50 Facts About Matlock (TV Series)

The Creation and Development of Matlock

Matlock, a beloved American TV series, has a rich history that spans nine seasons. Let's dive into the fascinating details of its creation and development.

1. Matlock was created by Dean Hargrove, who aimed to create a character that would appeal to a wide audience. The show was initially pitched to NBC, which picked it up in 1986.

2. Andy Griffith starred as Ben Matlock, bringing a unique blend of humor and legal expertise to the character. Griffith's portrayal was instrumental in the show's success.

3. The first couple of seasons saw numerous casting changes, making the show difficult to follow initially. For example, Matlock's daughter was first played by Lori Lethin before being replaced by Linda Purl.

4. In 1987, NBC attempted to attract viewers by creating a crossover episode with ALF. The episode featured Matlock defending a Hollywood producer accused of murder, with ALF testifying against the producer.

5. Andy Griffith had a desire to make Matlock a darker character, one with morally ambiguous cases. However, the studio maintained the show's family-friendly tone.

Matlock's Journey Across Networks

Matlock's journey wasn't confined to a single network. It found a home on two major networks, showcasing its enduring popularity.

6. Matlock was first picked up by NBC in 1986 and remained with the network until 1992. The show was canceled due to its mature audience, which NBC felt was not aligned with their target demographic.

7. The show's producers managed to move it to ABC, where it ran for three more seasons, proving its lasting appeal.

Spin-offs and Crossovers

Matlock's influence extended beyond its own series, spawning spin-offs and existing within a shared universe.

8. Matlock is responsible for launching several spin-off series, including Jake and the Fatman, which followed the crime-solving duo J.L. "Fatman" McCabe and Jake Styles.

9. Despite being primarily a legal drama, Matlock introduced a surprising love interest for Ben Matlock. His rival in the courtroom, Julie March, was also his love interest outside of the courtroom.

10. Initially, Matlock’s practice was meant to be a father and daughter team. However, after just the first season, his daughter was completely written out of the show.

Filming Locations and Real-Life Inspirations

The show's settings and characters drew inspiration from real-life locations and people, adding depth to its storytelling.

11. The Fulton County Courthouse, where many episodes were filmed, was actually the Second Church of Christ, Scientist in Los Angeles.

12. Ben Matlock is reputed to have been based on Georgia lawyer Bobby Lee Cook, known for his legal skill and folksy charm.

Matlock's Impact on Television

Matlock left a significant mark on television history, influencing future legal dramas and maintaining a loyal fan base.

13. Matlock’s highest Nielsen Ratings finish was #14, just below Alf and L.A. Law, showcasing its popularity.

14. Matlock appeared on two networks: NBC and ABC, a rare feat for a television series.

15. Jake and the Fatman was a spin-off of Matlock, featuring J.L. "Fatman" McCabe and Jake Styles. This show was so popular that it spawned another spin-off, Diagnosis: Murder.

16. Matlock and Monk exist in the same fictional universe, with shared characters and interconnected storylines.

Behind the Scenes and Fun Facts

The behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts about Matlock add another layer of intrigue to the series.

17. Both Matlock and Andy Taylor always drove Ford vehicles, continuing a tradition from The Andy Griffith Show.

18. Dick DeBenedictis, the composer of Matlock’s theme song, also contributed music to other classic TV shows like Columbo and Perry Mason.

19. While Matlock was set in Atlanta, many scenes were actually filmed in Los Angeles, a common practice in television production.

20. Matlock had a significant impact on television, influencing the development of future legal dramas.

The Revival with Kathy Bates

In 2024, Matlock received a fresh take with a gender-flipping revival, starring Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock.

21. CBS released a gender-flipping revival of Matlock, starring Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock.

22. Matty Matlock is a decorated attorney who comes out of retirement, joining the prestigious law firm Jacobson Moore.

23. Olympia is a senior attorney at Jacobson Moore and Matty’s supervisor, played by Skye P. Marshall.

24. Supporting characters include Kira, a tech specialist played by Piper Curda, and Elijah Walker, played by Eme Ikwuakor.

25. The show also features child actors, including Henry Allen as Courtney "Court" Lawrence-Markston and Jordyn Weitz as Kathryn.

New Themes and Storylines

The new Matlock series explores fresh themes and storylines, appealing to both old and new fans.

26. The new Matlock series focuses on corporate crimes, a significant departure from the original show’s focus on murder cases.

27. Kathy Bates was immediately drawn to the script, bringing gravitas and humor to the show.

28. The show explores themes of retirement and aging, particularly through Matty’s character.

29. One unique element is Matty’s frequent discussions about her sex life, challenging societal norms around older women’s sexuality.

30. The first episode of the new Matlock series reveals a shocking twist: Matty Matlock is actually Madeline Kingston, a wealthy vigilante lawyer.

Critical Reception and Legacy

The new Matlock series has received critical acclaim, continuing the legacy of the original series.

31. The first season focuses on solving the mystery of the opioid-document-destroying villain, keeping viewers engaged.

32. The new Matlock series has received critical acclaim, with over 11 million viewers tuning in for the sneak peek debut.

33. The original Matlock series left a lasting legacy in television history, influencing many future shows.

34. Andy Griffith’s impact on television cannot be overstated, with his portrayal of Ben Matlock remaining iconic.

35. Matlock has become a cultural phenomenon, with its characters and catchphrases becoming part of everyday conversation.

36. While Matlock did not win any major awards during its original run, it remains a beloved series.

37. The show’s behind-the-scenes stories are as fascinating as the on-screen action, adding depth to its characters and storylines.

38. Matlock has a dedicated fan base, with many fans still eagerly awaiting new episodes.

39. Matlock has influenced many legal dramas that followed, setting a new standard for the genre.

40. The characters in Matlock are iconic, with Ben Matlock being one of the most memorable defense attorneys in television history.

41. The theme song of Matlock, composed by Dick DeBenedictis, is catchy and memorable, evoking feelings of nostalgia.

42. While Matlock was set in Atlanta, many scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, a common practice in television production.

43. The Fulton County Courthouse, where many episodes were filmed, has historical significance, added to the national register of historic places in 1987.

44. Ben Matlock was inspired by real-life lawyer Bobby Lee Cook, known for his legal skills and folksy charm.

45. Matlock achieved a high Nielsen Ratings finish of #14, just below Alf and L.A. Law.

46. Matlock appeared on two networks: NBC and ABC, showcasing its enduring popularity.

47. The spin-off series Jake and the Fatman was a significant success, leading to another spin-off, Diagnosis: Murder.

48. Matlock and Monk exist in the same fictional universe, with shared characters and interconnected storylines.

49. Both Matlock and Andy Taylor always drove Ford vehicles, continuing a tradition from The Andy Griffith Show.

50. Matlock has left a lasting legacy in television history, influencing many future shows and cementing its place as a classic series.

The Enduring Legacy of Matlock

Matlock's charm and wit have left a lasting mark on television. From Andy Griffith's unforgettable portrayal of Ben Matlock to the show's influence on future legal dramas, it remains a beloved classic. The series' ability to blend humor with legal expertise set a new standard, making it a staple in many households. The 2024 revival with Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock brings a fresh twist, proving the show's timeless appeal. With engaging storylines and memorable characters, Matlock continues to captivate audiences old and new. Its impact on TV history is undeniable, and its legacy lives on through spin-offs and shared universes. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, Matlock's blend of folksy charm and courtroom drama offers something special for everyone.