Skip to content
MovieCove
Matlock

Matlock

AMERICA'S GREATEST LAWYER. CASE CLOSED.

1986–1995Ended9 seasons181 episodes~60 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

Thrifty, folksy and cantankerous, Matlock charges a premium for his services but is worth every penny: This renowned attorney, always clothed in his trademark light-gray suit and driving his signature Ford Crown Victoria, has an uncanny knack for finding overlooked clues and exposing murderers in dramatic courtroom scenes.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Matlock?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Matlock streaming on Pluto TV (free) and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Matlock?

Matlock earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Matlock worth watching?

Matlock's Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all shows, from 11K ratings across 2 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of shows

52nd percentile among Crime47th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)62nd

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

71 /100

53rd percentile of all shows

51st percentile among Crime42nd percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.6 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

76% liked it

62nd percentile of all shows

53rd percentile among Crime51st percentile among 1980s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

11K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Crime83rd percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Ben Matlock is a charming, folksy defense attorney who always wins his cases by dramatically exposing the real killer in court.

Fans praised

  • Andy Griffith's folksy, charismatic performance carries the show
  • Comforting, wholesome, lighthearted mystery-of-the-week formula
  • Supporting cast chemistry (Tyler, Michelle, Conrad, Charlene) in early seasons

Detractors panned

  • Extremely unrealistic courtroom antics and impossible legal procedures
  • Repetitive, formulaic plot structure with no genuine suspense
  • Late-season cast changes and character degradation (Billy, Leanne)

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

Andy Griffith's charismatic, folksy performance universally praised by fans; detractors note Griffith's charm but call supporting cast uneven

CharactersDivisive65

Lovable lead and strong early supporting cast; later additions (Billy, Jeri) widely panned as annoying

HumorDivisive65

Lighthearted, folksy humor from Matlock's personality; Don Knotts cameos divisive

DialogueDivisive60

Homespun wit and banter (especially with Tyler) praised; detractors find speeches unrealistic

PacingDivisive55

Comfortably paced for fans; detractors find it slow and repetitive

EndingDivisive50

Predictable courtroom confession satisfies fans; detractors find it ridiculous

Plot and storyDivisive40

Extremely formulaic whodunit with predictable courtroom confession; fans find it cozy, detractors call it lazy

OriginalityDivisive30

Heavily derivative of Perry Mason and Columbo; fans accept formula, detractors see it as tired

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 17 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 11 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 32 points higher than non-US viewers.

Episodes

9 seasons

Season 9 · 1994 · 18 episodes

  • S9E1
    S9E1

    The Accused (1)

    Oct 13, 1994
  • S9E2
    S9E2

    The Accused (2)

    Oct 13, 1994
  • S9E3
    S9E3

    The Scandal

    Oct 20, 1994
  • S9E4
    S9E4

    The Dare

    Oct 27, 1994
  • S9E5
    S9E5

    The Tabloid

    Nov 3, 1994
  • S9E6
    S9E6

    The Coach

    Nov 10, 1994

Watch experience

What is Matlock like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseTriumphantWarm
Heaviest: middle
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcStatus quo each season
ToneThe show balances sentimental warmth for its characters with a playful, often comedic energy, while treating the courtroom drama with earnest gravity.
The rideThe show balances light moments with courtroom tension, with the most intense stretches typically during the investigation and trial phases in the middle of each episode; it never reaches the emotional depth of a serious drama, staying consistently moderate.
StructureEpisodes follow a conventional three-act structure: introduction of the crime and client, investigation, and courtroom resolution.
Episode formatEpisodes are a hybrid: each episode presents a self-contained murder case (procedural element) but is threaded together by recurring characters and occasional subplots (serialized element), with the case solving being the main focus.
Season formatWhile there are minor cast changes and occasional multi-episode storylines, for the most part each season maintains the same status quo of Matlock taking on a new case per episode, making seasons largely interchangeable in structure and tone.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodCozy · 5% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe series wraps each case with a satisfying resolution and Matlock's warm personality leaves viewers comforted and uplifted.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% (this title) · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

8% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeEach episode follows a classic mystery pattern: a murder occurs, the client is wrongly accused, and Ben Matlock investigates and reveals the true killer in court.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7% (this title)
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 7% of showsJustice · 14% of shows
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe show centers on Matlock's unwavering dedication to his clients, treating each case as a matter of personal investment and moral obligation, while the pursuit of the real culprit reinforces a theme of justice over mere procedure.
StanceThe show celebrates the ideal of a brilliant, righteous lawyer who uses the law to protect the innocent and unmask the guilty, presenting a fundamentally optimistic view of the legal system's ability to deliver justice.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingAtlanta's legal and courtrooms, with occasional excursions to clients' homes and businesses

Content guide

Is Matlock okay for kids?

TV-PG

Matlock is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (36/100), sexual content at mild (24/100), language at mild (20/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at mild (30/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 31% of TV-PG shows.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • CanadaPG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 11% of all showsHeavier than 31% of TV-PG shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 53%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 38%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 27%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (9 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 53% of TV-PG shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Matlock have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Matlock?

Cast

At least 2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Andy Griffith
as Ben Matlock
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nancy Stafford
as Michelle Thomas
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Julie Sommars
as Julie March
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Clarence Gilyard Jr.
as Conrad McMasters
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kene Holiday
as Tyler Hudson
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
David Froman
as Lt. Bob Brooks
Daniel Roebuck
as Cliff Lewis
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Richard Newton
as Judge Richard Cooksey
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Brynn Thayer
as Leanne McIntyre
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kari Lizer
as Cassie Phillips
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

More like this

What are shows like Matlock?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Matlock include All Rise (2019), Burden of Truth (2018) and For the People (2018).

Like this, but

Explore by

What other shows share a tag with Matlock?

131 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: courtroom drama. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.