Kathy Bates Talks Joining Matlock At 75 And How Many Seasons She’d Honestly Like To Do At CBS

Kathy Bates Talks Joining Matlock At 75 And How Many Seasons She'd Honestly Like To Do At CBS

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for television and its history, I must say that witnessing Kathy Bates’ return to TV is nothing short of exhilarating. Having followed her career since her early days on soap operas, it’s simply astounding to see an actress of her caliber and experience stepping into the leading role of a reboot at 75. It’s not just impressive; it’s inspiring!


Actress Kathy Bates is making her comeback on TV, taking on a revival of an iconic series. The upcoming revamp (and Bates’ return to television) has been eagerly anticipated for quite some time. Bates is set to spearhead CBS’ much-anticipated reboot of the legal drama Matlock, a modern take on the popular ’80s and ’90s series featuring Andy Griffith. This new series signifies Bates’ return to the small screen after a six-year break, and despite her age (75 years old), she is already expressing optimism about the show’s potential longevity in the future.

What Kathy Bates Thinks About Joining A Show At 75

In early 2023, news broke that a revival of Matlock was in the works, with Bates involved. Originally slated for the 2023-24 television season, the premiere was delayed due to the WGA strike and SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike. However, it has now been confirmed that the show will air during the 2024 TV schedule, and the significance of this moment appears to be resonating with Bates.

She actually spoke to TV Insider about the reboot and how it really feels leading a series at her age, which is not something she ever dreamed of. In fact, she called it her “third act.”

At the culmination of my professional journey, receiving this opportunity feels like an extraordinary blessing – one I never fathomed would come to pass in my third phase. It was unimaginable for me to contemplate, at this stage in life, performing such a captivating role on a platform that will be widely viewed by audiences around the globe. She employs her entire lifetime of knowledge and intuition instead of relying solely on search engines to establish genuine connections with people, thereby resolving cases effectively. Her lifestyle is not defined by screens; rather, she engages deeply with individuals through meaningful relationships, looking directly into their eyes.

Though many actors transition to television as their careers progress, it remains notable when an actor does so later in life, such as she has done. However, she is not the only veteran actor on CBS; Mark Harmon had a long stint on NCIS before departing at around 70, and Tom Selleck is set to end his run on Blue Bloods at 79, with no plans for retirement in sight (at least not yet).

In her own journey, Bates has been involved in the entertainment industry since her youthful twenties, eventually making a significant breakthrough on a soap opera. The very fact that she never imagined she’d still be going strong at her current age shows just how limitless possibilities can be. At present, there’s no sign of her slowing down.

How Many Seasons Kathy Bates Wants Matlock To Have

Although Matlock hasn’t aired its first episode yet, Kathy Bates has a clear vision about the number of seasons she envisions for the revamped series. Unlike the original run that spanned nine seasons, she anticipates fewer seasons for this reboot.

Nevertheless, based on her latest remarks, it seems she has hopes that the series will continue for some time. Crucially, she desires the narratives to inspire and uplift the females who tune in.

I’d say maybe five. We’ll see how long God gives me. I wish my mother was still alive to see it. She was born in 1907. I don’t even think she had her own bank account at one point. Women were expected to be secretaries, and divorce was a no-no. It’s great that women are leaders of countries and in high places. I love seeing that reflected in a television series.

Five seasons might appear quite a few, but considering the trend in network television and the increasing number of shows exclusively on streaming platforms making just one season, it’s actually around average. If the initial season is well-received by fans, we could potentially have more!

It’s hopeful that since the cancellation of “So Help Me Todd”, “Matlock” might continue its run on the Eye Network. With Andy Griffith (Bates) associated with the show, it seems plausible. The premiere episode of “Matlock” is set to air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 22.

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2024-09-03 02:07