Matlock TV Show: Complete Guide for Fans, Facts & Episodes (2025 Updated)

What Is Matlock?

Matlock is a famous American TV show. It is about a smart and kind lawyer named Ben Matlock. He helps people who are in trouble and works hard to make sure the truth comes out in court. Matlock is known for finding the real person who did the crime, even when it seems very hard.

The show started in 1986 and ended in 1995. It became very popular because people liked how Matlock solved mysteries.

Who Played Ben Matlock?

The main character, Ben Matlock, was played by Andy Griffith. He was a famous actor who also worked on other shows. In Matlock, he played a lawyer who was very good at his job. Andy Griffith made Matlock fun to watch because he acted in a kind and clever way.

Matlock was not just smart. He also had good manners, asked the right questions, and liked to eat hot dogs!

Where Did Matlock Work?

Matlock lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia. He had a small law office, but he worked on big cases. People came to him when they were in trouble. Many times, they were blamed for a crime they didn’t do.

Matlock would go to court, talk to people, ask smart questions, and show who really did the crime. In the end, most of the time, he saved his clients from going to jail.

What Made Matlock Special?

Ben Matlock was different from other TV lawyers. Here are some things that made him special:

• He was very smart. He always found the truth by looking at small clues.
• He was polite. He treated people with respect, even when they were wrong.
• He liked simple things. He wore gray suits, played the banjo, and ate hot dogs.
• He didn’t give up. Even when the case was hard, he kept looking until he found the answer.

How Did Matlock Solve Cases?

In every episode, someone was accused of a crime—usually murder. Matlock took the case. He visited the place where the crime happened, talked to the people who saw what happened, spoke to the police, and looked at all the evidence.

In the courtroom, he asked smart questions. Sometimes, he made the real criminal so nervous that they told the truth themselves. Other times, he used proof to show that his client was innocent. Every episode felt like a puzzle, and Matlock was the one who solved it.

Who Helped Matlock?

Matlock had help from many friends. Some of them worked with him:

• Charlene Matlock – His daughter and also a lawyer.
• Michelle Thomas – A smart assistant who helped with cases.
• Conrad McMasters – A private detective who helped find clues.
• Cliff Lewis – A friend who worked as an investigator.

These people helped Matlock by finding facts, talking to witnesses, and keeping him safe.

Was Matlock a Real Lawyer?

No, Ben Matlock was not a real person. He was a character on TV. But he was made to look like a real lawyer. The things he did in court were based on how real courtrooms work. That made the show feel real and exciting.

What Was a Typical Episode Like?

Each episode of Matlock followed a similar story:

• A person is blamed for a crime.
• Matlock agrees to help.
• He talks to people and finds clues.
• He goes to court and asks smart questions.
• The real criminal is found, and his client is free.

The show had 193 episodes. People liked watching because every story was different, but Matlock always used his brain to win.

Why Do People Still Love Matlock?

Even though Matlock ended in 1995, people still watch it. Here’s why:

• It teaches good lessons. It shows that truth and honesty are important.
• It is fun to watch. The stories are like puzzles, and kids and adults enjoy solving them.
• Ben Matlock is a role model. He is kind, smart, and never gives up.
• It feels safe. Unlike scary shows, Matlock is calm, clean, and good for families.

Many TV channels still show Matlock today, and new people discover it every year.

Was There a New Version of Matlock?

Yes. In 2024, a new version of Matlock was made. This time, the main character is a woman named Madeline “Matty” Matlock. She is played by Kathy Bates, another famous actor.

In the new show, Matty is also a lawyer. She goes back to work after she retires. She tries to find out the truth about bad things happening in her law firm. The new show is different but still uses the smart, kind, and clever style of the old Matlock.

How Many Seasons Did the Original Matlock Have?

The original Matlock show had 9 seasons. That means it was on TV for 9 years. It started on NBC and later moved to ABC. The first show aired in 1986, and the last one was in 1995.

What Awards Did Matlock Win?

Matlock was loved by many people. Andy Griffith, who played Ben Matlock, won awards for his acting. The show had high ratings and was one of the most-watched shows in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Even though it didn’t win big awards like some other shows, it won the hearts of millions of fans.

Is Matlock Good for Kids?

Yes! Matlock is a family-friendly show. Kids can watch it with their parents or grandparents. There is no bad language. The stories are about solving problems with kindness and smarts. Many kids who watched Matlock with their families grew up to watch it again as adults.

Where Can You Watch Matlock Today?

You can still watch Matlock on TV and online. Some channels show old episodes. You can also find Matlock on some streaming apps. Ask an adult to help you find it if you want to watch!

FAQs About Matlock

What is Matlock about?

Matlock is a TV show about a smart and kind lawyer named Ben Matlock. He helps people who are blamed for crimes and finds out the truth in court.

Who played Ben Matlock?

Ben Matlock was played by Andy Griffith, a famous actor who made the character lovable and smart.

When did the Matlock show air on TV?

The show first aired in 1986 and ended in 1995. It had 9 seasons and 193 episodes.

Where did Ben Matlock live and work?

Ben Matlock lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia. He had a small office but worked on big, important cases.

Was Ben Matlock a real person?

No, Ben Matlock was not real. He was a character on a TV show, but the stories felt real because they were based on real courtroom ideas.

What made Matlock different from other TV lawyers?

Matlock was smart, polite, and never gave up. He liked simple things and always looked for clues to find the truth.

Who helped Matlock with his cases?

Matlock got help from Charlene Matlock, Michelle Thomas, Conrad McMasters, and Cliff Lewis. They helped him solve crimes.

What happened in a typical Matlock episode?

Someone is blamed for a crime, Matlock takes the case, finds clues, goes to court, and proves the real criminal did it.

Is Matlock good for kids to watch?

Yes, Matlock is family-friendly and teaches values like truth and kindness without any bad language or scary scenes.

Can you still watch Matlock today?

Yes, you can watch Matlock on TV or streaming apps. Many people still enjoy the old episodes.

Was there a new version of Matlock made?

Yes, in 2024, a new version was made with a woman named Matty Matlock, played by Kathy Bates.

Why do people still love Matlock?

People love Matlock because of the fun, smart stories and the kind hero who never gives up and always finds the truth.

Conclusion

Matlock is a classic TV show about a kind and clever lawyer who helps people. Ben Matlock used his brain to solve crimes, help his clients, and always find the truth. With 9 seasons and many exciting episodes, the show has become a favorite for families everywhere.

Whether you are young or old, watching Matlock can be fun, interesting, and even a little bit like solving a mystery. Matlock teaches us to be honest, think hard, and never give up. That’s why this TV show is still loved by so many people today.