Matthew Rhys has captivated audiences with his compelling performances, and one of his standout roles is in the HBO prequel series Perry Mason. This show, which ran for two seasons from 2020 to 2023, offers a fresh take on the legendary defense lawyer, played by Rhys. The series delves into the early years of Perry Mason, set in 1930s Los Angeles, as he navigates the challenges of his personal life while solving complex mysteries.
Based on author Erle Stanley Gardner’s original novel series, Perry Mason was originally adapted into a CBS series that aired from 1957 to 1966. The HBO version serves as an origin story, bringing the character back to the small screen with a new generation of viewers. Matthew Rhys, known for his roles in The Americans and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, took on the challenge of portraying a younger, more vulnerable Perry Mason.
The show features a star-studded cast, including John Lithgow, Tatiana Maslany, and Juliet Rylance, who brought depth and authenticity to their respective roles. Fans have praised the series for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and attention to detail. One fan, MGD109, shared on Reddit: “Utterly loved it, one of my favourite shows to come out of 2020. Brilliant cast, compelling plot, beautifully scenery and cinematography, and despite all the changes I feel it managed to stay to [the] true to the spirit of the original series.”
Another viewer, Paul S, commented on Rotten Tomatoes: “The story was compelling and intense, and watching Perry Mason evolve from a dogged detective to a righteous lawyer was amazing. I definitely recommend it for crime and drama fans.” Jovy J echoed similar sentiments, stating, “First rate acting, extraordinary art direction and cinematography, perfect moody score…. Class act.”
The show also received positive reviews from critics. The Guardian praised Rhys for his performance, noting that he “manages to cut through all the heavy portent to show some decent signs of a personality, though he is bogged down by the occasionally clunky line that pulls him right back to your regulation moody private investigator.” IGN called him “exemplary,” while NPR highlighted his ability to portray both the brooding, nonconformist side of the character and the emotional orator during jury summations.
AV Club also commended Rhys, stating, “Rhys deftly unfurls the enigmatic character layer by layer, crafting this degenerate into a more recognisable version of the legal icon revered for decades.” Despite the critical acclaim and Emmy nominations, the show did not receive a third season.
HBO expressed gratitude for the work of Rhys and the cast and crew, stating, “We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivalled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise.” Although the series ended prematurely, it left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
Perry Mason is available to stream on NOW. For those interested in sharing celebrity stories, videos, or pictures, they can reach out to the entertainment team via email at [email protected], by calling 020 3615 2145, or by visiting the Submit Stuff page. Comments and feedback are always welcome, and readers can add the site as a preferred source on Google for more updates. To receive personalized updates on favorite TV shows, sign up for the TV newsletter and select the shows you love.
