When David Del Rio reflects on his experience with Matlock, it’s clear that he sees it as more than just a job—it’s a creative odyssey, marked by collaboration, personal growth, and an enduring passion for storytelling. His insights into the show’s success, the depth of his character Billy, and his interactions with industry icons like Kathy Bates reveal a thoughtful artist profoundly impacted by this project.

Breathing New Life into a Beloved Classic

Del Rio attributes Matlock’s incredible reception to the ingenuity of its creative team, led by showrunner Jennie Urman. “Jennie healed the fatigue of reboots,” he says. “She rebooted the reboot.” For Del Rio, this reinvention is at the heart of the show’s resonance. Modern audiences, he observes, crave originality, and Matlock delivers with fresh storytelling and a pace that matches today’s dynamic media landscape. Director Kat Coiro’s sharp visual style and Kathy Bates’ mesmerizing dual performance as Matty Matlock and Madeline Kingston further enrich the show’s appeal.

The series also benefits from its episodic structure, which explores diverse legal cases and characters. Del Rio believes these stories create a deep connection with viewers: “There’s a relation to these characters that resonates with the audience.”

“Pilot” – After achieving success in her younger years, brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock uses her unassuming demeanor to make her way into a position at a prestigious law firm, Jacobson Moore, in a special sneak peek of the series premiere of the CBS Original series MATLOCK, Sunday, Sept 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Leah Lewis as “Sarah Franklin” and David Del Rio as “Billy Martinez”. Photo: Brooke Palmer/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Evolution of Billy and David’s Approach

As Del Rio prepares for Season 2, he’s eager to delve deeper into Billy’s arc. Inspired by his work with Urman, Coiro, and Bates, he plans to refine his portrayal by embracing the lessons he’s learned. “I just want to go deeper,” he shares, drawing on his admiration for their collaborative artistry.

Del Rio’s approach to Billy is rooted in authenticity. He portrays the young lawyer as a man shaped by a lifetime of challenges and profound respect for women, having been raised by his mother and three sisters. Billy’s enigmatic charm, Del Rio explains, stems from a blend of survival instincts and the defense mechanisms he’s developed in response to a demanding world. His legal expertise is central to the character, though Del Rio admits, “Studying the history of law is the most challenging part—making it look like I know what I’m talking about!”

“No, No Monsters” – YouThree help Olympia defend a defamed nanny at her children’s school. Also, Matty is on a stressful hunt for an important document on the Wellbrexa case, on MATLOCK, Thursday, Dec. 12 (9:01-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): David Del Rio as “Billy Martinez”. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Billy’s evolving relationship with Matty promises more complexity. Del Rio hints at potential turbulence ahead: “Victory changes a person. Secrets can ruin a relationship.” Like the audience, he’s eager to see how this dynamic unfolds.

Working with Kathy Bates: Lessons and Moments of Magic

Kathy Bates’ legendary presence on set left an indelible mark on Del Rio. Her meticulous preparation and ability to inhabit her character inspired him to elevate his craft. “Her script is handwritten with her own notes, from top to bottom. Every action and dialogue has a purpose,” he marvels. Bates’ advice during an emotionally charged scene—a simple, powerful reminder to “use me”—set the tone for their collaborative dynamic and deepened Del Rio’s understanding of acting as a shared, moment-to-moment experience.

“A Guy Named Greg” – Matty’s rusty trial skills are put to the test during a wrongful termination case by a woman claiming she was sexually harassed by her boss. Also, the firm’s jury consultant and master lie detector, Shae (Yael Grobglas), joins the case, on MATLOCK, Thursday, Oct. 24 (9:01-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock”, David Del Rio as “Billy Martinez”, and Leah Lewis as “Sarah Franklin”. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

One behind-the-scenes memory stands out vividly: Bates initiating a four-minute staring exercise before a pivotal scene. “She reminded me that everything I needed was in her eyes,” Del Rio recalls. It’s a moment he cherishes, emblematic of the mentorship and trust that defined their work together.

“The Rabbit and the Hawk” – Olympia tasks Matty with getting close to their client, who is fighting for justice in the wrongful death of his wife, on MATLOCK, Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:01-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Leah Lewis as “Sarah Franklin”, David Del Rio as “Billy Martinez”, and Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock”. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Shadowing Kat Coiro: A Masterclass in Direction

Del Rio’s admiration for director Kat Coiro extends beyond her technical skill to her emotional intelligence. “Kat feels the take she watches,” he explains, highlighting her ability to guide actors from the heart of their characters. Her collaborative spirit and openness to ideas left a lasting impression on Del Rio, who plans to incorporate her approach into his own directorial projects.

Grateful for the Journey Ahead

For Del Rio, the acclaim surrounding Matlock is both humbling and invigorating. While he celebrates the show’s success and the recognition of its crew, he maintains a grounded perspective. Borrowing wisdom from Tom Hanks, he muses, “When something is a hit, this too shall pass. I just want to stay connected to the moment and enjoy the ride.”

As he continues to grow as an actor, director, and storyteller, Del Rio approaches the future with gratitude and curiosity. “I don’t know what it all means,” he admits, “but I’m looking forward to seeing what plans God has for this wild life I’m living.”

In Matlock, David Del Rio has found more than a role—he’s found a platform to explore his craft, collaborate with industry greats, and connect with audiences through the power of compelling storytelling.