Matlock

 "Matlock" is a classic American legal drama television series that aired from 1986 to 1995, starring Andy Griffith as the title character, Ben Matlock—a wise, folksy, and shrewd criminal defense attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Matlock is a long-running American legal drama television series that aired from March 3, 1986, to May 7, 1995. It was originally broadcast on NBC for six seasons before moving to ABC for its remaining three seasons.

Created by Dean Hargrove (also known for Perry Mason Returns and Diagnosis: Murder), Matlock blends elements of legal drama, murder mystery, and character-driven storytelling.

Quick Facts

Detail	Info
Created by	Dean Hargrove
Starring	Andy Griffith
Original Run	March 3, 1986 – May 7, 1995
Seasons	9
Episodes	193
Genre	Legal drama / Crime / Mystery
Network	NBC (first 6 seasons), then ABC

Ben Matlock

• Ben Matlock is a brilliant but cranky Southern lawyer known for:

• Always wearing a gray suit

• Charging a high fee ($100,000 per case)—though often waived or negotiated

• His love for hot dogs

• Using charm and cross-examination skills to expose the real culprits in court

The Main Character: Ben Matlock

Played by the legendary Andy Griffith, Ben Matlock is a Southern attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for:

• Wearing his trademark gray suit

• Charging a large retainer ($100,000) but showing compassion for clients in need

• Investigating cases personally, sometimes disguising himself or going undercover

• Using brilliant courtroom tactics, often uncovering the real perpetrator during a dramatic trial moment

Character traits:

• Folksy but sharp

• A bit grumpy or stubborn

• Strong moral compass

• Fond of hot dogs and country music

Matlock’s courtroom demeanor often masks his deep intellect and perceptive ability to pick up on overlooked evidence.

Premise and Storytelling Style

Each episode generally follows a mystery format where:

1. A crime (most often murder) is committed.

2. The suspect hires Ben Matlock.

3. Matlock, often with assistance from colleagues or investigators, digs into the case.

4. He uncovers the truth through clever interviews, re-creation of events, or catching a witness in a lie.

5. The real culprit is usually revealed during a climactic cross-examination.

Though a legal drama, Matlock is also a procedural mystery, often placing Matlock in detective-like roles.

Key Cast and Characters

Andy Griffith – Ben Matlock

• Already famous for The Andy Griffith Show, Griffith’s performance here was a key part of the show's success.

Nancy Stafford – Michelle Thomas

• Matlock's law partner from Seasons 2 to 6. A confident, intelligent attorney who brought modern flair.

Kene Holliday – Tyler Hudson

• Matlock’s first private investigator (Seasons 1–3); charismatic and streetwise.

Clarence Gilyard Jr. – Conrad McMasters

• Replaced Hudson in Season 4; also a rodeo rider and bodyguard. Later starred in Walker, Texas Ranger.

Julie Sommars – Julie March

• Assistant D.A. and occasional love interest for Matlock; appeared in several early seasons.

Don Knotts – Les Calhoun

• Matlock’s quirky neighbor in the later seasons, also a nod to Knotts and Griffith’s long friendship from The Andy Griffith Show.

Production Notes

• Filmed primarily in California, despite being set in Atlanta.

• Produced by Viacom Productions and Dean Hargrove Productions.

• The tone was light-hearted compared to darker legal dramas of the time (like L.A. Law).

• Featured guest stars who later became famous, including:

  • Kirsten Dunst

  • Billy Bob Thornton

  • Daniel Roebuck

  • Bryan Cranston

Popularity and Reception

• Matlock was a ratings success, especially among older audiences and families.

• Aired in syndication for many years (on TBS, Hallmark Channel, MeTV, etc.).

• Inspired parodies and was frequently referenced in pop culture (The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.).

• Known for its predictable but satisfying format — viewers tuned in to see how Matlock would crack the case.

Reboot Information

• CBS announced a reboot of Matlock in 2023–2024, starring Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, a reimagined female version of the original character.

• Set in a modern legal firm, the show will explore current legal ethics, big law corruption, and generational workplace tension.

Cultural Legacy

• Part of a lineage of legal shows (from Perry Mason to Boston Legal to Suits).

• Matlock is still viewed as the quintessential TV defense attorney: clever, fair, and dedicated.

• Continues to inspire memes, nostalgia, and reruns.

Theme Music & Aesthetics

• Opening theme composed by Dick DeBenedictis.

• The theme and visual design reflect the gentle and dignified tone of the show, avoiding sensationalism common in later crime series.

Episode Highlights

Here are a few standout episodes:

• “The Judge” – Matlock defends a judge accused of murder.

• “The Don” (2-part) – A mafia-themed case with plenty of twists.

• “The Umpire” – A baseball umpire is murdered; sports and court collide.

• “The Witness” – Matlock must defend a friend who witnessed a crime.

Fun Facts

• Matlock's hot dog obsession was added by Andy Griffith himself for character color.

• The show often had 2-hour specials or multi-part episodes.

• Despite the murder-heavy plots, very little on-screen violence was shown.

• Frequently reused actors in different roles (similar to Law & Order’s casting pattern).

Plot Style

Each episode typically follows this format:

1. A crime (usually murder) is committed.

2. Matlock is hired to defend the accused.

3. He investigates the case himself with his associates.

4. In court, Matlock exposes the real criminal, often during a dramatic cross-examination.

Notable Cast Members

• Nancy Stafford as Michelle Thomas (attorney)

• Julie Sommars as ADA Julie March

• Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Conrad McMasters (investigator)

• Don Knotts (briefly) as Les Calhoun

Legacy & Impact

• Matlock became a cultural icon, particularly among older audiences.

• The show mixed whodunit mystery with courtroom drama and Southern charm.

• It inspired similar legal dramas like Perry Mason and Diagnosis: Murder.

• Andy Griffith's portrayal of Matlock remains one of his most beloved roles, following his earlier fame in The Andy Griffith Show.

Reboot Alert (Coming Soon)

• A CBS reboot of Matlock starring Kathy Bates is in development (as of 2024–2025).

• The new version features a female lead attorney, Madeline Matlock, inspired by the original character.