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Kathy Bates has been in the acting business for over 50 years. She has won one Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Kathy Bates' performances have left her audiences in awe, both on film and on television. She devoted attention to the knowledge, strength, and emotions of each specific job, whether she was portraying snarky lawyers or haunting villains.
When Kathy Bates plays a character in a comedy, drama, or horror film, she becomes the character. She stands out on-screen with both fierceness and the right amount of frailty. This list includes seven of her most exceptional television appearances, demonstrating her versatility as a star. Despite the shows' differences, a true TV show binge-watcher would put them all on their watchlist due to Kathy Bates's significant presence in each one.
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Here is the list of the top 7 Kathy Bates TV shows that should definitely make it to your watchlist
7. Disjointed (2017)
Disjointed is a 2017 sitcom released on Netflix. The story focuses on the character Ruth Whitefeather Feldman (played by Kathy Bates). Ruth is the owner of a medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles. Disjointed has plenty of comedy and discusses cannabis legalization and therapeutic value. Bates is playful, compassionate, and rigorous at times when instructing her staff of small budtenders.
There is a scene where Ruth finds a new strain, and the client reacts favorably. She calmly sits him down and explains the dosage and consequences honestly. The moment is memorable due to the care with which her character handled the situation and the energy of Ruth's performance.
Each of the two seasons of the show consists of 10 episodes. You can watch Disjointed on Netflix (with or without the ad plan). It offers a considerably more relaxed and informal view of the pot culture, with Kathy Bates playing the lead in a lighthearted, humorous, and affectionate character.
6. Matlock (2024)
Matlock is a contemporary revival of the old courtroom drama starring Kathy Bates. Kathy plays Madeline Matlock, a retired lawyer who joins the practice of law under a false pretext. The TV show is available to watch on Paramount Plus, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Pluto TV in the United States.
In a tense scene, Madeline acquires a pharmaceutical company's cover-up documents. During that tense moment, she maintains her composure by speaking softly. We saw her call the witness by name and pose a targeted question that elicits crucial information. However, her voice is tender, and you may feel her power and ethical firmness.
Madeline's experience fighting injustice served as the inspiration for this scene. Her character has been described by Bobby Bates as knowledgeable and trustworthy. The show has been celebrated for providing a procedural drama with a new spin while addressing contemporary topics such as ageism and corporate greed.
5. Two and a Half Men (2003)
Two and a Half Men is a long-running CBS sitcom series about the life of a bachelor uncle, his brother, and his nephew. You can stream it on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Kathy Bates appears as a ghost of the original lead, Charlie Harper (played by Charlie Sheen), in the episode "Why We Gave Up Women."
In a hospital scene, Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) is suffering a minor heart attack. Alan encounters the spirit of Charlie as he exits the plane under sedation. He even recognizes the iconic bowling shirt and cigar that Charlie is said to have worn. She gives shrewd counsel in Charlie's brazen manner and makes jokes.
and pressures Alan to become self-disciplined in his life. This scene combines humor, nostalgia, and surprise because Kathy Bates can play a beloved character in a way that defies gender stereotypes and has comedic timing. She was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series due to this scene.
4. The Office (2005)
The Office is a mockumentary sitcom about the daily operations of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton office. This TV show is available on Peacock. Kathy Bates appeared in eight episodes of The Office's 6th and 7th seasons as Jo Bennett. Here, she played the powerful CEO of Sabre.
Bates played Jo as a no-nonsense, unconventional leader who was often accompanied by her Great Danes. In a significant scene, Jo interviews Dwight for a job and asks direct questions such as “Ever shot a gun in the office?” When he nervously replies that it is complicated, she retorts that it really is not.
Her silence, her tone, and the way she said it killed the room. In that second, she is the commander, the leader, and the charming side. Her fans will remember her for this performance in The Office.
3. Six Feet Under (2001)
Six Feet Under is a famous series on the HBO channel that tells the story of a family that has its own funeral home in L.A. The television show is available on Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Netflix. During season 1, Kathy Bates appears in ten episodes as the leader of a support group, Bettina.
She showcases her charm in dramatic aspects. In the episode "You Never Know," she marches through the door of a mourning widow who is an addicted woman named Sarah Brenner. Bettina manages to support Sarah without confronting her harshly by tying her to the bed so that she does not run away and do drugs. According to her, the move is not a punishment but an act of care.
This scene displays Kathy Bates' layers of warmth and power. Kathy Bates effectively balances sympathy and assertiveness, showcasing her skills in addressing key themes such as loss, dominance, and recovery.
2. Harry's Law (2011)
Harry's Law is a TV drama broadcast on NBC from January 2011 to May 2012. In the United States, it is available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Kathy Bates stars as Harriet Korn (or Harry). Harry is a sharp-tongued patent lawyer and loses a job at a prestigious firm. When she is struck by a car, she winds up opening an offbeat law firm in a former shoe shop in Cincinnati.
In one of the outstanding scenes, Harry draws a gun not to kill, but to fend off bullies who taunt her because of her age. She is strong and has a no-nonsense attitude. Although she has a calming voice, she is nevertheless powerful enough to create a certain level of quiet in the space.
That small moment demonstrated a self-disciplined attitude and justice represented by her in the scene. The performance was made more intimate and new by the combination of comedy and strength, and Kathy Bates's austere demeanor added a personal touch. It was a man's role that fit her like a glove after a short time.
1. American Horror Story (2011)
American Horror Story is one of the most successful FX horror series that is available to stream on Hulu in the US. Kathy Bates stars in Season 3 as Delphine LaLaurie, a cruel New Orleans socialite cursed with immortality. She later reappears in other seasons in other creepy roles.
In the "Bitchcraft" episode, she uses dramatic shifts well when she emerges from a secret tomb with a torn face, yelling and threatening the young witches in a snarling tone. Her voice is menacing.
This scene establishes her as one of the most frightening villains in the show. This performance won her an Emmy. She was also part of other seasons of AHS. She excels in the roles of Iris Holloway, the fierce vampire hotel manager in "Hotel," and Ethel, the bearded lady in "Freak Show." Kathy Bates blends dark comedy with raw strength, adding depth and anxiety to each character. Her personas highlight her incredible range of abilities, and people adore her for it.
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These seven television shows prove how significantly Kathy Bates influenced modern TV storytelling. She broke stereotypes and brought to life complex female characters with every performance. Whether as a haunted immortal or a brave lawyer, Kathy Bates captivated audiences with honesty and confidence.
Her Emmy-winning performances were more than just acting. They felt real and personal, leaving a lasting impression. She didn't just play her roles, she lived in her characters. The above-mentioned TV shows showcased her incredible versatility. In hindsight, these shows didn't just make us laugh; they set a high standard for character-driven television and reminded us why Kathy Bates is a true acting legend.
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