Matlock

Year: 1986 First Air: 1986-01-01

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Overview

Veteran defense attorney Ben Matlock uses folksy charm and sharp courtroom strategy to win hard cases. Each episode builds to a dramatic trial where Matlock exposes the real culprit

Synopsis

Matlock follows Ben Matlock, a Georgia born lawyer known for his rumpled suits, plain talk, and meticulous attention to detail. Week by week he defends clients who look guilty on the surface, digging through motives, alibis, and overlooked evidence. Investigations play out in offices, homes, and police stations before the action shifts to the courtroom. The show’s signature rhythm is a steady buildup to cross examinations that unravel a witness’s story. Loyal colleagues assist with legwork and research, adding humor and warmth between tense legal battles. The result is a comfortable, case of the week mystery with a satisfying “gotcha” finish

Cast

Andy Griffith — Ben Matlock Linda Purl — Charlene Matlock Nancy Stafford — Michelle Thomas Julie Sommars — Julie March Clarence Gilyard Jr. — Conrad McMasters Daniel Roebuck — Cliff Lewis

Trivia

Think classic network TV courtroom drama in the late 1980s. The lead’s homespun style is part of the show’s calling card.

Q1: Which TV network originally aired Matlock?

Answer: NBC

Knowing the original network places the series in the era of big three prime-time procedural hits.

Q2: Matlock is best classified as which type of series format?

Answer: A case-of-the-week legal procedural

The format explains why episodes are easy to watch out of order and still feel complete.

Q3: Which detail is most closely associated with Ben Matlock’s on-screen persona?

Answer: A folksy, unpretentious demeanor that disarms opponents

That signature characterization is central to how the show differentiates its courtroom strategy from flashier procedurals.

MATLOCK

Matlock