A remarkable conclusion marked the inaugural season of "Matlock," securing its place as the most-viewed new series in broadcast television for the 2024-25 season. The two-hour finale, aired on CBS during prime time, drew an audience of 5.6 million viewers according to Nielsen's live-plus-same-day data. This impressive performance crowned it as the highest-rated program of the evening across all broadcast networks. Incorporating delayed viewing figures over a month-long period, the show averaged a staggering 17 million viewers across both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms.

Beyond just ratings success, "Matlock" has significantly impacted its network's overall viewership. On CBS alone, the series averaged 9.67 million viewers after one week of airing, making it the top-rated program in the 9 p.m. timeslot. Compared to last season’s numbers in the same slot, CBS experienced a 53% increase in viewership thanks to this series. Although the season finale saw a slight dip from the premiere's 7.73 million live-plus-same-day viewers, the initial episode still managed to grow by 38% within three days of multiplatform viewing, reaching 10.67 million watchers. Such strong performances prompted CBS to swiftly greenlight a second season after only two episodes aired.

The storyline wrapped up with significant revelations that promise intriguing developments in the upcoming season. Kathy Bates’ character Madeline Matlock disclosed her mission to expose Jacobson Moore for concealing research that could have removed opioids from the market years earlier—a personal crusade fueled by her daughter's tragic death due to opioid addiction. As the season concluded, Olympia faced a moral dilemma that sets the stage for complex dynamics between her and Matty in the next chapter. Creator Jennie Snyder Urman hinted at exciting new directions for the series, emphasizing a fresh mystery intertwined with the established narrative arc. With Season 1 now available on Paramount+, fans eagerly await what lies ahead. The show not only captivates audiences but also highlights themes of justice and resilience, inspiring hope through storytelling.