Bates is embedded in a competitive race that is expected to include Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), Britt Lower (“Severance”) and Bella Ramsey, who became the fourth-youngest nominee in the category in 2023 at age 19 for “The Last of Us.”

Matlock has become a major success for CBS, and the credit partly goes to the stellar performance of Kathy Bates.

Another curious twist involves Matty's grandson, tech whiz Alfie (Aaron Harris), who she's been caring for since the death of her daughter. In the finale, a knock at the door introduces us to a stranger played by Niko Nicotera, who claims to be Alfie's father.