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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Series

Matlock (TV series)

Matlock is an American legal drama and mystery television series created by Dean Hargrove and starring Andy Griffith as defence attorney Ben Matlock.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Matlock is an American legal drama and mystery television series created by Dean Hargrove, starring Andy Griffith as defence attorney Ben Matlock. The original series ran from 1986 to 1995, first on NBC and later on ABC, and was followed by a 2024 CBS reimagining.

What it is

The original series follows Ben Matlock, a high-profile defence attorney who uses investigation, cross-examination, and courtroom strategy to uncover the real perpetrator. Each episode typically builds toward a final reveal of the culprit. The show blends legal drama with mystery, with Matlock as the central figure.

Why it matters

Matlock became a staple of American television and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through reruns, streaming, and the 2024 CBS reimagining. Its formula of courtroom investigations and surprise reveals influenced later legal dramas. The show’s longevity—nine seasons and 193 episodes—speaks to its enduring appeal.

Key details

Created by Dean Hargrove, the series premiered on NBC in 1986 and moved to ABC in 1992. Andy Griffith played the title role throughout. A total of 193 episodes across nine seasons were produced, including a pilot movie. The 2024 CBS version is a modern reimagining, not a direct continuation.

In short

  • Original Matlock ran 1986–1995 on NBC and ABC.
  • Andy Griffith starred as defence attorney Ben Matlock.
  • 193 episodes across nine seasons.
  • 2024 CBS reimagining revives the title.
Canadian angle

Matlock has long been part of North American television syndication and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through reruns, streaming availability, and the 2024 reimagining.

Quick questions

What is Matlock?
Matlock is an American legal drama and mystery TV series about defence attorney Ben Matlock, played by Andy Griffith, who investigates cases to identify the true culprit.
How many Matlock episodes are there?
The original series produced 193 episodes across nine seasons, including a pilot movie.
How many Matlock seasons are there?
The original Matlock ran for nine seasons.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matlock_(1986_TV_series)
    Supports: Created by Dean Hargrove; original series premise; original broadcast years and network changes.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/matlock/1030177706/
    Supports: Original run, nine seasons, Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, and series premise.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Matlock_(1986_TV_series)_episodes
    Supports: Episode and season count for the original series.
  4. CBS — https://www.cbs.com/shows/matlock/
    Supports: 2024 reimagining of Matlock and cast for the new series.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090481/
    Supports: Original series identification, cast, and episode count references.