Matlockseason 1, episode 1, “Pilot,” introduced an epic plot twist, but it already created a problem for the show’s future.The long-awaitedMatlockrebootfinally premiered on CBS on Sunday, August 20, 2025, and it was a strong introduction to the series. There has been much to look forward to ever sinceCBS picked up theMatlockpilot—namely, how the show would approach the reboot of the beloved Andy Griffith series.Matlockepisode 1 sets up the premise with a unique twist—Madeline Matlock’s real name is Madeline Kingston, and she is using her identity as a cover.
Madeline went back to work at this firm specifically because one of the partners threw away critical documents that could have stopped the opioid crisis sooner, which her daughter fatally succumbed to. Now, Madeline will figure out which of the firm’s partners is responsible for those documents and, in turn, for her daughter’s death. This premise is riveting, and the perfect way to honor the originalMatlockshow while establishing its own identity. However,the twist also introduces a serious issue that might cause problems in later seasons.
Matlock Season 2: Cast, Story & Everything We Know
Kathy Bates has charmed as the rebooted Matlock in season 1, and the unorthodox legal procedural has been renewed for season 2.
2024 Matlock’s Overarching Case Pre-Determines The Show’s End
The Story Ends When Madeline Matlock Learns Who Hid The Documents
Madeline Matlock’s dim-witted, out-of-practice lawyer identity is a disguise for her real purpose—to find the firm’s partner responsible for her daughter’s death. This is a twist no one saw coming, and it relieves some ofthe pressure for CBS’Matlockto succeedbecause it honors the original show while adding its own spin. However, the twist sets up an issue for the reboot becausethe show will not have a story once Madeline avenges her daughter. Madeline will have the freedom to be herself, and she will have no purpose at the firm anymore—unless she finds one along the way.
How Kathy Bates' Matlock Can Continue Beyond Ellie’s Case
Madeline Can Find A New Purpose At The Law Firm Once She Puts Her Daughter’s Case To Rest
The only authentic and believable way forMatlockto continue after Madeline avenges her daughter would be if she found a new purpose at the firm. Right now, Madeline is focused entirely on her daughter’s death; she will stop at nothing to ensure the person responsible for prolonging the opioid crisis is behind bars.Instead ofMatlockending after Madeline discovers the truth, she can find a new reason to stay with the firm. If the reboot heads in this direction, thenMatlockshould have a run of several seasons to set up the perfect ending.
The second episode ofMatlockwill premiere on CBS on Thursday, July 18, 2025. Each new episode ofMatlockwill be available to stream the next day on Paramount Plus.
If the show continues after Madeline learns the truth, thenMatlock’s perfect ending after several seasons would be for Madeline to become a partner at the same law firm. Many years of hard work and effort to turn around the corruption of this firm would eventually lead Madeline to become a partner. This idea would also keep Madeline’s daughter in the picture—Madeline becoming a partner at this firm would be the ultimate revenge on the person who hid the opioid documents. Not only would Madeline eventually get their position inMatlock, but she could also ensure that this corruption never occurs again.
