Warning! This article contains spoilers for the first episode of CBS’Matlock.Following an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Kathy Bates’Matlockrebootearned CBS another major record with its premiere on September 22. With only one episode under its belt,Matlockis already setting itself apart from other reboots. The first episode shocked viewers with a surprise ending, revealing that Bates' Matty is actually Madeline Kingston, a woman out for revenge on the law firm she believes had a hand in the death of her daughter.
According to Nielsen’s live-plus-same-day numbers (viaTheWrap),Matlockbrought in 7.73 million viewers. That makes it CBS' most-watched non-Superbowl premiere sinceThe Codein April 2019, which aired after an episode ofNCIS.Additionally, in Canada,Matlockwas watched by almost 1.2 million people, making it the most-watched show there in total viewers.
What Matlock’s Ratings Success Means For CBS
The Network’s Premiere Strategy Paid Off
WhileDeadlinenotes that theMatlockpremiere was likely helped by the Steelers-Chargers game that aired earlier in the evening, the first episode came following60 Minutesrather than just after the game. Early estimates indicateMatlockmay have improved on60 Minutes' viewership by around 1 million people. What’s more,THRreports thatMatlockscored the biggest same-day audience of the network shows that premiered last week, a list that includes returneesSurvivorandDancing with the Stars, along with the new seriesRescue: HI-SurfandHigh Potential.
7.73 million
Dancing with the Stars
4.97 million
4.72 million
4.7 million
High Potential
3.59 million
Looking atMatlock’s numbers,the premiere was an outright success for CBS. The network took a gamble in using60 Minutesas the show’s lead-in, as well as debuting the premiere as a “sneak peek” of sorts early in the season –Matlockwon’t return with episode 2 until October 17. However, the risk seems to have paid off, at least for now.
Our Take On Matlock’s Premiere Numbers
CBS Could Have Another Hit On Its Hands
Based on just a single episode, it’s hard to say ifMatlockwill go on to be a long-term success for CBS. I thinkthe real test will come with the show’s return next month. It’s very possible that viewers simply checked out the first episode because ofMatlock’s name recognition and curiosity to see a new interpretation of the classic character.
Matlock Cast & Character Guide
The cast of characters for the Matlock reboot series will join Kathy Bates in reviving Andy Griffith’s legal procedural series for CBS.
However, provided the reboot retains or even grows its audience with the next episode, it’s easy for me to imagineMatlocknot only returning for season 2, but running on CBS for a long time to come. There are several things working in the show’s favor, including Bates' star power and the way her character represents a demographic not often seen on TV.
Additionally, the premiere twist makes it clear thatMatlockis not a traditional reboot, potentially giving the show the best of both worlds – it can bring in both fans of the original series and non-fans who are nonetheless intrigued to see how the twist plays out. Either way, there’s no doubtMatlockis off to a strong start.
Matlock
Cast
Matlock (2024) follows the return of Madeline Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian, to a prestigious law firm. Utilizing her unassuming demeanor and astute strategies, she navigates the legal world to win cases and uncover corruption. The series draws inspiration from the classic television series of the same name.
