If you're a fan of the hit show 'Matlock,' then you're going to love this news. Kathy Bates, the star of the show, has her fingers crossed that the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, will soon grace the screens as Cindy Shapiro. It's a character that fans have been hearing about but haven't had the chance to see yet.
Unveiling the Idea at Paleyfest
During Paleyfest L.A. at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Kathy Bates, the Academy Award-winning actress, let the cat out of the bag. She revealed her wish for Dolly Parton to step into the role of Cindy Shapiro during a panel discussion for 'Matlock.' This revelation has fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
Who is Cindy Shapiro?
So far, viewers have been treated to stories about Cindy Shapiro, shared by Kathy's character, Matty. However, Cindy herself has yet to make a physical appearance on the show. The creator of 'Matlock,' Jennie Snyder Urman, has dished on some of the tales Matty has spun throughout the first season, giving fans a glimpse into what goes on in the writers' room.
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According to Jennie, "There are certain things that she comes back to a lot. She tells a lot of stories about Cindy Shapiro, and you'll hear more about her. She says, 'Believe you me,' and she has certain things that she says a lot. Kathy also gives us some good ones." This quirky and unique character has fans eager to see her in action.
Season 2: What Lies Ahead?
Fans are on the edge of their seats, wondering if Cindy Shapiro will finally make her appearance on the show. Luckily, the series was renewed for season 2 in October 2024, thanks to the overwhelming success of season 1. Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, expressed her excitement about the show's renewal, saying, "This reconceived MATLOCK was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates. The audience reception and critical acclaim for it has been overwhelming. We can't wait to get started on a second season." Season 2 is set to air during the 2025-2026 broadcast season.
And if the show's certification on Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, fans are in for a treat. The reimagined version of the classic television series has been 'Certified Fresh' with a 100 percent average Tomatometer score, according to a press release from the network.
Kathy's Personal Connection to Her Role
At the event, Kathy, 76, also shared a heartfelt moment about her connection to her character. "I think a lot about my mom with this character. And I feel like she was one of the invisible ones, that she was so smart," the 'American Horror Story' alum said during the panel. "She should have been a lawyer. She wanted to be a lawyer, and she didn’t have the opportunity. She was born in 1907 so things were very, very different for her back then. So yes, I think she was invisible. I think about her a lot." This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to her portrayal of Matty.
Kathy never expected an opportunity like 'Matlock' to come along at this stage in her career. In fact, she was ready to call it quits before landing this role. "I was about to say sayonara before Matlock came along, because it’s very hard as you get older to find roles that you can spread your wings, but roles that people see you in," she said during an interview with E! News on the red carpet at the 2025 Screen Guild Actors Awards on February 23. "And so I was really having second thoughts about whether to say goodbye."
When Kathy first read the script, she was instantly captivated by the character of Matty. "When I read it, I saw it’s not just episodic, it has a whole substance underneath it, and we’re doing so well in all of the ratings. And it’s unbelievable. I just keep pinching myself," she said.
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