Mon Sep 23 21:43:30 UTC 2024: ## Kathy Bates’ “Matlock” Debuts to Impressive Ratings, Returns October 17th

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Kathy Bates’ new legal drama “Matlock” has made a strong start, drawing in a large audience for its debut episode on CBS. With 7.73 million viewers, the premiere became the network’s most-watched non-Superbowl premiere in over five years, outperforming even the highly anticipated return of “The Code” in 2019. The episode also topped Canadian viewership charts, reaching nearly 1.2 million viewers.

Bates portrays Madeline Matlock, a seemingly unassuming attorney who joins the prestigious Jacobson Moore law firm with a hidden agenda. Her character, described as “underestimated” by creator Jennie Snyder Urman, possesses a surprising depth and a secret motive that will unfold throughout the series.

“The writer challenge I gave myself with ‘Matlock’ was to create this character who is constantly telling others, and the audience, that they’re underestimating her,” Urman told TheWrap. “But underestimate her at your own risk. She’s got more going on than you think.”

The supporting cast includes Jason Ritter as Julian, Olympia’s ex-husband and son of the firm’s head, as well as David Del Rio and Leah Lewis playing younger associates Billy and Sarah.

While “Matlock” debuted with a sneak peek episode on Sunday, the show’s official return will be Thursday, October 17th at 9 p.m. ET/PT, on its regularly scheduled night and timeslot. Fans can also catch up on episodes by streaming them on Paramount+.

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