993
- E13 The Kidnapping (1) Core Jan 13, 1994
- E14 The Kidnapping (2) Core Jan 20, 1994
- E15 The Temptation Core Jan 27, 1994
- E16 The Crook Core Feb 3, 1994
- E17 The Murder Game Core Feb 10, 1994
- E18 Brennen Core Feb 17, 1994
- E19 The P.I. Core Mar 3, 1994
- E20 The Godfather Mytharc Apr 28, 1994
- E21 The Idol (1) Mytharc May 19, 1994
- E22 The Idol (2) Mytharc May 19, 1994
Season 9 · 18 episodes
Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Accused (1) Mytharc Oct 13, 1994
- E2 The Accused (2) Core Oct 13, 1994
- E3 The Scandal Core Oct 20, 1994
- E4 The Dare Core Oct 27, 1994
- E5 The Tabloid Core Nov 3, 1994
- E6 The Coach Core Nov 10, 1994
- E7 The Dating Game Core Nov 17, 1994
- E8 The Confession Mytharc Dec 1, 1994
- E9 Dead Air Core Dec 8, 1994
- E10 The Getaway Core Jan 5, 1995
- E11 The Verdict Core Jan 12, 1995
- E12 The Deadly Dose Mytharc Feb 2, 1995
- E13 The Target Core Feb 9, 1995
- E14 The Assault Core Feb 16, 1995
- E15 The Heist (1) Core Apr 27, 1995
- E16 The Heist (2) Core Apr 27, 1995
- E17 The Scam (1) Mytharc May 7, 1995
- E18 The Scam (2) Mytharc May 7, 1995
Verified insights
Frequently asked questions
Who created the series?
The series was created by Dean Hargrove.
Who plays the title character?
Andy Griffith stars as the criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock.
What is Ben Matlock's profession?
He is a criminal defense attorney who defends clients across the United States.
How much does he charge?
He is a very expensive attorney who charges one hundred thousand dollars to take a case.
When did the original series air?
The series debuted on March 3, 1986, and ran until 1995.
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