Matlock Reboot Scores Major CBS Premiere Record After Rare 100% RT Score

Warning! This article contains spoilers for the first episode of CBS’ Matlock.After an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Kathy Bates’ Matlock Reboot Earned CBS another major record with its September 22 premiere. With just one episode under his belt, Matlock is already set apart from other reboots. The first episode shocked viewers with a surprise ending, revealing that Bates’ Matty is actually Madeline Kingston, a woman out for revenge on the law firm she believes had a hand in the death of her daughter.

According to Nielsen’s lifetime-plus-same-day numbers (via TheWrap), Matlock brought in 7.73 million viewers. That makes it the most-watched non-Super Bowl premiere since CBS The code In April 2019, which aired after an episode of NCIS. In addition, in Canada, Matlock is watched by almost 1.2 million people, making it the most watched show out there in total viewers.

What Matlock’s ratings success means for CBS

The network’s premiere strategy has paid off

While Term Notes that the Matlock The premiere was likely helped by the Steelers-Chargers game that aired earlier in the evening, the first episode came after 60 minutes Rather than just after the game. Early estimates indicate Matlock Could have improved on 60 minutesViewership of around 1 million people. what’s more, THR reports that Matlock Scored the biggest same-day audience of any of the network shows that premiered last weekA list that includes returns survivors And Dancing with the starsAlong with the new series Save: Hi-Surf And High potential.

Look at Matlockthe numbers, The premiere was an outright success for CBS. The network took a gamble in using it 60 minutes As the show’s lead-in, as well as debuting the premiere as a “sneak peek” of sorts early in the season – Matlock Will not return with episode 2 until October 17th. However, the risk seems to have paid off, at least for now.

Our take on Matlock’s premiere numbers

CBS may have another hit on its hands

Based on just one episode, it’s hard to say if Matlock will continue to be a long-term success for CBS. I think The real test will come with the show’s return next month. It is very possible that the viewers simply stopped the first episode because of Matlocks name recognition and curiosity to see a new interpretation of the classic character.

However, if the reboot retains or even grows its audience with the next episode, it’s easy for me to imagine Matlock Not only returning for season 2, but running on CBS for a long time to come. There are several things that work in the show’s favor, including Bates’ star power and the way her character represents a demographic not often seen on television.

Moreover, the premiere twist makes it clear that Matlock Is not a traditional rebootPotentially giving the show the best of both worlds – it can bring in both fans of the original series and non-fans who are still intrigued to see how the twist plays out. In any case, there is no doubt Matlock is off to a strong start.

Source: TheWrap, Deadline, THR