If you’ve been hunting for the new legal drama that everyone is buzzing about, you’ve likely realized that finding exactly where can i stream Matlock with Kathy Bates is a little more complicated than just hitting "play" on Netflix.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a maze.
The show isn't just a simple remake of the Andy Griffith classic. It’s a total reimagining with a massive twist that basically redefines the whole "legal procedural" genre. If you're looking for Madeline "Matty" Matlock—the unassuming septuagenarian who is actually a brilliant shark in a grandma's cardigan—you need to know which apps to open and which ones to skip.
The Best Place to Stream Matlock Right Now
The short answer? Paramount+.
Because this is a CBS original, Paramount+ is the primary home for every single episode. If you have a subscription, you can dive into both Season 1 and the currently airing Season 2.
But here is the catch. If you’re trying to watch the newest episodes of Season 2 as they air in early 2026, the timing matters. Subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan can actually stream the show live as it broadcasts on CBS. If you’re on the cheaper, ad-supported "Essential" plan, you usually have to wait until the next day to catch up.
Currently, the show is on a brief midseason hiatus after its December 11, 2025 finale. New episodes are scheduled to return to CBS and Paramount+ on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Is Matlock With Kathy Bates on Netflix or Hulu?
This is where most people get tripped up.
No, the Kathy Bates Matlock is not on Netflix. In the current streaming wars, CBS (owned by Paramount Global) keeps its heavy hitters close to the chest. While you might find some older CBS shows on Netflix or Hulu after a few years, new flagship series like this stay exclusive to Paramount+.
If you see "Matlock" listed on other platforms, double-check the thumbnail. You might be looking at the 1980s version with Andy Griffith. While that show is great for a nostalgia trip, it won’t give you Kathy Bates’ secret-agent-style legal maneuvering.
Watching Matlock for Free (Legally)
You actually have a few options if you’re trying to avoid adding another $12 monthly charge to your credit card.
- The CBS Website and App: Sometimes, CBS will put the most recent two or three episodes up for free with ads. It's a "rolling" window, so once a new episode drops, the oldest free one disappears.
- Pluto TV: Interestingly, Season 1 has been known to pop up on Pluto TV’s "on-demand" section or specialized drama channels. Since Pluto is owned by the same parent company as CBS, they use it to hook new viewers.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: If you’re old school, you can watch new episodes for free on your local CBS affiliate. All you need is a basic digital antenna. Just tune in on Thursday nights at 9/8c when the show returns in February.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With This Version
Kathy Bates has gone on record saying this might be her final role before retirement. That alone makes it a must-watch.
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She plays Madeline Matlock, a woman who claims she’s just a retired lawyer returning to the workforce because she’s broke. She joins a prestigious firm, Jacobson Moore, and uses everyone’s bias against "older women" to her advantage.
But the pilot ends with a bombshell.
She isn't who she says she is. Her last name isn't even Matlock.
The show is actually a revenge thriller disguised as a legal drama. Matty is undercover, trying to find out which lawyer at the firm hid documents that led to the opioid crisis—a crisis that killed her daughter. It’s a gut-wrenching, brilliant performance that actually earned Bates a 2026 Golden Globe nomination.
Buying Episodes Individually
If you hate subscriptions, you can still find the show on digital storefronts.
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Vudu / Fandango at Home
- Google Play
Usually, a single episode goes for about $2.99, or you can buy a "Season Pass" for around $25. This is actually a decent deal if you're the type of person who rewatches shows and doesn't want to worry about which streaming service owns the rights next month.
Actionable Steps to Start Watching
If you want to start today, here is the most efficient way to do it:
- Check for a Paramount+ Free Trial: They almost always have a 7-day or 30-day trial for new users. Use this to binge-watch Season 1.
- Catch Up Before February 26: Since Season 2 returns in late February, you have a few weeks to get through the first 18 episodes.
- Check Your Live TV Provider: If you have YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV, "Matlock" is included in your local CBS channel. Set your DVR now so you don't miss the midseason return.
Once you finish the first episode, you'll see why the internet is so protective of the spoilers. It’s not just another lawyer show; it’s a masterclass in acting.