Matlock’s major nomination for the 2025 Emmy Awards is an impressive feat, but there is even more to it than meets the eye.Matlock’s star, Kathy Bates, received a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for the 2025 Emmys. This is incredible news for Bates, but it is also a great sign forMatlock.
Matlockhas reinvented itself as a reboot of the originalMatlockfrom the 1980s. Since then, Bates' version has garnered a similar level of attention as the original series received, even with justMatlockseason 1having aired so far. In addition, it also stands out against a crowd of dramas and procedurals. Its latestEmmy nominationonly proves that.
Kathy Bates’ Matlock Nomination Highlights The Show’s Brilliance
Matlock Is More Than Just A Procedural
Kathy Bates’Emmy nominationhas highlightedMatlock’s brilliance in more ways than one. For one thing,Matlockis not just like any other proceduralout there. The series acts more similarly to a drama made for streaming rather than a procedural that airs on network television. Its emotional depth and incredible performances exist almost on another plane from typical procedurals.
Matlockacts more similarly to a drama made for streaming rather than a procedural that airs on network television.
Adding on to its impressive accomplishments,Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, is a reboot. It has taken inspiration from the originalMatlockseries, but it has completely reinvented itself with a new premise.A reboot achieving this level of critical praise and applause is almost unheard of. Reboots are often successful, but usually not in terms of award nominations.
Network TV Dramas Don’t Often Make The Cut
Emmy Nominations For Network TV Dramas Are Rare
What makes Kathy Bates' Emmy nomination even better is that it was for a network drama.Matlockis part of just a handful of fictional network TV shows that received an Emmy, and it is the only drama. Even the category for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series failed to include a nomination for a network series.
Most Emmy nominations go towards streaming shows. That is not to say that network shows are worse, or streaming shows are better; it just means that the shows are made differently. That is why Kathy Bates' nomination is so impressive. As the only drama show with a nomination, for Kathy Bates no less,Matlockachieved an outstanding achievement.
Kathy Bates is the oldest nominee for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series after receiving the nomination at 77 years old.
To make matters even better,Bates' nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series is the second one ever for network TV, after Viola Davis' nomination in 2019. A network TV drama receiving a nomination is not unheard of, but it is rare. That is why Kathy Bates' phenomenalMatlockperformance and Emmy nomination are more impressive than usual.
Matlock
Cast
Matlock (2024) follows the return of Madeline Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian, to a prestigious law firm. Utilizing her unassuming demeanor and astute strategies, she navigates the legal world to win cases and uncover corruption. The series draws inspiration from the classic television series of the same name.
