Fans of the hit CBS legal drama Matlock were eagerly awaiting new episodes in the new year, but there’s disappointing news: Matlock Season 2 skips January 2026 entirely. The show, starring the legendary Kathy Bates as the sharp-witted Madeline “Matty” Matlock, wrapped its midseason finale in December 2025 and won’t return until late February 2026. This extended hiatus has left viewers frustrated, especially after a strong first half of the season that delivered twists, courtroom drama, and standout performances.
If you’re wondering why Matlock isn’t airing in January 2026, what the return date is, and what to expect when it comes back, this in-depth guide has all the details.
Why Matlock Season 2 Is Skipping January 2026
The CBS network’s scheduling decision for Matlock Season 2 follows a common broadcast TV pattern: midseason breaks to accommodate holidays, sports events, and strategic programming. After premiering Season 2 on October 12, 2025 (with a special Sunday slot before moving to Thursdays at 9/8c), the series aired consistently through fall and into early December.
The midseason finale, “Call It a Christmas Gift” (Season 2 Episode 8), aired on December 11, 2025. It left fans on a cliffhanger involving holiday tensions, team secrets unraveling, and a high-stakes harassment case tied to the city’s fire department. Instead of resuming in mid-January like many shows, CBS opted for a longer break, pushing the midseason return to Thursday, February 26, 2026.
This isn’t unusual for CBS procedurals. Networks often pause popular series during the January post-holiday slump or to avoid competing with NFL playoffs and awards season buzz. For Matlock, the extended hiatus—nearly 2.5 months—maximizes anticipation and allows production to polish the back half of the season.
Matlock Season 2 Release Schedule and Key Dates
Here’s the confirmed Matlock Season 2 schedule so far:
- Premiere: October 12, 2025 (“The Before Times” – special Sunday airing)
- Regular Thursday slot started October 16, 2025
- Midseason finale: December 11, 2025 (Episode 8)
- Hiatus: December 2025 through mid-February 2026 (no new episodes in January)
- Midseason return: February 26, 2026 (Episode 9)
- Remaining episodes expected weekly on Thursdays through spring 2026 (exact finale date TBA)
New episodes stream the next day on Paramount+, making it easy for cord-cutters to catch up. Reruns have filled the Thursday 9 p.m. slot in January 2026, including repeats of earlier Season 2 episodes like “Tomorrow Is Still Tomorrow” and “Piece of My Heart.”
This skip means fans miss out on fresh content during the typically slow January TV landscape, but it builds hype for a strong spring return.
What Happened in Matlock Season 2 So Far?
Season 2 picked up right where the twist-filled Season 1 left off. Kathy Bates continues to shine as Matty Matlock (secretly Madeline Kingston), the brilliant but unconventional attorney infiltrating the high-powered firm Jacobson Moore to expose corruption from within.
Key plot points from the first eight episodes include:
- Deepening mysteries around Matty’s undercover mission
- Evolving dynamics between Matty, Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall), and the rest of the team
- Guest stars and high-profile cases tackling modern issues like workplace harassment and ethical dilemmas
- A major character exit (Billy, played by David Del Rio, written out in the midseason finale)
- New additions in the back half, including Sarah Wright Olsen and Henry Haber joining the cast
The holiday-themed finale ramped up personal stakes, with secrets threatening to destroy relationships just as the team faces one of its toughest cases yet.
Critics and viewers have praised Season 2 for maintaining the clever writing from creator Jennie Snyder Urman, blending procedural elements with serialized character arcs.
Why Fans Are Disappointed About No Matlock in January 2026
The absence of Matlock in January 2026 hits hard for several reasons:
- Momentum Loss: After strong ratings in fall 2025, the show built a dedicated audience craving weekly courtroom thrills.
- Competition: Other procedurals and new midseason shows fill the gap, potentially drawing viewers away.
- Cliffhanger Frustration: The December finale’s unresolved drama—especially team secrets and Matty’s ongoing deception—leaves fans anxious for resolution.
- Long Wait: From December 11 to February 26 is one of the longest midseason breaks for a CBS drama in recent years.
Social media is buzzing with reactions, from “This wait is torture!” to hopeful speculation about major reveals when the show returns.
What to Expect When Matlock Returns in February 2026
The back half of Season 2 promises more intensity. With new cast members debuting and ongoing storylines, expect:
- Escalation of Matty’s secret identity plot
- Deeper exploration of Olympia’s leadership and personal life
- Guest stars in compelling cases
- Possible Emmy buzz for Kathy Bates, building on her Season 1 acclaim
CBS has positioned Matlock as a flagship drama, so the return episode on February 26 should deliver a strong hook to recapture viewers.
Where to Watch Matlock Season 2
- Live: Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS (starting February 26, 2026)
- Streaming: Next-day on Paramount+ (all episodes available for binge-watching)
- Catch-up: Reruns and previous episodes on CBS app or Paramount+
If you’re new to the series, now’s a perfect time to stream Seasons 1 and 2 (up to the midseason finale) to get fully caught up.
Final Thoughts: Patience Will Pay Off for Matlock Fans
While it’s undeniably bad news that Matlock Season 2 skips January 2026, the extended break is a strategic move by CBS to keep the momentum going into spring. Kathy Bates’ powerhouse performance, clever cases, and shocking twists make the wait worthwhile. Mark your calendars for February 26, 2026—Matlock will be back in session, ready to deliver more justice, drama, and surprises.
Stay tuned for updates on plot teases, guest stars, and potential Season 3 renewal news. In the meantime, rewatch the midseason finale and join fan discussions online. The courtroom isn’t going anywhere—it’s just taking a brief recess.
