Kathy Bates is back, but you might not recognize her! The celebrated actress is once again captivating audiences, not just with her thrilling new role, but with her dramatic transformation that’s stealing the spotlight as she promotes her latest project.

Kathy Bates, the Oscar-winning actress, is set to dazzle viewers in CBS’s eagerly awaited series, “Matlock.” Fans are buzzing with excitement over her return to television in this iconic role.

New 'Matlock' with 'So Thin' 76-Year-Old Kathy Bates Is on Everyone's Lips:  'OMG, What Happened to Her?'

A recent Instagram video gave fans a sneak peek at the upcoming series. At 76, Bates looked sharp in a navy blue suit as she joined her co-stars for a lighthearted teaser about the show, hinting at “more twists coming your way.”

The clip concludes with Bates announcing the series premiere on September 22. The news of Kathy Bates starring in “Matlock” has sparked a flurry of reactions, with fans eagerly anticipating her performance.

Kathy Bates, 76, Deemed Unrecognizable After Huge Transformation, “You  Can't Lose That Much Weight After a Certain Age” / Bright Side

One fan on social media expressed their excitement, saying, “Matlock is coming back? And with Kathy Bates? Can’t wait to see her in action!” Another added, “Kathy Bates as Matlock? I’m intrigued!”

However, it’s not just her return to TV that’s grabbing attention—Bates’ recent weight loss has also become a hot topic. Some fans expressed concern, noting that her transformation seemed quite dramatic for her age. “I adore Kathy, but losing so much weight at this age can be tough on the skin,” one comment read.

New 'Matlock' with 'So Thin' 76-Year-Old Kathy Bates Is on Everyone's Lips:  'OMG, What Happened to Her?'

Others had difficulty recognizing her. “Wow, I almost didn’t know it was her,” one fan remarked, while another wondered, “OMG, what happened to her? I love her, but is this really her? She was great before!”

There’s even speculation about how she achieved her new look, with some suggesting she might have used certain methods to slim down. One person commented, “Looks like Kathy Bates has joined the trend,” referring to popular weight loss treatments. Despite this, many fans continue to admire her. “She’s aging gracefully,” one admirer noted.

New 'Matlock' with 'So Thin' 76-Year-Old Kathy Bates Is on Everyone's Lips:  'OMG, What Happened to Her?'

The new CBS series “Matlock” promises to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the classic legal drama from the ’80s and ’90s, which originally ran for nine seasons. This reboot introduces a modern twist to the beloved show.

In the series, Bates stars as the sharp-witted attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who has a hidden agenda as she navigates her way into a prestigious Chicago law firm.

While viewers may think they’ve figured out her character’s motives by the end of the first episode, Bates assures fans that surprises and twists will keep coming until the very end. Reflecting on her role, the veteran actress shared, “Matlock has layers that aren’t immediately visible. I love playing a character with such depth.”

Kathy Bates believes there is 'a lot of ageism' in Hollywood

Known for her intense and unforgettable performances—from her Oscar-winning role in “Misery” to her Emmy-nominated work in “American Horror Story”—Bates brings a compelling presence to her latest character.

When asked if she ever expected to land such a role at 76, Bates called it a career milestone. She considers it a rare gift to have such a role at this point in her life. Bates confessed that she never imagined enjoying such an incredible third act.

“I never thought at my age I’d be playing a role like this, especially on a network where so many people will see it,” she said. She expressed her surprise and gratitude for being cast in such a complex part, particularly on a network show with a large audience.

Her character is a woman who seems to be overlooked, but she cleverly turns her age into an advantage. She uses her vast life experience and wisdom to connect with people on a deeper level, choosing personal interactions over technology.

This hands-on approach, rather than relying on digital shortcuts, becomes key to solving cases and navigating her world. When asked if she’s ever felt invisible, Bates shared a funny story from the Paramount lot where “Matlock” is filmed.

She recounted how, during studio tours, she often goes unnoticed while riding around in her golf cart. Bates described it as a running joke, saying she would pass by, and people wouldn’t even look her way. She joked to herself, “What’s going on? Don’t they know who I am?”

At first, she would give a small wave, but now she waves her arms wildly to get attention. Bates quipped that her invisibility might be due to her age or weight loss, adding that if she weren’t so famous, she’d probably be completely unnoticed.

As for how many seasons of “Matlock” she’d like to do, Bates said she’d love to do about five, depending on how long she’s able to continue. With a smile, she added, “We’ll see how long God gives me.”

No matter what, Bates continues to bring her incredible talent and charisma to every role, proving she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world.