CBS’ Matlock Replacement Becomes a Certified Hit as Cupertino Wins Over Critics

Matlock’s strong start

Matlock premiered on CBS in September 2024 and quickly drew critical attention and strong ratings. The Kathy Bates-led legal drama offered a fresh take on the series that inspired it, earning Bates numerous award nominations.

The first season holds a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Bates and the show’s twist on the original concept, and CBS renewed it for a second season, which premiered last year.

A midseason return planned

Matlock is absent from CBS’ fall schedule, but the network has not canceled the series. A 13-episode third season is scheduled to premiere in January, alongside Matthew Gray Gubler’s new drama Einstein, Ghosts Season 6 and NCIS: Sydney.

The delay follows the conclusion of the show’s Wellbrexa mystery, as its writers work on a new storyline. CBS also cited creative reasons for the shorter episode order as it balances its schedule.

Cupertino fills the slot

CBS has placed Cupertino in Matlock’s former fall slot and has also introduced it as a new legal drama. The series, from The Good Wife creators Robert and Michelle King, explores the role of technology in everyday life through the lens of law and artificial intelligence.

Set in the titular California town, Cupertino follows two lawyers navigating technology law in the age of AI. Mike Colter, who starred in Evil, leads the cast as Michael Price, with Rachel Keller of Tokyo Vice playing Olivia Siffre.

Cupertino has a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. CBS ratings show it averaged 3.19 million viewers in its Thursday 10 p.m. ET time slot.