You probably remember the old Matlock—the seersucker suits, the slow Southern drawl, and Andy Griffith outsmarting everyone in a courtroom. Well, toss that mental image out the window. The 2024 reboot isn't just a "gender-swapped" version of a classic; it’s a high-stakes legal puzzle that actually uses its predecessor's legacy as a brilliant narrative smokescreen.
When Kathy Bates stepped into the role of Madeline "Matty" Matlock, the internet sort of collectively held its breath. Could she pull it off? Honestly, the answer isn't just about her. It’s about the ensemble. The new Matlock cast members have turned what could have been a stale procedural into one of the most-watched dramas on CBS.
The Core Players at Jacobson Moore
The chemistry in this show is weirdly electric. You’ve got Madeline Kingston (disguised as Matlock) trying to infiltrate a prestigious law firm to avenge her daughter’s death, and the people she’s working with are far more than just background noise.
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Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock
Let's be real: Kathy Bates is a titan. In this version, she plays a woman who uses the "invisible" nature of being an older lady to her advantage. She plays the "sweet grandma" card to get people to spill secrets, but behind closed doors, she’s a grieving mother on a warpath. It’s a masterclass in acting. Bates actually announced this might be her final role before retirement, which adds a heavy layer of "don't miss this" to every scene she’s in.
Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
If Matty is the heart (or at least the hidden weapon), Olympia is the engine. Skye P. Marshall plays a junior partner at Jacobson Moore who is basically a force of nature. She’s Matty’s boss, and their relationship started out... well, chilly. Marshall brings this incredible "get-it-done" energy that perfectly balances Matty’s slower, more methodical approach. Off-screen, Marshall is just as interesting—she’s an Air Force veteran who pivoted to acting, which might explain that disciplined, commanding presence she has on camera.
Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
Jason Ritter plays Julian, a senior partner and Olympia’s ex-husband. It’s complicated. Ritter is usually known for playing the "nice guy," but here he has to navigate a lot of gray areas. By the end of the first season, fans were reeling from a massive twist involving his character and the pharmaceutical cover-up that Matty is investigating. Ritter’s ability to look innocent while being deeply entangled in the firm’s darker side is what keeps the tension high.
The Associates and Supporting Players
A legal drama is only as good as the "grunts" doing the research. The dynamic between the junior associates in the new Matlock cast members lineup is where a lot of the show's humor and modern flair comes from.
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- Leah Lewis as Sarah Yang: You might recognize her from Nancy Drew. She plays Sarah, a high-achieving associate who is constantly trying to prove she belongs.
- David Del Rio as Billy Martinez: Billy provided a lot of the levity in Season 1. However, there’s been some major behind-the-scenes drama here. Del Rio was fired from the show in late 2025 following allegations of misconduct, and his character was written out in Season 2. The show handled it by having Billy leave to deal with a family tragedy—specifically, a miscarriage suffered by his partner.
- Beau Bridges as "Senior": Playing Julian’s father and the head of the firm, Beau Bridges is the quintessential "old guard" lawyer. Interestingly, he wasn't even in the original pilot! Jamey Sheridan originally played the role, but Bridges was brought in later, leading to some clever editing (and rumors of CGI) to fit him into the premiere episodes.
Fresh Faces for Season 2
With the departure of Billy Martinez, the firm needed some new blood. Season 2, which premiered in October 2025, has introduced a few "floaters" and experts to shake things up.
Sarah Wright Olsen joined the crew as Gwen, an efficiency expert. If you think a law firm full of egos likes being told how to work more efficiently, you haven't been paying attention. She’s a great foil for the established partners. Then there’s Henry Haber, who plays Hunter. He’s described as a "total bro" associate from the floater pool. It’s a very different vibe from the more serious Sarah Yang, and the friction there is fun to watch.
Why This Cast Works (And Why You Should Care)
What most people get wrong about the new Matlock is thinking it’s a simple procedural. It’s not. It’s a revenge thriller disguised as a legal show. The new Matlock cast members had to be able to play two versions of themselves: the version they show the world and the version they keep hidden.
The show's creator, Jennie Snyder Urman (the mind behind Jane the Virgin), is known for these types of layered narratives. She’s used the cast to explore real-world issues like the opioid crisis, ageism in the workplace, and the messy reality of divorce.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're just starting the series or catching up on Season 2, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Watch the Pilot Twice: Now that we know Matty’s real identity and Julian’s potential involvement in the pharmaceutical scandal, the first episode looks completely different. Pay attention to the looks Jason Ritter and Kathy Bates exchange.
- Follow the Guest Stars: The show has some heavy hitters in recurring roles. Sam Anderson plays Matty’s actual husband, Edwin, and their scenes together are surprisingly tender compared to the shark tank of the law firm.
- Check the Credits: Watch for names like Justina Machado, who joined in Season 2 as a member of the executive committee. She brings a whole new level of power-brokering to the Jacobson Moore office.
The shift from the original's cozy mystery vibe to this gritty, high-stakes drama was a massive risk. But with Kathy Bates leading this specific group of actors, it’s a risk that has clearly paid off for CBS.
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To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on how the "merger" plotline develops in the latter half of Season 2. This is likely where we will see the new characters, Gwen and Hunter, really make their mark on the firm's future.