Matlock's easygoing demeanor, unassuming personality, definitive fashion statement (he wears the same gray suit nearly every second of the day), and general down-home attitude will appeal to adult viewers who prefer legal dramas without the edginess -- or strong violence and language -- of many of today's grittier crime shows. That said, teens may find those same qualities a bit corny for their liking.
Throughout its nine-year run (the show originally aired from 1986-1995), Matlock's cast endured plenty of changes, but none upset the series' balance of plot and character drama. When the series started, Matlock's daughter Charlene (played by Lori Lethin in the pilot and Linda Purl thereafter) worked alongside him; later, associate Michelle Thomas (Nancy Stafford) took Charlene's spot, and, after the sixth season, Matlock's other lawyer daughter, Leanne MacIntyre (Brynn Thayer) came on board. Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday) and Conrad McMasters (Clarence Gilyard, Jr.) handled investigative duties, with Cliff Lewis (Daniel Roebuck) and Jerri Stone (Carol Huston) sleuthing it out in the final seasons. Matlock also welcomed guest stars like Randy Travis, Dick Van Dyke, and Bryan Cranston over the years. Griffith and Don Knotts also struck up another TV friendship loosely reminiscent of the one they had on The Andy Griffith Show, with Knotts playing Matlock's neighbor Ace Calhoun, a wannabe know-it-all whose attempts at lending a hand often lead to silly mishaps and accidents. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will enjoy the multiple references to that series.