Matlock is an American television legal drama, starring Andy Griffith in the title role of criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock. The show, produced by The Fred Silverman Company, Dean Hargrove Productions, Viacom Productions and Paramount Television originally aired from September 23, 1986 to May 8, 1992 on NBC; and from November 5, 1992 until May 7, 1995 on ABC. The show's format is similar to that of CBS's Perry Mason, with Matlock identifying the perpetrators and then confronting them in dramatic courtroom scenes. One difference, however, was that whereas Mason usually exculpated his clients at a pretrial hearing, Matlock usually secured an acquittal at trial, from the jury.
Matlock is an American television legal drama, starring Andy Griffith in the title role of criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock. The show, produced by The Fred Silverman Company, Dean Hargrove Productions, Viacom Productions and Paramount Television originally aired from September 23, 1986 to May 8, 1992 on NBC; and from November 5, 1992 until May 7, 1995 on ABC. The show's format is similar to that of CBS's Perry Mason, with Matlock identifying the perpetrators and then confronting them in dramatic courtroom scenes. One difference, however, was that whereas Mason usually exculpated his clients at a pretrial hearing, Matlock usually secured an acquittal at trial, from the jury.
The series champions individual responsibility and the integrity of the established legal system through the diligent work of a virtuous individual, rather than advocating for systemic reform or critiquing foundational structures.
The television series 'Matlock' features casting that is largely traditional for its time, without explicit race or gender swaps of established roles. Its narrative primarily focuses on legal procedural elements, presenting traditional identities in a neutral to positive light and not incorporating explicit DEI critiques as central themes.
The show frequently features characters who are adherents of Christianity, often portraying them with respect and aligning the narrative with traditional moral values often associated with the faith. While individual characters may exhibit hypocrisy, the narrative consistently condemns the individual's failings rather than the religious tenets themselves, thereby affirming the dignity of the faith.
The legal drama 'Matlock' aired during a period when LGBTQ+ representation was largely absent from mainstream television. The show did not include any queer characters or themes, resulting in no discernible impact on the portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Matlock (1986–1995) is an original television series. Its characters were created for the show, meaning there is no prior source material, previous installments, or historical record from which a character's gender could have been swapped.
Matlock (1986–1995) is an original television series. Its characters were created for the show, meaning there was no prior source material or established canon from which a character's race could have been swapped.
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