The new “Matlock” show, a reboot (but not really) of the classic legal drama, has captured audiences with its fresh take on the original. The pilot was shown on Sunday, Sept. 22 and will be rerun on Thursday, Oct. 10 and can be seen at the CBS website here. And the season starts and gets going on Thursday, October 17 on CBS.

You need to watch the pilot before you start in with the regular schedule. There’s a fantastic twist at the end and you need to see that to get into the whole premise of the show.

Here are ten reasons why it’s such a wonderful show:

Andy Griffith Legacy: The reboot pays homage to the original “Matlock,” featuring the charm and wisdom of its predecessor while modernizing it for today’s audiences. It maintains the spirit of Andy Griffith’s character while evolving for the new era.

Star Power of Kathy Bates: Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Matlock, the main character. Her exceptional acting chops, combined with her natural wit and charisma, make her portrayal of Matlock compelling and layered. She brings a fresh energy to the courtroom while maintaining the integrity of the original role.

Contemporary Legal Issues: The new series tackles modern-day legal challenges, from issues related to technology and social media to ethical dilemmas in a complex justice system. It reflects the current legal landscape, making the show relatable and timely.

Humor and Wit: While it’s a legal drama at its core, the new “Matlock” injects plenty of humor and light-hearted moments, particularly through the sharp dialogue and Kathy Bates’ witty delivery. This balance of seriousness and humor adds to the show’s appeal.

Strong Supporting Cast: The supporting cast around Matlock is dynamic and well-developed, each contributing unique personalities and strengths. Their interactions with Matlock enhance the narrative, adding layers to both the personal and professional stories in the series.

Character Depth: Madeline Matlock is not just a brilliant attorney but also a fully fleshed-out character with flaws, humor, and wisdom. The show explores her backstory and personal life in more depth, making her a multidimensional and relatable figure.

Beautiful Courtroom Drama: The new series retains the essence of the courtroom drama genre, with clever legal maneuvering and dramatic reveals. For fans of legal shows, “Matlock” offers classic courtroom moments with modern storytelling techniques.

Mystery and Investigation: Like its predecessor, the new “Matlock” incorporates elements of mystery. Viewers are invited to piece together clues alongside the main characters, making each episode feel like a thrilling puzzle to solve.

Diverse Representation: The new iteration of “Matlock” features a more diverse cast and explores different perspectives within the legal world, providing a more inclusive and contemporary reflection of society.

Nostalgia with a Fresh Twist: For fans of the original, the reboot offers a sense of nostalgia while introducing new audiences to the brilliance of the Matlock character. It strikes a delicate balance between staying true to its roots and creating something entirely new.

All in all, the new “Matlock” feels like a satisfying blend of old and new, combining legal intrigue, character depth, and a modern twist to make it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.

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