How Many Seasons of Matlock Exist and the Key Facts
The long-running television series Matlock, starring Andy Griffith as the folksy yet shrewd defense attorney Ben Matlock, produced a total of nine seasons during its original run on NBC and later in first-run syndication. Across those nine seasons, the show delivered 198 episodes between March 3, 1986, and May 8, 1995. Below is a season-by-season breakdown that covers episode counts, original air years, and network details.
Season Summary Table
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Years | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | 1986–1987 | NBC |
| 2 | 22 | 1987–1898 | NBC |
| 3 | 22 | 1988–1989 | NBC |
| 4 | 28 | 1989–1990 | NBC |
| 5 | 22 | 1990–1991 | NBC |
| 6 | 26 | NBC | |
| 7 | 19 | 1992–1993 | NBC |
| 8 | 22 | 1993–1994 | Syndication |
| 9 | 22 | 1994–1995 | Syndication |
Transition to Syndication and Format Consistency
For the first seven seasons, Matlock aired on NBC, where it established a loyal audience through its mix of courtroom drama and laid-back Southern charm. Beginning with season 8, the series moved to first-run syndication, which allowed stations greater flexibility in scheduling and helped keep the show on the air for two additional seasons. Despite the change in venue, the episode length and storytelling approach remained consistent, focusing on Matlock’s methodical case solving and memorable cross-examinations.
Episode Totals by Format
Across its run, Matlock maintained a reliable formula that audiences came to expect. While early seasons concentrated on building the firm’s caseload and introducing recurring players, later seasons balanced standalone cases with longer story arcs and occasional multi-part mysteries. The show’s structure lent itself well to syndication repeats, contributing to its longevity and continued popularity in reruns.
Regional and International Broadcast Context
Because Matlock entered syndication after its NBC run, local stations could air the series on varied schedules, which sometimes creates confusion about season alignment and numbering. In many markets, back-to-back episodes were shown in afternoon or early evening blocks, resulting in different seasonal start and end points depending on the region. However, the canonical season count and episode totals remain consistent regardless of how a given market books the show.
Why the Answer Is Clear and Enduring
The straightforward answer to how many seasons of Matlock there are is nine, supported by 198 episodes spanning 1986 to 1995. This count is stable in television databases, syndication packages, and the show’s official production history. Because the series is no longer producing new episodes, the season total is unlikely to change, making it a dependable reference point for viewers and trivia seekers alike.
Quick Takeaways
- Total seasons: 9
- Total episodes: 198
- Original network: NBC (seasons 1–7), Syndication (seasons 8–9)
- Run dates: March 3, 1986 – May 8, 1995
- Episode length: Typically 48–50 minutes