The Matlock reboot on CBS, starring Kathy Bates as the sharp-witted Madeline “Matty” Matlock, has captured audiences since its 2024 premiere. One burning question among fans as the show heads into 2026 is: Will David Del Rio return to Matlock in February? With the series resuming new episodes on February 26, 2026, after a midseason break, speculation about the future of David Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, has intensified.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the latest updates, the circumstances surrounding Del Rio’s exit, official statements from the show’s producers, how the storyline handled his departure, and what fans can realistically expect when Matlock returns in February 2026. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the series, here’s everything you need to know.
Who Is David Del Rio in Matlock?
David Del Rio plays Billy Martinez, a talented but sometimes impulsive young associate at the Jacobson Moore law firm where Matty Matlock works undercover. Introduced in the pilot, Billy quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his quick wit, tech-savvy skills, and dynamic chemistry with co-stars like Leah Lewis (Sarah Franklin) and Skye P. Marshall (Olympia Lawrence). His character brought youthful energy and modern perspectives to the team, often clashing with Matty’s old-school methods while learning valuable lessons along the way.
Del Rio’s performance earned praise for adding depth and relatability to the legal drama. Episodes featuring Billy’s personal growth, including family struggles and professional ambitions, made him integral to several Season 1 and early Season 2 arcs.
The Controversy: Why David Del Rio Left Matlock
In October 2025, reports emerged that David Del Rio had been fired from Matlock following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving a co-star (later identified in media coverage as Leah Lewis). CBS and the production team acted swiftly, removing him from the set mid-production.
The incident sparked widespread discussion in entertainment news. Deadline first broke the story, noting that the network launched a formal probe after the complaint. Del Rio was let go, and the show had to pivot creatively to address his absence without recasting the role.
Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman later addressed the situation in interviews, confirming that the decision was made to prioritize a safe workplace. She emphasized that Billy’s storyline would conclude in a way that respected the narrative while allowing the series to move forward.
How Matlock Wrote Out Billy Martinez
To avoid abrupt disappearances common in such situations, the writers crafted a deliberate exit in the Season 2 fall finale (aired December 4, 2025). The episode delivered a tragic twist involving Billy’s personal life and professional choices, providing emotional closure. Leah Lewis’s Sarah Franklin played a pivotal role in the storyline, delivering standout scenes that highlighted her character’s strength.
Executive producer Urman confirmed in December 2025 interviews (including with TV Insider and Variety) that David Del Rio’s final episode had already aired. She stated the character would not be recast, and no further appearances were planned. New cast members Henry Haber and Sarah Wright Olsen were added for the second half of Season 2 to fill some of the ensemble gaps and introduce fresh dynamics.
This approach mirrors how other long-running series have handled real-life cast exits—focusing on story integrity rather than forcing returns.
Matlock 2026 Return Date and Schedule
Matlock Season 2 went on hiatus after its December 2025 midseason finale. CBS announced the show would return with new episodes starting Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9/8c. This aligns with the network’s typical post-holiday scheduling, pairing it often with Elsbeth in the Thursday lineup.
Upcoming episodes in late January and February 2026 include titles like “Call It a Christmas Gift,” “Prior Bad Acts,” “Harm Reduction,” and “Mousetrap” (based on press releases), but these aired or were scheduled pre-hiatus in some listings— the true post-hiatus block kicks off February 26. The series has also been renewed for Season 3 (expected 2026-2027 fall premiere), signaling strong confidence in its future without relying on Del Rio’s character.
Will David Del Rio Return to Matlock in February 2026? The Official Answer
No, David Del Rio will not return to Matlock in February 2026—or likely at any point moving forward.
- Multiple reliable sources (Deadline, TV Insider, Variety) report that his final appearance was in the December 4, 2025 episode.
- Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman explicitly stated Billy’s exit is permanent and the role won’t be recast.
- Production resumed without Del Rio, with new episodes filmed for the 2026 return.
- Ongoing developments in the reopened investigation (reported in January 2026) involve Del Rio providing new evidence to clear his name, but this has not impacted CBS’s decision regarding the show.
Fan speculation on platforms like Reddit occasionally hopes for a reversal, but official channels remain consistent: Billy Martinez’s chapter is closed.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next for Matlock
The exit divided fans—some expressed disappointment over losing Billy’s energy, while others supported the swift action on workplace allegations. Social media buzz peaked around the fall finale, with praise for how the show handled the write-off sensitively.
Looking ahead to February 2026 and beyond:
- The series leans into “joy” and team-focused cases in the back half of Season 2.
- Kathy Bates continues to shine as Matty, with stronger ensemble emphasis on Olympia, Sarah, and new additions.
- Season 3 renewal ensures long-term stability.
For viewers wondering if similar scandals could affect the show, CBS appears committed to maintaining a positive set environment while delivering compelling legal procedurals.
Conclusion: No Return in Sight for David Del Rio in Matlock February 2026
In summary, Will David Del Rio return to Matlock in February? The answer is a firm no. His departure in late 2025 was permanent, with Billy’s exit wrapped up emotionally in the midseason finale. As Matlock resumes on February 26, 2026, fans should look forward to new mysteries, Matty’s clever tactics, and evolving team dynamics—without Billy Martinez.
Whether you’re catching up on Paramount+ or tuning in live on CBS, the show remains a must-watch legal drama. Stay tuned for updates, but don’t hold your breath for Del Rio’s comeback.
