Did you ever imagine “Kathy Bates as a 70-something lawyer in a surprisingly entertaining CBS reboot of ‘Matlock'” would end up on your 2024 TV checklist? I certainly didn’t!

In today’s television landscape—filled with the chaos of streaming services and the dwindling influence of traditional broadcast—it’s hard to say what wacky combinations will actually make it to our screens. And it’s even trickier to predict which of the week’s remakes or reboots will be both enjoyable and successful. Surprising, isn’t it?

Now here we are, with Kathy Bates, the esteemed actress and Oscar winner, stepping into the role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the reboot titled, well, “Matlock” (sneak preview Sunday, 8 EDT/PDT, moving to 9 EDT/PDT Thursdays starting Oct. 17, ★★★½ out of four). While this could have been a disastrous attempt to resurrect an old name (looking at you, “Murphy Brown” reboot), it’s quite the charming legal drama instead. Bates, at 76, is absolutely delightful, the cast is appealing, and the weekly legal cases are interesting. For fans of “The Good Wife” or similar shows, this series might be just what you need, plus it offers a sweet surprise.

This reboot puts an interesting twist on the original “Matlock” series, which aired from 1986 to 1995 and was led by Andy Griffith as the charismatic defense attorney Ben Matlock. However, at first glance, Bates might not seem like the fierce lawyer you’d expect to own the courtroom.

In this version, her character Matty appears to be a gentle, sweet older woman, but don’t let that fool you. She tackles her adversaries head-on with remarkable ferocity. Matty is a corporate lawyer who returns to work after a long absence due to personal struggles. She cleverly ingratiates herself into a prestigious law firm, all while teaching the younger attorneys a thing or two and pursuing her own hidden motives (there’s a fantastic twist at the end of the first episode that I won’t spoil, but definitely stick around until the conclusion).

Matty catches everyone off guard—not just her opponents but also her colleagues and superiors. This includes boss Olympia (played by Skye P. Marshall), a skilled Black attorney who’s had to work twice as hard to succeed in her field. Olympia is grappling with an ex-husband as well as a firm partner, Julian (Jason Ritter), who embodies the “nepo baby” stereotype. Matty proves to be a challenge for both Olympia and the junior associates, Billy (David Del Rio) and Sarah (Leah Lewis). The main firm leader, Senior (Beau Bridges), observes the hilarity that ensues with a mix of bemusement and intrigue, as he seems to hire Matty partly for his amusement, yet keeps a close eye on her progress.

The ensemble cast is quite extensive, but series creator Jennie Snyder Urman (“Jane the Virgin,” “Charmed”) has done an excellent job of balancing character development within the humorous and well-crafted scripts. In the two initial episodes available for review, viewers get the chance to connect with the characters while also winning in two separate legal disputes. The best procedural dramas can manage both, and “Matlock,” particularly after its surprising plot twist, aims high, just like some of the finest examples in this genre.

While we might not witness the grand courtroom speeches that characterized Griffith’s portrayal as Ben Matlock, Bates brings a captivating presence with her understated power. Her experience and age play to her advantage, making Matty shrewdly utilize the presuppositions of those around her. It’s always heartening to cheer for the underdog, especially one as endearing as she is.

Max’s series “Hacks,” starring Jean Smart, 73, recently swept the Emmys, sparking discussions about producing content for and about those over a certain age. Yet, I contend that “Matlock” is not just for Boomers. It proves that stories about people (particularly women) at all stages of life can be engaging. Matty Matlock can stand tall as a hero, just as vibrant as the younger characters we see in the latest superhero series.

Great storytelling knows no age limit.