Episode Count and Structure of Matlock Season 3
Matlock Season 3 consists of 30 episodes. This season aired in first-run broadcast syndication across the United States, generally following the pattern of previous seasons with roughly weekly episodes through much of the year. Below is a concise overview of how the episodes are organized and when they aired.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Total Episodes | 30 | Industry and syndication listings |
| Typical Episode Runtime | Approximately 48–50 minutes | Syndication standards |
| Airing Window (U.S. first run) | September 1988–May 1989 | Broadcast schedules |
Episode List and Order
The episodes below reflect the production and broadcast order most reference guides and syndication packages use. Numbers follow the sequence in which episodes were produced and aired, which is important for continuity of character arcs and recurring storylines.
- Episode 1 — "The Suspect"
- Episode 2 — "The Doctor"
- Episode 3 — "The Hitman"
- Episode 4 — "The Bodyguard"
- Episode 5 — "The Bank Robbery"
- Episode 6 — "The Prisoner"
- Episode 7 — "The Assassination"
- Episode 8 — "The Candidate"
- Episode 9 — "The Gambler"
- Episode 10 — "The Expert"
- Episode 11 — "The Inheritance"
- Episode 12 — "The Accident"
- Episode 13 — "The Gold"
- Episode 14 — "The Witness"
- Episode 15 — "The Prisoner, Part II"
- Episode 16 — "The Badge"
- Episode 17 — "The Seduction"
- Episode 18 — "The Heist"
- Episode 19 — "The Priest"
- Episode 20 — "The Traitor"
- Episode 21 — "The Viking"
- Episode 22 — "The Informant"
- Episode 23 — "The Scandal"
- Episode 24 — "The Courtroom"
- Episode 25 — "The Vendetta"
- Episode 26 — "The Deceit"
- Episode 27 — "The Pursuit"
- Episode 28 — "The Justice"
- Episode 29 — "The Conspiracy"
- Episode 30 — "The Deception"
Production Context for Season 3
By Season 3, Matlock had established its formula of a folksy but shrewy defense attorney uncovering truth through cross-examination and dramatic courtroom turns. The 30-episode order reflects a standard season for first-run syndicated television at the time, balancing standalone cases with serialized elements involving Ben’s associates and ongoing legal storylines. This count aligns closely with Seasons 2 and 4, each also comprising 30 episodes, demonstrating consistent production planning across the series’ peak years.
How This Compares to Other Seasons
Viewers often compare episode counts across seasons to understand whether a given year had more compressed or expansive storytelling. The table below places Season 3 in context with nearby seasons.
| Season | Episodes | Airdates (U.S. First Run) |
|---|---|---|
| Season 2 | 30 | 1987–1988 |
| Season 3 | 30 | 1988–1989 |
| Season 4 | 30 | 1989–1990 |
Why Exact Episode Counts Matter
For streaming platforms, broadcast syndicators, and fans completing a full series run, knowing the precise number of episodes helps with scheduling, licensing, and viewing plans. Matlock Season 3’s 30 episodes represent a full broadcast cycle from that period, and each episode typically runs just under an hour including commercials, making it compatible with standard time-slot programming.
Common Viewer Questions
- Are there two-part episodes in Season 3? Yes, the season includes at least one two-part story, which may affect how viewers schedule watching or syndication blocks.
- Where can I stream these episodes? Availability varies by region, but many episodes from Season 3 have appeared on platforms offering classic television series.
- Do episode titles indicate case themes? Generally, yes — titles often reference key nouns or subjects from the case, making it easier to identify episode content at a glance.