Behind the Scenes of Matlock Reboot: A New Look for an Old Favorite

Matlock has been rebooted.

With their charm and candid reflections, the creators and cast members provide a glimpse into what it was like to revitalize a beloved legal procedural that attracts both fans of the original series and newcomers alike.

A Bold Way to Reboot a Classic

The Matlock reboot was never going to be easy. The original series, starring the iconic Andy Griffith in the titular role, had a significant place in television history, and the expectations for a new version were sky-high. However, as Jennie Snyder Urman, the creative force behind the reboot, reflects, the process was less about simply recreating the show and more about “reinventing it with a fresh perspective.” It began with a phone call with Eric Christian Olsen’s production company who held the rights.

What followed was a series of pivotal conversations that led to the show’s creation. Jennie wasn’t initially thinking about writing the script herself, but instead began reflecting on what she wanted to bring to the table. After a walk to think it through, she had an epiphany. The character of Matlock would be a woman — a female lawyer, using the name Matlock as a form of comfort, much like the title itself. “We were kind of using the title Matlock the same way I was,” Jennie explains. It was a new take on a familiar name, with the goal of bringing something both familiar and fresh to audiences. The concept came together and the reboot began to take shape.

The Gender Swap: A Natural Evolution

The decision to make Matlock a woman was one of the most significant changes in the reboot.

Jennie’s a writer who deeply values the complexity of female characters and wanted to bring that perspective to the show. “I write female characters. I love female characters. I knew it would be a woman,” Jenny shares. In a world where TV often continues to fall short in providing dynamic roles for women — particularly older women in their 70s — the choice to make Matlock female wasn’t just a creative decision; it was a deliberate, meaningful statement.

After Kathy Bates signed onto the lead role, Jennie dived deeper into the themes of the show. As she and her friends reached their 50s, they began to feel “invisible” to society; a sentiment that resonated with her when crafting Matlock’s character. “There’s this idea that older women aren’t as relevant,” she explains, highlighting how American society often elevates older men while relegating older women to the background.

Jennie Snyder Urman. Photo by Francis Specker/ CBS

Matlock becomes a direct challenge to that idea — an older woman at the peak of her powers, bringing all of her wisdom and life experience to the courtroom. Jennie’s deliberate exploration of female identity and ageism seeks to spotlight the waste of societal wisdom by ignoring older women.

The creative risks paid off. The female Matlock is not only a brilliant lawyer but also a complex, multi-dimensional character that audiences can relate to and learn from. “It was a story that was already there. I just had to catch up to it,” Jennie adds

Creating The Perfect Matlock

When it came to casting, Jennie had no specific actor in mind initially. But when the script for the Matlock reboot reached Kathy Bates, an actor with a reputation for delivering complex, multi-layered performances, she was immediately intrigued. At first, Kathy was skeptical. “I thought it was just episodic, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it again,” Kathy admits. But when she reached the twist in the story and realized that the show had substance, she was hooked. The compelling narrative surrounding the opioid epidemic — a theme that struck a personal chord for Kathy — was a major reason for her interest in the role.

Kathy’s personal connection to the opioid crisis made her feel more deeply involved in the material. “I had breast cancer back in 2012, and I wanted more opioids than my doctor was willing to give me,” she shares. This revelation sheds light on how personal the show’s subject matter became for Kathy. “I had no idea how people get hooked on opioids, but most people who get hooked are first exposed to them through legal prescriptions,” she says, reflecting on her own journey. The opioid epidemic provides a rich backdrop for both Matlock and her daughter’s storylines.

One of the standout moments in the conversation is Kathy’s admiration for Jennie’s leadership style as a creator. “She was always there for us,” Kathy recalls. “We had a deep, collaborative process that made this show work.” This kind of creative partnership is rare in the industry, and it’s clear that the genuine bond between Jennie and her cast has been key to the show’s success.

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The Cast’s Commitment to Their Characters

The cast members of Matlock seem genuinely excited about their roles. Jason Ritter, who plays Julian Markston, reveals that he was initially surprised by the plot twist of his character being the “big bad” of the season. “Jennie pulled me aside and said, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news,’” Ritter recalls with a laugh. His character, once likable and relatable, turns out to be the villain in a thrilling, unexpected twist. What’s fascinating about Jason’s approach is how he relishes the opportunity to explore the complexity of his character. Instead of playing the typical “bad guy,” his portrayal brings nuance to the role, showing that even villains are layered, multifaceted individuals. The show’s writing is a significant factor in this, as it humanizes its characters, making even the most controversial figures feel worthy of compassion.

Ritter’s excitement at being able to play a character with more depth than he typically has the chance to explore is palpable. “No one is perfect,” he says. “Life is long and messy, and that’s something I love about this show. We see our characters stumble. They make mistakes.”

David Del Rio, who plays the young lawyer Billy, provides a youthful energy and charm to the show. His background in musical theater is an interesting contrast to the more grounded, procedural nature of the show. However, he brings a unique sensibility to his performance, one that allows his character to stand out.

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The Show’s Future and Its Legacy

As the conversation draws to a close, Jennie offers a tantalizing tease about what’s to come in Season 2. Without giving away any spoilers, she hints that Matlock will be faced with even more challenges. “The table is set,” she offers cryptically. “As you go into season two, you’ll see Matlock no longer in control. She’s up against some formidable forces.” The shift from a character who once controlled everything to one who is no longer in control will create new opportunities for character growth and tension.

The ensemble cast is ready to take on these new challenges. With the continued development of complex characters like Matlock and her team, viewers can expect even more drama, intrigue, and — most importantly — moments of personal growth. The combination of subversive storytelling, a rich exploration of contemporary issues, and a cast of actors who deeply understand their characters ensures that the Matlock reboot will continue to capture the hearts and minds of its audience for seasons to come.

[More: “Matlock” Takes A Look At Ageing And Being Invisible In Jennie Snyder Urman’s Reboot]

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.