This evergreen guide explains when Matlock originally aired and how the show is commonly scheduled today. Matlock starred Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a folksy but sharp defense attorney who solved cases week by week. The series ran on NBC from 1986 to 1992, then in syndication and on multiple cable channels. If you are asking what time Matlock is on, the answer depends on your local affiliate, cable lineup, and streaming package. Read on for context on original air times, typical syndication slots, and where to check listings in your area.
Original Network Run and Typical Time Slots
On NBC, Matlock followed a consistent pattern in most markets, anchored in evening viewing. Its principal schedule was:
- Season 1 (1986–1987): Often aired on Sunday nights at 8:00 or 9:00 PM in many regions, shifting as the season progressed.
- Seasons 2–7 (1987–1992): Generally positioned on Sunday evenings, frequently at 9:00 PM or 8:00 PM local time, depending on the market and lead-in program.
These times reflect historical network scheduling in the United States; exact clock times varied by city because of time zones and affiliate preferences. The show was designed as an accessible, dialogue-driven mystery drama with a clear beginning, middle, and end in each episode.
Syndication and Cable Airing Patterns
After its prime-time network run, Matlock entered wide syndication and appeared on channels such as Hallmark Channel, USA Network, and local stations. In syndication:
- Stations often aired it in early fringe or late fringe slots (around 7:00–9:00 PM or 11:00 PM–1:00 AM).
- Cable channels typically placed it in daytime or overnight blocks, varying by brand positioning.
Because syndication rights are handled locally, lineups differ by market. Some cable packages, particularly those carrying Hallmark Mystery or similar services, may rotate episodes in their schedule, but there is no single national time that applies everywhere.
How to Find What Time Matlock Is on in Your Area
To answer what time Matlock is on today in your home, use these reliable methods:
- Check your TV provider’s on-screen guide or app.
- Search your ZIP code on the website of networks known for airing reruns (e.g., Hallmark Mystery, MeTV, Cozi TV).
- Use universal TV listing sites or apps such as TV Guide, Reelgood, or JustWatch, entering your location to see current and upcoming airings.
Because syndication windows change with carriage agreements, the only way to know for certain on a given day is to look at a real-time, location-specific guide.
Key Attributes at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock | Series credits and archives |
| Original Network | NBC | Network history records |
| Original Run | 1986–1992 | Industry databases |
| Typical Original Slot | Sunday evenings, often 8:00 or 9:00 PM local | Historical scheduling patterns |
| Common Syndication Homes | Hallmark Channel, USA Network, local stations | Cable listings and press kits |
| Current Availability | Varies by cable, satellite, and streaming; check local guides | TV provider and streaming lineups |
Quick Reference: Is Matlock Still on TV?
- New episodes: No, the series concluded in 1992.
- Reruns: Yes, widely available in syndication and on cable channels that rotate classic dramas.
- Streaming: Often included in ad-supported or subscription classic-TV bundles, depending on platform.
- Local timing: Must be checked in your market using a real-time TV guide.
Why Time Slots Differ by Location
Television scheduling is handled by affiliates and cable systems, not by a central clock for the entire country. Factors that affect when Matlock appears include:
- Time zone and local prime-time definitions (early vs. late fringe).
- Affiliate agreements and programming priorities.
- Carriage deals for cable and streaming services, which can vary by region and distributor.
These variables explain why the same show can be on at different times in different cities, and why a schedule that was true last month may shift this month.
Summary
Matlock originally aired in the United States on NBC, most commonly on Sunday evenings in the 8:00 or 9:00 PM time frame during its prime-time run from 1986 to 1992. Today, what time Matlock is on depends entirely on your local TV station or cable package, with reruns appearing in a variety of early fringe, overnight, and cable slots. To find the exact time in your area, consult your provider guide, network websites, or a trusted TV listing app using your ZIP code.