Kathy Bates is back in the spotlight with a thrilling new role, but it’s her dramatic weight loss that’s making headlines. The acclaimed actress is gearing up for her return to television in CBS’s highly anticipated series, Matlock. Fans are eagerly awaiting her portrayal in this modern reboot of the classic legal drama.

A recent Instagram video gave a sneak peek into the action. At 76, Bates appeared poised in a navy blue suit, teasing the series with her co-stars in a playful promo. The cast exchanged banter, hinting at “more twists coming your way,” and the clip ended with the exciting news that the show would premiere on September 22, 2024. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, many of whom are eager to see Bates in action once again.

While the return of Matlock has generated buzz, Bates’ recent weight loss has also caught the public’s attention. Some fans expressed concern, noting that such a significant change at her age could be alarming. Comments on social media ranged from supportive to concerned, with some speculating about whether she might be using Ozempic, a medication known for aiding weight loss. Despite the mixed reactions, many fans continue to admire her, with one stating, “She’s one of those who ages beautifully.”

In Matlock, Bates stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a clever attorney with a hidden agenda who navigates her way into a prestigious Chicago law firm. Fans are intrigued by her character’s mysterious motivations, which Bates has promised will keep viewers guessing until the final episode. “Matlock has an agenda that not everyone knows about,” Bates shared, clearly relishing the complexity of her role.

Bates is known for her powerful and versatile performances, from her Oscar-winning role in Misery to her Emmy-nominated work in American Horror Story. Now, she adds another impressive role to her long list of accomplishments. Reflecting on her career, Bates expressed gratitude for landing such a dynamic role at this stage in her life. She considers it a career milestone and never imagined she’d enjoy such a “third act” in her 70s. “‘I’ve never thought at my age I’d be playing such a wonderful role and for network television, where so many people are going to see it,” she noted.

Her character, Matty Matlock, uses her age and life experience as assets, cleverly connecting with people on a personal level rather than relying on technology. This human touch plays a key role in how she solves cases and navigates her world. Bates herself shared a humorous anecdote about feeling “invisible” while driving around the Paramount lot in a golf cart, often going unnoticed during studio tours. She joked that perhaps her age or weight loss had something to do with it.

When asked how many seasons of Matlock she hopes to do, Bates expressed a desire to continue for about five, depending on how long she’s able to carry on the role. With her signature charm, she added, “We’ll see how long God gives me.”

Despite any changes in her appearance, Kathy Bates remains a formidable presence in Hollywood, consistently delivering remarkable performances and captivating audiences.