How CBS’s Matlock Reboot Recycled Two
Canceled Shows into a Legal Drama
Masterpiece
The new CBS reboot of Matlock isn’t just a legal drama—it’s a masterclass in smart storytelling, set design, and sustainability. And believe it or not, the show’s jaw-dropping Manhattan law office sets were recycled—yes, recycled—from two previously canceled TV series. At the heart of this innovative move is production designer Adam Rowe, whose behind-the-scenes magic gave Matlock its impressive scale and immersive world.
A Fresh Take on a Classic: Kathy Bates Leads with Power
Kathy Bates stars as Madeline “Mattie” Matlock, a wealthy woman going undercover as a struggling widow inside a top NYC law firm. Her mission? To expose the powerful litigator she believes caused her daughter’s death. Bates’ layered, emotional performance is earning serious praise, but part of what makes the show so effective is how its production design mirrors Mattie’s complex psyche.
From Hospital to Beauty Empire to Law Firm: The Set’s Incredible Journey
Let’s rewind to 2020. Rowe was working on Good Sam, a short-lived medical drama. “We built a sprawling, high-tech cardiology center,” he told IndieWire. With modular sets, flip-out windows, and hidden hair/makeup zones, the space was designed to support dynamic, multi-story narratives.
When Good Sam was canceled, Rowe saw an opportunity—not just to save money, but to practice sustainable set design. Enter Netflix’s Glamorous. That medical set was reborn as the offices of a luxury makeup brand.
But fate had more in store. Glamorous also met its end during the industry strikes, leaving Rowe with “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of glass, steel, copper, and flooring.” So what did he do? He shipped it all to Los Angeles—and rebuilt it again, this time as the enormous NYC law offices in Matlock.
- How Recycled Sets Shaped ‘Matlock’s’ Cinematic Scale
Without the foundation of his earlier work, Rowe admits, Matlock wouldn’t have looked nearly as grand. “We couldn’t have built this from scratch on the same budget,” he shared.
The goal was to show New York growing up and outward as Mattie’s journey unfolded. “All the building blocks from the hospital are still paying off,” Rowe added. The set’s size and flexibility allowed each episode to expand the world without limitations.
The Genius of ‘Intentional Inconsistency’
One thing die-hard fans love? Spotting the subtle continuity contradictions in the show’s background. “It’s intentional,” Rowe confessed. “We remove floor numbers, office names, and leave things vague. The mystery makes the law firm feel surreal—like Mattie’s world.”
This mirrors a storytelling technique from Mad Men, where Rowe once worked: always design with a “back door” in mind. On Matlock, doors, rooms, and hidden spaces create a feeling that anything can happen.
Filming in L.A., Faking NYC
Though Matlock is set in New York, it’s actually filmed in Los Angeles. That posed a major challenge. “New York has narrower streets, older architecture,” Rowe explained. “But our location team found hidden L.A. spots that work.”
The ultimate proof? Paparazzi photos of Kathy Bates on set were mislabeled online as being shot in NYC—they were actually in downtown L.A.
Sustainable Set Design: The New Trend in Hollywood
Recycling old sets isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s environmentally responsible. Rowe’s innovative reuse of materials reflects a growing movement in Hollywood to minimize waste and design more consciously.
As TV production becomes more expensive and environmentally impactful, Rowe’s approach might just be the future of sustainable filmmaking.
And Yes, Kathy Bates Really Is That Awesome
To top it all off, Rowe had nothing but praise for the star herself. “Kathy Bates is every bit as incredible in real life as she is on screen,” he said. “People ask me if she’s really that great—and the answer is a big yes.”
📌 Why This Matters:
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Matlock is a case study in TV production innovation
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It shows how sustainability meets creativity in set design
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Kathy Bates is delivering a career-best performance
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And it proves that smart recycling can produce high-end visuals, even on network budgets
FAQ
❓Where is Matlock filmed?
While set in New York, the series is actually filmed in Los Angeles, cleverly using backdrops and sets to fake the NYC look.
❓Did the Matlock reboot reuse sets from other shows?
Yes! The show's massive law office was originally built for Good Sam, then reused in Glamorous, and finally evolved into the set we now see in Matlock.
❓Is the production of Matlock eco-friendly?
Absolutely. Production designer Adam Rowe reused and repurposed materials like steel, glass, and flooring from previous shows to reduce waste and stay within budget.
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