Matt Houston starred Lee Horsley as a wealthy mustachioed Texas oilman named Matlock "Matt" Houston who works as a private investigator in Los Angeles in his abundant free time. The show also starred Pamela Hensley as his lawyer sidekick, C.J., and George Wyner as his continuously frustrated business manager, Murray. During the show's third and final season (1984–85), Buddy Ebsen played Houston's uncle, Roy Houston.
Most episodes typically involve one of Houston's close friends being murdered or involved in some criminal enterprise, requiring his assistance. C.J. had access to an Apple III computer named "Baby" containing a database on virtually all living and deceased persons, allowing her to provide all necessary information. Murray frequently complained that Matt's private investigation business failed to make money, while Matt treated it more as an expensive hobby rather than a profit-making venture.
Series pilot: Matt Houston, an oil tycoon's son from Texas, comes to California to manage off-shore drilling. With plenty of cars, a helicopter, and many millionaire toys to choose from, Matt Houston finds plenty of time for his PI hobby.
When a cat food mogul is found mauled to death by a domesticated tiger, his four ex-wives retain Matt's services so they can receive proceeds from the will.
A gossip columnist is murdered after threatening to expose a high-class prostitution house. Bo Hopkins as Rev. Noah Sunday, Jayne Meadows as Holly Harkens
A TV newsman covers a kidnapping that he might be involved in to boost ratings.
51
4
"Apostle of Death"
Kim Manners
Skip Webster
October 19, 1984 (1984-10-19)
Whether it's a religious cult or a commune, Matt must rescue Peggy Allyson (Wendy Smith Howard) who is being bilked out of a $3 million inheritance by evangelist leader Jesse Mercer (Richard Lynch) who plans to murder her after he has gained control of the cash.
52
5
"Caged"
Cliff Bole
William T. Conway
October 26, 1984 (1984-10-26)
After getting amnesia after a car accident, C.J. finds herself in prison and uncovers a prostitution ring. Guest starring Cynthia Cypert as Cynthia.
Matt discovers that his cousin, who was once believed dead in Cambodia, is still a POW.
54
7
"Escape from Nam: Part 2"
James L. Conway
Daniel Pyne & Scott Shepherd
November 9, 1984 (1984-11-09)
The Cambodian warlord who has imprisoned Matt's cousin might be getting a little help from someone close to Matt.
55
8
"The High Fashion Murders"
Cliff Bole
James L. Conway
November 16, 1984 (1984-11-16)
Two models have been murdered, and Matt can't accept the alibi of the most likely suspect.
56
9
"Death Stalk"
Mike Vejar
Robert Brennan
November 23, 1984 (1984-11-23)
An international assassin has a grudge against Matt.
57
10
"Blood Money"
Don Chaffey
Stephen Lord
November 30, 1984 (1984-11-30)
Matt is dragged into a case involving international gem smuggling from a war-torn Vietnam. Guest-starring Scott Marlowe.
58
11
"Deadly Games"
Charlie Picerni
S : David Florimbi T : Daniel Pyne & Scott Shepherd
December 7, 1984 (1984-12-07)
The most dangerous game is revisited when a sporting goods mogul hunts athletes.
59
12
"Stolen"
Cliff Bole
Margie Gordon
December 21, 1984 (1984-12-21)
An actress, whose infant son had been kidnapped a year earlier, asks Matt to investigate a woman she saw in a park with a child who resembled her lost baby.
60
13
"The Nightmare Man"
Kim Manners
S : Michael Fisher T : Daniel Pyne
January 4, 1985 (1985-01-04)
Matt believes that the man who abducted him as a boy is kidnapping again.
Matt and Roy rush to the aid of Roy's son (and Matt's cousin), a Vietnam vet who is threatening suicide.
62
15
"Death Trap"
Kim Manners
Richard Fisher
January 11, 1985 (1985-01-11)
A once-prosperous oil town is now home to corruption and embezzlement.
63
16
"The Honeymoon Murders"
Charlie Picerni
Steven Whitney
January 25, 1985 (1985-01-25)
Someone is targeting brides-to-be.
64
17
"The Beach Club Murders"
Cliff Bole
William T. Conway
February 1, 1985 (1985-02-01)
Matt investigates blackmail murders with the assistance of one of the victim's sisters.
65
18
"New Orleans Nightmare"
Mike Robe
Mike Robe
February 8, 1985 (1985-02-08)
A stewardess accidentally happens upon and photographs a murder and asks Matt to protect her.
66
19
"Company Secrets"
Charlie Picerni
S : Thomas G. Edwards T : Scott Shepherd
February 15, 1985 (1985-02-15)
Roy fakes his death to uncover a plot to murder his CIA squad members.
67
20
"Killing Time"
Mike Vejar
Daniel Pyne
February 22, 1985 (1985-02-22)
Matt's new flame has a family secret; her brother is funding Irish terrorists.
68
21
"Death Watch"
William Crain
Robert Earll
March 15, 1985 (1985-03-15)
Matt and company investigate a drug ring.
69
22
"Final Vows"
James L. Conway
Skip Webster
March 29, 1985 (1985-03-29)
Elizabeth, the object of Matt's affections, returns.
Home media
On March 9, 2010, CBS DVD (Distributed by Paramount) released season 1 of Matt Houston on DVD in Region 1 for the first time.[1] Season 2 was released June 16, 2017 and Season 3 was released on July 21, 2017.[2]
On May 4, 2015, it was announced that all three seasons of Matt Houston would be released the summer of 2015 by VEI, Inc.[3] The release was pushed back and was later released on July 15, 2016.[4]
