Matlock

NBC · 1986-1995 · 9 Seasons · 195 Episodes · Ended
crimedramalegalmysteryprocedural
79
Fan Heat

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About Matlock

Matlock follows Benjamin Leighton Matlock, a folksy yet shrewd criminal defense attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, who charges a high fee but almost always delivers an acquittal for his clients. Known for his rumpled gray suit, his fondness for hot dogs, and his deceptively simple country manner, Ben Matlock disarms witnesses and prosecutors alike before springing the courtroom revelation that exposes the real culprit.

Each episode typically blends a whodunit murder mystery with a courtroom drama. Matlock and his associates investigate the crime, interview suspects, and uncover overlooked evidence, building toward a climactic trial sequence in which Matlock cross-examines the guilty party into a confession or contradiction. The series leans on a reliable formula: a client wrongly accused, a tangle of motives, and a final gotcha moment that turns the case.

Over its nine seasons the show was created by Dean Hargrove and produced under Fred Silverman, drawing on the same classic mystery sensibility as series like Perry Mason. Andy Griffith anchored the program throughout its run, and the supporting cast of investigators and fellow attorneys rotated over the years as the show moved from NBC to ABC. Matlock remained a popular fixture of network television and an enduring presence in syndication.

Production Details & Legacy

Matlock was created by Dean Hargrove and originally aired on NBC, with streaming available on NBC (1986-1992), ABC (1992-1995); later in syndication and on streaming services. The series ran for 9 seasons and 195 episodes from 1986-1995, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the crime and drama and legal and mystery and procedural genres. Since its conclusion, Matlock has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms and remains a frequent subject of critical reappraisal and fan discussion.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from Matlock, including Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith), Charlene Matlock (Linda Purl), Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

Matlock holds a Fan Heat Score of 79 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. The show has built a committed and enthusiastic community of viewers who continue to engage with and champion the series. The series is notable for its legal drama, courtroom, murder mystery qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

No. Matlock is a fictional legal drama created by Dean Hargrove. Ben Matlock and his cases are invented, though the show draws on the tradition of classic courtroom mysteries such as Perry Mason.

The 2024 Matlock is a separate CBS series starring Kathy Bates as Madeline Matty Matlock, a brilliant attorney who rejoins the workforce later in life. It shares the name and the courtroom premise of the 1986 series but tells a new, original story with its own characters rather than continuing Ben Matlock's.

Matlock aired on NBC from 1986 to 1992, then moved to ABC for its final three seasons through 1995. The switch was a network and scheduling decision; the series continued with Andy Griffith in the title role after the move.