The long wait is testing fans’ patience! As we sit here in January 2026, many Matlock viewers are asking the same burning question: Is Matlock new tonight? The short answer is no — and the wait for new episodes feels like a real shocker after the dramatic midseason finale.
The current season (Season 2) of the hit CBS legal drama starring Kathy Bates went on hiatus after its holiday-themed midseason finale aired on December 11, 2025. Since then, CBS has been airing reruns in the Thursday 9/8c slot, leaving fans craving fresh courtroom twists, shocking revelations, and Madeline “Matty” Matlock’s signature clever takedowns.
But don’t despair — the 2026 return is officially on the horizon, and it’s bigger than many expected. Here’s everything you need to know about when Matlock comes back, why the break feels so dramatic, and what to expect from the highly anticipated midseason premiere.
Why the Hiatus Feels Like a Major Shock
The decision to push the return all the way to late February 2026 has sparked plenty of discussion online. After a strong fall run that saw Matlock consistently deliver high-stakes legal battles mixed with personal drama, the sudden long break caught many off guard.
The last episode fans saw was Season 2, Episode 8: “Call It a Christmas Gift” (December 11, 2025). In classic Matlock fashion, the holiday installment ramped up the tension — secrets started spilling out, the team’s relationships were tested, and a harassment case involving the city’s fire department brought emotional weight to the festive backdrop.
Then… silence.
Instead of jumping straight into the new year with fresh episodes (like many shows do in January), CBS opted for a lengthy hiatus. This mirrors common network TV practices — avoiding low-viewership periods around holidays, awards season, and major events — but for a show as addictive as this one, the gap feels especially long.
Many fans have taken to social media and forums, wondering:
- Will the show lose momentum?
- What happened to the cliffhanger teases?
- Is this a sign of trouble, or just standard scheduling?
Rest assured: it’s the latter. Matlock remains one of CBS’s strongest performers, with solid ratings and critical praise for Kathy Bates’ powerhouse performance.
When Does Matlock Return in 2026? The Official Date
Mark your calendars — Matlock makes its big 2026 return on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT on CBS.
This date has been confirmed across multiple reliable sources, including TV Insider, Decider, and the official CBS schedule listings. The episode will kick off the second half of Season 2, picking up right where the dramatic fall finale left off.
For those streaming, new episodes will also be available the next day on Paramount+ (following the usual CBS/Paramount+ pattern).
Quick Recap: Matlock Season 2 So Far (No Major Spoilers)
Launched with a special premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025 (“The Before Times”), Season 2 quickly returned to its regular Thursday slot and delivered a string of compelling episodes:
- Another Matlock (Oct 16) – Witness protection drama heats up
- Tomorrow Is Still Tomorrow (Oct 23) – Security breach and executive pressure
- Piece of My Heart (Oct 30) – Wrongful death case with personal connections
- Mousetrap (Nov 6) – Twists and traps abound
- Harm Reduction (Nov 13) – Ethical dilemmas take center stage
- Prior Bad Acts (Dec 4) – Family secrets and shocking information
- Call It a Christmas Gift (Dec 11) – Holiday secrets explode
The season has deepened Matty’s hidden agenda, expanded the relationships between characters like Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian, and kept viewers guessing about the long-term consequences of the Wellbrexa investigation from Season 1.
Kathy Bates continues to shine, bringing both vulnerability and razor-sharp wit to the role. The supporting cast — including Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, and others — has also received strong praise for elevating the procedural format with real emotional depth.
Why the 2026 Return Is a True Shocker
What makes this particular return feel so dramatic?
- Length of the Hiatus — Nearly 2.5 months without new content is longer than many fans anticipated.
- Cliffhanger Hangover — The midseason finale left several threads dangling (relationships, secrets, ongoing cases), and viewers are desperate for resolution.
- Network Strategy — CBS is using the break to build anticipation, similar to how other hit dramas pace their seasons.
- Fan Investment — Matlock (2024 reboot) has built a passionate audience quickly, thanks to its mix of classic legal drama vibes with modern twists.
The return on February 26 will feel like a major event — expect heavy promotion, social media buzz, and possibly some surprise guest stars or plot bombs to kick things off with a bang.
What to Do While You Wait for the Return
- Catch Up or Re-Watch — Stream Seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+ to refresh your memory.
- Join the Conversation — Follow #Matlock on social media for fan theories and updates.
- Explore Similar Shows — If you’re missing courtroom drama, check out The Good Wife, Your Honor, or The Lincoln Lawyer.
- Stay Tuned — CBS often drops teasers closer to the return date, so keep an eye on official channels.
Final Thoughts: Patience Will Pay Off
While Matlock is not new tonight (and hasn’t been for most of January 2026), the wait is almost over. The February 26, 2026 return promises to deliver the twists, heart, and legal brilliance that made the show a breakout hit.
Kathy Bates’ Madeline Matlock remains one of television’s most compelling characters, and Season 2’s second half is poised to raise the stakes even higher. So hang in there, fans — the courtroom is reopening soon, and it’s going to be worth the wait.
