CBS’s Matlock reboot is in the news once again as a writer formerly with the show is now suing the network over allegedly racist and sexual comments.
This is only the latest in allegations against the series. previously, Leah Lewis (Sarah Franklin on the show) filed for sexual assault against Season 1 co-star David Del Rio (Billy Martinez on the show). Earlier this year, Del Rio initiated arbitration against CBS Studios. He alleged that evidence undermining the allegations against him wasn’t fully considered before he was terminated.
The second was the report that the series’ third season would be moved to midseason after the second season wrapped up the two-season-long Well Brexa storyline, leading to the question, where do we go from here? Will Kathy Bates’ Maddie Matlock become Madeline Kingston full-time?
Now, former writer John Lowe has accused top members of the team behind Matlock of directing disparaging sexual and racist comments at him and other Black cast and crew members.
Lowe alleges in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in California state court that Matlock’s showrunner and executive producers created a hostile work environment “permeated by sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct.”
“It’s vicious in a writers’ room as a Black creative,” Lowe says, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “You’re either treated like a threat or a pet.”
The lawsuit names CBS Television Studios, Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber. It seeks unspecified damages and brings claims for hostile work environment and failure to prevent harassment.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously,” says a CBS Studios spokesperson in a statement. “In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”
The situation reached a boiling point in June 2025 when Lowe asked Urman whether the writers’ room would observe Juneteenth. She responded to him by calling the day “Coonteenth,” the lawsuit alleges.
“There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment,” says Ron Zambrano, a lawyer for Lowe, in a statement. “CBS should be ashamed for allowing it, and the Matlock showrunner and producers should be held accountable.”
On-screen, Matlock has proven to be a huge success for CBS since its premiere on September 22, 2024. Averaging 16 million cross-platform viewers over 35 days in its first season. Even garnering star, Kathy Bates, an Emmy nomination making her the oldest person ever nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
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