When CBS introduced its Matlock reboot in February of 2023, the casting information generated virtually as a lot pleasure because the revelation that one among TV’s most beloved legal professionals could be returning to the small display screen.
One 12 months later, Kathy Bates remains to be on board because the titular legal professional, and Jason Ritter will painting her colleague Julian — however a well known newcomer will likely be taking on the function of Ritter’s dad.
The community introduced in the present day that Beau Bridges will likely be becoming a member of the present as a robust lawyer with the apt identify of Senior.
According to a press launch, Senior is “the managing accomplice of New York’s most prestigious regulation agency with an indomitable presence that instantly alters the temperature of any room.
“The man’s influence reaches far and wide, and although he loves his son, Julian (Jason Ritter), he might respect his daughter-in-law, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), more,” the announcement continues.
Senior was performed by Law & Order: Criminal Intent star Jamey Sheridan within the present’s pilot episode.
The causes for the casting shakeup are unclear, nevertheless it’s not unusual for producers to make such adjustments early within the manufacturing course of.
Though maybe not fairly as well-known as his older brother, Jeff, Beau is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner with practically 65 years of trade expertise.
He first appeared on display screen in a recurring function on My Three Sons again in 1960, and he hasn’t stopped working since.
In newer years, Bridges appeared on such acclaimed TV exhibits as Lessons in Chemistry, Homeland, Masters of Sex, Goliath, and Brothers and Sisters.
Ordered in spring 2023, Matlock was initially set for a fall 2024 premiere, however like so many different extremely anticipated initiatives, it was delayed because of the writers’ strike.
A brand new premiere date has not been set, and it is potential that no delayed community collection is extra extremely anticipated.
The authentic Matlock, performed by Andy Griffith, is excessive on the listing of TV’s most beloved legal professionals, and his identify turned synonymous with folksy knowledge throughout the collection’ nine-year run.
The present served as an ideal bookend to Griffith’s profession as a tv lead, which started with the legendary sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (on which he performed a equally affable small-town sheriff).
The new Matlock was ordered to collection in May of final 12 months, a mirrored image of CBS’ confidence that curiosity within the iconic surname stays excessive, regardless that the Griffith model ended again in 1995.
“After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within,” reads the present’s logline.
Though maybe greatest recognized for her movie work, because of such fashionable classics as Misery and Titanic, collection lead Bates isn’t any stranger to the world of tv.
She beforehand performed recurring roles on The Office, American Horror Story, and Two and a Half Men.
Bates will function govt producer on the brand new collection, which additionally stars Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, David Del Rio as Billy, and Leah Lewis as Sarah.
She’ll have some massive footwear to fill, entering into one of the vital iconic roles in tv historical past.
But if anybody is able to matching Griffith’s pitch-perfect mix of humor and gravitas and reinventing this no-nonsense legal professional for the advantage of a brand new technology, it is Kathy Bates.
We cannot wait to see her tackle this character.
We’ll proceed to maintain you up to date on this upcoming collection as new info turns into accessible.
Hit the feedback beneath to share your favourite Matlock reminiscences!
Tyler Johnson is an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic and the opposite Mediavine O&O websites. In his spare time, he enjoys studying, cooking, and, in fact, watching TV. You can Follow him on X and e-mail him right here at TV Fanatic.
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