Originally produced as a television movie, this pilot aired in March 1986 as an NBC movie of the week. It was later broken into two episodes (parts 1 & 2) for the regular series.
Actor Lori Lethin plays Ben's daughter, Charlene, in the first two episodes (originally filmed as a single television movie). After that, Lethin was replaced in the role of Charlene by Linda Purl, who lasted just one season. After Purl was fired (or quit, depending on whom you ask), at the end of season one, Charlene was never referred to again. By the end of season six, Matlock's other daughter Leanne McIntyre, played by Brynn Thayer becomes a regular and Charlene is still never mentioned.