Courtroom drama meets clever comedy as two fan-favorite legal series return to streaming. Matlock and Elsbeth on Paramount+ bring fresh cases, sharp cross-examinations, and the kind of twisty endgames that keep you guessing until the final objection. Whether you crave classic case-of-the-week storytelling or character-driven mysteries with a wry wink, these new seasons deliver.
Why these legal hits belong on your watchlist
Paramount+ doubles down on procedural comfort viewing with two shows that reward attention to detail and reward rewatches. Each episode frames a puzzle, scatters red herrings, and then snaps the solution into place with theatrical flair. You get satisfying one-and-done cases plus ongoing character arcs that add heart to the hunt.
Matlock: The legend, reimagined
Kathy Bates stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliantly disarming attorney who wins not by grandstanding but by reading the room. The charm is in the choreography. Matty lingers on a word, lays a trap with an innocent question, and nudges a witness into revealing the tell that cracks the case.
What to expect this season
- Impossible-seeming prosecutions flipped on their head in the final act
- Cozy, character-forward storytelling anchored by Bates’s sly humor
- Satisfying reversals built on clues you actually saw
Elsbeth: Unconventional mind, undeniable results
A fan favorite from the Good Wife universe, Elsbeth follows a razor-sharp attorney embedded with the NYPD. She treats the city like a crime-lab playground, noticing visual gags and micro-behaviors everyone else misses.
What’s new this season
- Playful, Columbo-style cat-and-mouse with flamboyant “guest culprit” turns
- Street-level New York texture, from lofts to late-night delis
- A steady drip of personal stakes that never overwhelms the weekly mystery
Matlock vs Elsbeth: Which should you start first
- Pick Matlock if you love classic courtroom theatrics, soft-spoken cross-exams, and a warm, literary tone.
- Pick Elsbeth if you want kinetic New York puzzles, meta humor, and a lead who treats logic like a party trick.
Truth is, they complement each other. Pair one intricate interrogation with one quirky investigation and you have a perfect double-feature.
How to watch Matlock and Elsbeth on Paramount+
- Open the Paramount+ app or site and sign in.
- Search Matlock or Elsbeth to land on the latest season hub.
- Add to your watchlist, enable episode reminders, and press play.
New to the service Start with a free trial on Paramount+ now, then keep streaming on smart TV, mobile, tablet, web, or console.
Binge plan for a smart weeknight
- Monday Warm-up with an Elsbeth episode. Note the visual breadcrumbs.
- Tuesday Courtroom night with Matlock. Pause during the cross-exam to guess the pivot.
- Weekend Rewatch your favorite and catch the foreshadowing you missed.
Who will love these shows
- Puzzle solvers who want fair-play mysteries with visible clues
- Character lovers who enjoy offbeat leads and found-family dynamics
- Comfort viewers who like crisp resolutions without grimdark aftertaste
Quick FAQ
Do I need to watch older seasons first
No. Both series make it easy to jump in. Prior seasons deepen the experience but aren’t required.
Are episodes serialized
Mostly case-of-the-week with ongoing character arcs.
Can I download episodes
Paramount+ supports downloads on select devices and plans. Check your app for availability.
Is closed captioning available
Yes, with language options depending on your region and device.
Final verdict
Smart, stylish, and endlessly rewatchable, Matlock and Elsbeth on Paramount+ bring back the joy of solving it yourself. Queue them up when you want a clean mystery, clever dialogue, and that delicious last-minute reveal that makes the whole hour click.
