Matlock (TV series)

Matlock is an American legal drama and mystery television series created by Dean Hargrove and starring Andy Griffith as defence attorney Ben Matlock.

Matlock is an American legal drama and mystery television series created by Dean Hargrove and starring Andy Griffith as defence attorney Ben Matlock. It originally ran from 1986 to 1995, first on NBC and later on ABC, and was followed by a 2024 CBS reimagining also titled Matlock. The original series is known for its courtroom investigations and repeated reveals of the real culprit.

Premise

The original series follows Ben Matlock, a high-profile defence attorney who uses investigation, cross-examination, and courtroom strategy to uncover the real perpetrator. Each episode typically builds toward a final reveal of the culprit.

Production and broadcast history

Matlock was created by Dean Hargrove and began on NBC in 1986. After six seasons on NBC, it moved to ABC and continued until 1995.

Cast and characters

Andy Griffith played the title role of Ben Matlock. Other recurring cast members varied across the series, with the title character remaining the show’s central focus.

Episodes and seasons

The original series ran for nine seasons and produced 193 episodes, including a pilot movie. Episode lists are commonly organised by season in television databases and reference works.

Legacy and revival

Matlock remained a recognizable television title after the end of the original run. In 2024, CBS launched a new series using the same title as a modern reimagining.