You probably remember the old Andy Griffith Matlock. The light blue suit. The hot dogs. The southern drawl that made every courtroom feel like a front porch. Well, forget almost all of that. The 2024 reboot is a completely different beast, and honestly, it’s one of the smartest things on TV right now. Kathy Bates plays Madeline "Matty" Matlock, and let me tell you, she isn't just some sweet grandma who happened to find a law degree in her attic.
People are hunting for ways to watch Matlock 2024 online free because, let's be real, we’re all drowning in subscriptions. Between Netflix, Hulu, and whatever else is charging $15 a month, it adds up. But there are actually a few legit ways to see Matty take down corporate giants without opening your wallet—or at least, without keeping it open.
The Secret to Watching Matlock 2024 Online Free
If you’re looking to stream this legally and for free, your best friend is the CBS official website or the CBS app. Typically, network shows like this make the most recent episodes available to watch for free (with ads) for a limited time after they air. You don't usually need a login for the latest handful of episodes, though they do cycle out fast.
Another sneaky-good move? Free trials. If you haven't used Paramount+ yet, they almost always have a 7-day trial. If you're a "binge-and-bolt" kind of person, you can wait until a few episodes have aired, sign up, watch them all, and cancel before the bill hits. FuboTV and DirecTV Stream also offer trials—usually 5 to 7 days—that include the live CBS feed.
📖 Related: Despicable Me 2 Edith: Why the Middle Child is Secretly the Best Part of the Movie
Why this isn't your grandpa's Matlock
The 2024 version is a "reimagining," which is basically Hollywood-speak for "we kept the name but changed everything else." In this world, the original Matlock show actually exists as a TV series. Kathy Bates' character uses the name Matlock specifically because she knows people will underestimate a "sweet old lady" who shares a name with a famous TV lawyer.
It's wily.
The pilot ends with a twist that I won't spoil here, but it completely changes the stakes of the show. It moves from a simple "case of the week" procedural to a deep-dive mystery about corporate greed and a woman with a very specific, very hidden agenda.
👉 See also: Death Wish II: Why This Sleazy Sequel Still Triggers People Today
Where to Stream Every Episode Right Now
If you’re past the free trial stage or just want the convenience of a library, here is where the show lives:
- Paramount+: This is the primary home. If you have the "Essential" plan, you can stream episodes the day after they air. If you have the "Showtime" tier, you can actually watch the CBS live feed as it happens.
- The Roku Channel / Prime Video: You can buy individual episodes here for about $2.99 if you only care about one specific guest star or missed a key plot point.
- Sky Witness (UK): For friends across the pond, Sky is the exclusive home. Season 2 actually just kicked off over there in January 2026.
Honestly, the "free" window on the CBS app is the way to go if you’re disciplined. Just check in every Friday morning after the Thursday night broadcast.
What most people get wrong about the reboot
A lot of folks expected a carbon copy of the 80s hit. They wanted the grey hair and the easy-going charm. And while Bates has charm in spades, the show is actually much darker under the surface. It deals with the opioid crisis and the "invisibility" of older women in a way that feels incredibly modern.
✨ Don't miss: Dark Reign Fantastic Four: Why This Weirdly Political Comic Still Holds Up
The ratings have been a bit of a roller coaster. Season 1 was a massive hit—ranking in the top three of all scripted shows. Season 2 started strong but saw a dip in the 18-49 demo. But here’s the thing: people who watch on DVR and streaming (Live+7 numbers) are still showing up in droves. CBS knows their audience isn't necessarily the TikTok crowd; it’s people who appreciate a well-written, complex drama.
Is it actually worth your time?
Look, if you like Kathy Bates, the answer is yes. She has won an Oscar, two Emmys, and a Golden Globe for a reason. Watching her oscillate between a "doddering biddy" and a "crusading avenger" is worth the price of admission alone.
The supporting cast is solid too. Skye P. Marshall plays Olympia, a high-powered attorney who is constantly trying to figure out if Matty is a genius or a liability. Their chemistry is the "bleeding heart" of the show.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to start watching today:
- Check the CBS App: See if the most recent episode is currently unlocked. It’s the easiest way to watch Matlock 2024 online free without entering a credit card.
- Sign up for a Paramount+ Trial: If you want to catch up on Season 1, wait for a weekend when you have time to burn through a few episodes.
- Set a Calendar Alert: New episodes usually drop on Thursdays at 9/8c. If you're using the free CBS site, check it on Friday mornings before the "free" window expires.
Don't let the "reboot" label scare you off. This isn't a lazy cash grab; it’s a sharp, sometimes heartbreaking look at justice. Just make sure you stay through the end of the first episode—that's when the real show actually begins.