Matlock

Matlock was a long-running American television legal drama that ran from 1986 to 1992 on NBC, then 1992 to 1995 on ABC.

The format of the show is similar to that of Perry Mason, with Matlock identifying the murderer and then confronting him or her in a dramatic courtroom scene. One difference, however, was Mason usually got off his clients when a guilty party confessed, Matlock secured a "not guilty" acquittal from the jury.

The show revolves around widower "Ben" Matlock(Andy Griffith), a renowned, folksy, popular yet cantankerous defense attorney, who is worth every penny of his $100,000 fee. Matlock studied law at Harvard and bases his law practice in Atlanta, Georgia, and lives in a modest farmhouse in a neighboring suburb. He is known to visit the scene of the crime to discover clues otherwise overlooked and comes up with viable, alternative theories of the crime in question (usually murder).

Matlock also has a unique fashion sense as he consistently appears in court wearing a trademark light gray suit over the nine seasons. The long-running show finally came to an end in 1995, when actor Andy Griffith had decided to slow down and spend more time with his family.

Andy Griffith's prior career as a comic often shows through in things that Matlock does or says, similar to The Andy Griffith Show. Some Mayberry alumni also have guest shots on the Matlock drama: Don Knotts, Aneta Corsaut, Betty Lynn and Arlene Golonka.

"Matlock" can now be seen weekday mornings at 10am leading into Andy Griffith's other popular series!