Matlock (1986 TV series) season 9
Matlock (1986 TV series) season 9 refers to the ninth and final season of the American legal drama television series Matlock, starring Andy Griffith in the titular role of Ben Matlock, a folksy but brilliant defense attorney. Season 9 aired during the 1994-1995 television season.
This season marked a significant change for the series. After spending its previous seasons on NBC, Matlock moved to ABC. The move also prompted a significant cast change. Several long-running supporting characters, including Julie Sommars as Julie March and Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Conrad McMasters, did not return.
Instead, the ninth season introduced new recurring characters to assist Matlock with his cases. These included:
- Brynn Thayer as Leanne MacIntyre: A young, capable lawyer who assists Matlock with his investigations. She becomes a key part of his team.
- Daniel Roebuck as Cliff Lewis: A new private investigator working alongside Matlock.
Season 9 continued the format of previous seasons, with each episode presenting a new murder case that Matlock would investigate and ultimately solve, often by exposing the real killer in a dramatic courtroom confrontation. The season maintained the show's trademark blend of legal intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and moments of humor.
Due to declining ratings on ABC, the ninth season was the final season of Matlock.