New ‘Matlock’ with ‘So Thin’ 76-Year-Old Kathy Bates Is on Everyone’s Lips: ‘OMG, What Happened to Her?’

Kathy Bates is making a big return to TV with CBS’s new series, “Matlock.” At 76, she’s captivating audiences not just with her performance but also with her dramatic weight loss, which has become a major talking point. The show, set to premiere on September 22, features Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a sharp attorney with hidden motives in a prestigious Chicago law firm.

In a teaser video, Bates, dressed in a navy suit, teased fans with the promise, “More twists coming your way.” The series, a reboot of the classic legal drama, is generating excitement for its fresh take and Bates’s intriguing role.

Bates’s weight loss has sparked diverse reactions. Some fans have expressed concern, saying, “Love Kathy to death but honey you can’t lose that much weight after a certain age,” while others have had trouble recognizing her, with one comment reading, “I almost didn’t recognize her… her face looks so thin.”

Despite the mixed feedback, Bates remains a respected figure in the industry. She noted, “‘I’ve never thought at my age I’d be playing such a wonderful role and for network, which so many people are going to see.” Bates hopes to continue with “Matlock” for around five seasons, depending on her health and longevity.