The New Matlock Cast 2024: A Complete Guide To The Stars And Shocking Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The iconic legal drama Matlock has returned to television, not as a simple rerun, but as a compelling, high-stakes reboot for the 2024 season, anchored by an Oscar-winning lead and a dynamic ensemble cast. This new iteration, which premiered with a sneak peek on September 22, 2024, and officially launched its timeslot on October 17, 2024, on CBS, reimagines the classic series for a modern audience, shifting the focus from the original’s folksy defense attorney, Ben Matlock, to the brilliant, yet unassuming, Madeline “Matty” Matlock. The show has quickly become a standout, blending complex legal mysteries with sharp wit and a deep dive into its lead character’s personal quest for justice.
The success of the Matlock 2024 reboot hinges entirely on its fresh, talented ensemble, who bring a new energy to the hallowed halls of the prestigious law firm, Jacobson Moore. From Hollywood veterans to rising stars, the cast is packed with familiar faces and compelling new entities, all navigating the high-pressure world of high-profile legal defense. However, the show's run has not been without its own drama, with a major cast controversy making headlines, proving that sometimes the most shocking revelations happen off-screen.
Meet the Main Cast of Matlock (2024 Series)
The new Matlock series is built around a core cast of five main actors, each playing a pivotal role in the central law firm and the overarching mystery of the season. Here is a complete profile of the stars bringing the new legal drama to life on CBS.
Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock / Madeline Kingston
- Role in Matlock: The titular character, Madeline Matlock, is a sharp, septuagenarian retired lawyer who returns to the workforce at the elite law firm, Jacobson Moore. She uses her unassuming, "sweet old lady" demeanor to disarm opponents and employ wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption. Her return to law is driven by a personal mission: to uncover the truth about what happened to her daughter.
- Biography & Career Highlights: Born June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. Kathy Bates is a highly esteemed, Academy Award-winning American actress. She won the Oscar for Best Actress for her terrifying performance as Annie Wilkes in the 1990 film Misery. Her extensive career includes iconic roles in Fried Green Tomatoes, Titanic, and numerous seasons of American Horror Story, for which she has won multiple Emmy Awards. Bates’ involvement immediately lent credibility and star power to the reboot.
- Key Entities: Academy Award, Misery, American Horror Story, Emmy Awards, Madeline Kingston, Ben Matlock (original character).
Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
- Role in Matlock: Olympia Lawrence is Madeline Matlock's younger, hard-charging, and ambitious boss at Jacobson Moore. She is a strong-willed attorney who initially views Matty as a liability, forcing the veteran lawyer to prove her worth within the competitive environment of the firm. Her character provides a modern foil to Matty’s old-school methods.
- Biography & Career Highlights: A Chicago native, Skye P. Marshall has quickly made a name for herself in television. Prior to Matlock, she was known for her compelling roles in series such as The Haves and the Have Nots, Black Lightning, and the military drama Major Crimes. Her portrayal of Olympia has been described as magnetic and critically acclaimed.
- Key Entities: Jacobson Moore, Chicago, The Haves and the Have Nots, Black Lightning, Legal Drama, Strong-willed attorney.
Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
- Role in Matlock: Julian Markston is an attorney at the firm who is described as somewhat troubled. He is the son of the firm’s founder, a connection that adds complexity to his character and his interactions with the rest of the cast. He often finds himself working alongside Matty as she navigates the firm's politics.
- Biography & Career Highlights: Born in 1980, Jason Ritter is the son of legendary actor John Ritter. He has a notable career in both dramatic and comedic roles. He is well-known for his roles in Joan of Arcadia, Parenthood, and the voice role of Dipper Pines in the animated series Gravity Falls. His character in Matlock allows him to explore a more complex, dramatic side.
- Key Entities: John Ritter (father), Joan of Arcadia, Parenthood, Dipper Pines, Julian Markston.
Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
- Role in Matlock: Leah Lewis plays Sarah Franklin, an attorney at the firm. The character is noted for having a non-biological sister, Lydia, who was adopted from the same orphanage, hinting at a deep personal backstory. Her character's storyline has been intertwined with some of the show's most dramatic behind-the-scenes events.
- Biography & Career Highlights: Leah Lewis is a Chinese-born American actress, singer, and guitarist. She gained significant recognition for her lead role as Georgia "George" Fan in The CW's series adaptation of Nancy Drew. She also provided the lead voice for Ember Lumen in the critically acclaimed Pixar animated film Elemental (2023), establishing her as a versatile talent across film and television.
- Key Entities: Sarah Franklin, Nancy Drew, George Fan, Elemental (2023), Pixar, Singer.
The Matlock 2024 Cast Controversy: An Unexpected Exit
One of the most significant and unexpected updates regarding the Matlock 2024 cast involves the departure of a main cast member, David Del Rio, shortly after the series premiered. This development has been a major talking point, demonstrating how current events can dramatically impact a television production.
The Firing of David Del Rio (Billy Martinez)
David Del Rio portrayed Billy Martinez, a first-year associate at Jacobson Moore who worked closely with Madeline Matlock. Del Rio was reportedly fired from the show amid sexual assault allegations that came to light during the run of the first season.
- Character Arc: Billy Martinez was a key member of the legal team, representing the younger generation of attorneys. His exit was handled by the showrunners, who confirmed that his final episode had already aired and the character would not be recast. This decision ensures the integrity of the storytelling while addressing the serious real-world situation.
- Previous Roles: Prior to Matlock, Del Rio was known for his roles in films like Pitch Perfect and the series The Troop. His departure underscores the show’s commitment to a safe and professional working environment.
The controversy surrounding Del Rio’s exit is a fresh, unique angle for the 2024 series, highlighting the difference between the nostalgic, simpler tone of the original Andy Griffith series and the complex, modern realities faced by the reboot’s production.
Topical Authority and Key Matlock Entities
The Matlock reboot has successfully established its own topical authority by honoring the spirit of the original while introducing compelling new dynamics, particularly the focus on systemic corruption and a female lead. The show’s core entities—the characters, the firm, and the network—form the foundation of its modern identity.
Recurring and Guest Stars Elevating the Drama
To maintain a high level of intrigue and expand the show's universe, the production has featured several notable actors in recurring and guest roles:
- Beau Bridges: The veteran actor and Emmy winner has appeared in the series, adding another layer of Hollywood prestige to the ensemble.
- Justina Machado: Known for her work in One Day at a Time, Machado has been announced as a new addition to the cast for the upcoming Season 2, suggesting a Jane the Virgin reunion with show creator Jennie Snyder Urman. This signals the show's long-term commitment to fresh, evolving storylines.
- Aaron Harris & Sam Anderson: These actors are also listed as part of the supporting cast, filling out the world of the powerful law firm and the various legal cases Matty takes on.
The New Matlock vs. The Original
While the 2024 series is a reboot, it pays homage to the original, which starred Andy Griffith and ran from 1986 to 1995. The key difference lies in the character of Madeline Matlock, who is a powerful, albeit underestimated, force for justice, contrasting with Ben Matlock’s more homespun, Southern charm. The new series tackles contemporary issues of corporate corruption and high-stakes legal defense, making it a relevant and fresh take on the classic legal drama genre.
The combination of an esteemed lead like Kathy Bates, the high-stakes environment of Jacobson Moore, and the dramatic real-world events surrounding the cast ensures that the Matlock 2024 series remains one of the most talked-about new shows on television. As the series moves forward, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Matty Matlock uses her unique set of skills to solve complex cases and, more importantly, continue her personal quest for the truth.
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