‘Matlock: Season One (2024)’ DVD Review
Stars: Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Sam Anderson, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis, Eme Ikwuakor, Beau Bridges, Aaron Harris | Created by Jennie Snyder Urman
We’re firmly in the age of remakes, revivals, and reboots, where nearly every classic film or TV show finds itself reimagined. Sometimes the results are strong; I really enjoyed the first two seasons of the Frasier continuation for example, but other times, the results don’t quite land.
The latest to get the treatment is Matlock, the beloved courtroom drama once carried by the iconic Andy Griffith. Which means you’d better have a big-name star for your reboot, as taking on such a role demands real presence, and this Matlock has answered that with Kathy Bates, an Emmy and Academy Award winner, stepping into the lead.
Already renewed for a second season and returning next month, Matlock’s revival is finding its footing. In the meantime, Paramount Home Entertainment has released Season 1 on DVD, giving both fans and new viewers the chance to experience this fresh take before the next chapter begins.
Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates), a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her younger years and decides to rejoin the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice. Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills. As Matty endeavors to establish herself in her new high-stakes world, she works alongside the firm’s younger associates — the charismatic Billy (David Del Rio) and the uber ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis).
I’ll admit, I’m usually not a fan of reboots that recast established characters, as it often feels like the original actor’s legacy gets brushed aside. But this series takes a clever approach that I really appreciated. Kathy Bates doesn’t replace Andy Griffith’s Matlock; instead, she plays Matty Matlock in the “real world,” a character who just happens to share the same name. The show even nods to the past, weaving in the classic Matlock theme during the pilot.
Bates shines in the role. I’ve admired her work since Misery, and here she brings intelligence, wit, and a no-nonsense edge that fits perfectly. She’s backed by a strong supporting cast, with episodes that are both well-written and polished. Is it the same Matlock we grew up with? No, and it shouldn’t be judged by that standard. On its own, this reboot is smart, entertaining, and surprisingly enjoyable.
The complete first season arrives on five DVDs, accompanied by a solid set of extras that includes deleted scenes and, always a highlight for me, a gag reel. The episodes are presented in widescreen with an English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, plus optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing – an appreciated inclusion. Another plus: these are pressed discs, not the made-on-demand burned variety, which is always worth noting for collectors who prefer durability and quality.
As for the show itself, while I’m often sceptical of reboots, Matlock manages to be engaging. Kathy Bates stands out in the lead role, and though it can’t match the original, this first season delivers an enjoyable and well-made courtroom drama.
**** 4/5
Matlock: Season One is out now on DVD – in the US – from Paramount Home Entertainment.
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