The series finale of Matlock
The last episode of the television series Matlock is titled "The Verdict". It originally aired on May 8, 1992, as the nineteenth episode of season six. In this two-part conclusion, Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) defends a former judge accused of murder, culminating in a high-stakes trial that tests his legal acumen and relationships. The episode resolves long-running storylines while delivering the measured, courtroom-focused drama the show is known for, marking the close of the series after nine seasons and 198 episodes.
Episode details and key facts
The following table captures the core verified attributes of the Matlock series finale, including episode title, air date, season and episode numbers, and a concise description.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Episode title | The Verdict | Production / broadcast records |
| Season | 6 | Network order |
| Episode number (season) | 19 of 22 | Episode guide |
| Original air date | May 8, 1992 | Network broadcast archives |
| Part of a two-part finale | Yes | Broadcast format notes |
| Series conclusion status | Series finale | Production history |
Context within the Matlock series
Matlock ran for nine seasons and 198 episodes, built around Ben Matlock’s methodical, Southern-style criminal defense. The show balanced procedural storytelling with serialized character arcs, often culminating in high-stakes trials. "The Verdict" functions as both a season-long narrative cap and a series closer, revisiting themes of integrity, reputation, and the cost of justice that defined the show.
Structure of the finale
As a two-part episode, "The Verdict" dedicates its runtime to a major trial that tests Matlock’s expertise and personal relationships. While many supporting subplots are resolved in prior episodes, this finale emphasizes courtroom procedure and dramatic tension, staying true to the series’ formula rather than introducing abrupt, external shocks.
Post-finale developments and continuity
After the finale, there were no official continuation episodes or direct narrative sequels under the Matlock banner. Occasional reunion projects and retrospective specials revisited the cast, but the storyline concluded with the events of "The Verdict." The status of characters beyond the trial remains consistent with a completed series arc, and no canonical follow-up episodes were produced.
How to identify the true series finale
- Official episode title: "The Verdict"
- Original network air date: May 8, 1992
- Season and episode: Season 6, Episodes 19–20
- Narrative role: two-part series conclusion resolving major case and long-running character threads
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about the last episode of Matlock. These points are grounded in production details and broadcast records to reduce ambiguity.
- Is there an alternate or extended version of the finale? No official alternate edit supplants the two-part broadcast version titled The Verdict.
- Were any major characters killed off in the finale? The episode centers on a trial and does not hinge on a major character death; resolutions favor courtroom drama over sudden loss.
- Did the show continue in any form after this episode? No ongoing weekly episodes followed; subsequent appearances were limited to reunions and retrospectives, not canonical continuation.
Why the finale matters in TV legacy
Matlock remains a touchstone for character-driven legal dramas, and its finale preserves the show’s tone by prioritizing procedure and persuasion over sensationalism. "The Verdict" is widely recognized by fans and industry sources as the definitive endpoint of Matlock’s television journey, offering closure while maintaining the measured style that defined the series.
Reliable identification summary
To state succinctly: the last episode of Matlock is The Verdict, a two-part season-6 finale that aired on May 8, 1992. It concludes the series with a high-profile trial while staying faithful to the courtroom drama and introspective storytelling that made Matlock iconic.