Support the Matlock Reboot: Let Emmy Voters Know It Deserves a Nomination

As Emmy voting closed on June 23, most people had their eyes on the usual heavyweights. But fans of Matlock are hoping for a different kind of headline this year. They want to see Kathy Bates and the reimagined courtroom drama get the nod they deserve. And honestly? They might be onto something.

Matlock Is Back

If you’re still picturing Andy Griffith in a beige suit, think again.

The 2024 Matlock reboot brings the classic legal drama into a sharper, more modern light. Kathy Bates leads the charge as Madeline Matlock. She’s not just a rehash of the original character — she’s a full reimagining. A whip-smart, fearless attorney who doesn’t waste a second on pleasantries. She gets to the heart of the case and holds her ground like she was born in a courtroom.

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The show runs on CBS, which already puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to the Emmys. Network procedurals often get overlooked in favor of moody, expensive streaming shows. But Matlock doesn’t just play by the book. It rewrites parts of it.

Kathy Bates Shines

Kathy Bates is the soul of the series. And not just because she’s got awards to her name. It’s the way she brings power and nuance to the role.

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She doesn’t overact. She doesn’t play the lawyer as some untouchable genius. She plays Madeline as real. Smart. Experienced. Tough. But still human. She’s got that layered delivery where you feel every choice the character makes. That’s not easy to do. Especially when legal shows often drown in jargon.

Watching Bates argue a case is gripping. You hang on her words. Not because of courtroom theatrics, but because of the emotional weight she brings. It’s slow burn brilliance.

Emmy Bias Is Real

Procedurals haven’t always had the best luck with the Emmys. Even when they pull in strong ratings and tight scripts, they get labeled as “just another legal drama.” But that mindset feels outdated now.

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We’ve seen shows like Poker Face and The Residence shake up the game. They’re opening doors. And Matlock should be walking right through them.

It checks all the boxes Emmy voters typically look for. Solid writing. Complex characters. Timely themes. Plus, a veteran actor delivering one of her best performances in years.

It Speaks To Today

What makes Matlock stand out isn’t just nostalgia. It’s how current it feels.

Episodes dig into modern issues. Corporate coverups. Legal loopholes. Systemic inequality. But they do it without sounding preachy. The writing is clear and sharp. You know what the show is trying to say, but it lets the story speak for itself.

And that structure people dismiss as “formulaic”? It works. It gives space for character depth. Ethical questions. Dramatic tension. You’re never bored.

In fact, the structure is part of what makes it work so well. You come for the case. You stay for the details. And by the end, you’re thinking about way more than just a courtroom verdict.

The Cast Brings Heat

Bates isn’t the only one holding it down. The supporting cast deserves credit too.

Jason Ritter. Leah Lewis. David Del Rio. Skye P. Marshall. They all bring something unique to the table. Their chemistry feels lived-in. Their characters don’t just orbit around Madeline — they challenge her, support her, and sometimes even steal scenes.

The guest appearances are another strong point. Similar to Elsbeth, Matlock uses guest stars to keep things fresh. Each episode introduces new faces, new motives, and new angles. And somehow, it never feels crowded.

It’s Time Emmy Voters Paid Attention

CBS doesn’t always get the Emmy love that streaming networks do. But that line between “prestige TV” and “network drama” is thinner than ever. And a show like Matlock proves it.

It’s not flashy. It’s not loaded with fancy effects. It’s just really, really good television. And at the center of it is a performance that deserves more than a passing mention.

Kathy Bates is doing career-defining work. She’s not chasing awards. She’s elevating the material. She’s giving viewers a reason to tune in week after week.

And come July 15, when the nominations roll in, let’s hope Emmy voters surprise us. Let’s hope they remember that great acting, smart writing, and solid storytelling don’t always need to come from buzzy shows or massive budgets.

Sometimes, they come from a classic name, reimagined the right way. Sometimes, they come from Matlock.