The CBS legal drama Matlock, starring the legendary Kathy Bates, has quickly become one of television’s most captivating reboots. Since its premiere in 2024, the series has blended classic procedural elements with a gripping serialized mystery, earning critical acclaim, strong ratings, and a dedicated fanbase. With CBS officially renewing the show for Season 3 on January 22, 2026, excitement is building for what’s next in Madeline “Matty” Matlock’s quest for justice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything we know so far about Matlock Season 3—including renewal details, expected release window, returning cast, potential plot directions, production insights, and why this Kathy Bates-led series continues to dominate Thursday nights.
The Official Renewal: CBS Commits to Season 3
CBS announced the Season 3 renewal as part of a major batch of early pickups for the 2026-27 broadcast season. This decision came amid strong performance from Season 2, which has averaged around 4.85 million viewers per episode (including DVR playback) and maintained its position as Thursday night’s top entertainment program in key demographics.
The renewal aligns with other CBS hits like Tracker, Elsbeth, Fire Country, and NCIS, reflecting the network’s confidence in Matlock‘s staying power. Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman has crafted a fresh take on the iconic Matlock name—originally starring Andy Griffith in the 1980s and ’90s—by gender-flipping the lead and introducing a deeply personal revenge arc. This bold reimagining, combined with Bates’ powerhouse performance, has driven Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, making Season 3 a no-brainer for CBS.
When Will Matlock Season 3 Premiere?
While an exact premiere date hasn’t been confirmed, Matlock Season 3 is expected to debut in the fall of 2026, likely September or October, following the pattern of previous seasons. Season 1 premiered in fall 2024 (with a sneak peek on September 22), and Season 2 kicked off on October 12, 2025.
The show typically airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS, with episodes streaming the next day on Paramount+. Production for Season 3 is anticipated to begin in early-to-mid 2026, allowing for a standard broadcast timeline. Fans should watch for official announcements from CBS closer to the Upfronts in May 2026.
Returning Cast and Characters
The core ensemble is expected to return for Season 3, headlined by Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock (aka Madeline Kingston). Bates’ portrayal of the brilliant, unassuming septuagenarian lawyer has been widely praised for its depth, blending sharp wit, emotional vulnerability, and moral complexity.
Key returning stars include:
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence, the ambitious partner at Jacobson Moore and Matty’s close ally (and occasional confidante) in the firm’s secrets.
- Jason Ritter as Julian, Olympia’s ex-husband and the son of the firm’s head, whose discoveries in Season 2 could lead to major conflicts.
- Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin, a young associate navigating the firm’s dynamics.
- Sam Anderson and Aaron D. Harris, promoted to series regulars, as firm members Alfie and others.
- Recurring players like Beau Bridges, Justina Machado (as Eva in Season 2), and others may reprise roles depending on story needs.
Notably, David Del Rio (Billy Martinez) was fired in 2025 following allegations, with his character written out mid-Season 2. This shift opened doors for new dynamics in the firm.
No major casting announcements for Season 3 have surfaced yet, but guest stars and new recurring characters are likely to explore fresh cases and deepen the ongoing conspiracy.
Plot Expectations and Story Arcs for Season 3
Matlock thrives on its dual structure: weekly legal cases that mirror Matty’s personal journey, plus an overarching serialized mystery. Season 1 revealed Matty’s true motive—seeking justice for her daughter Ellie’s death in the opioid crisis, blaming pharmaceutical giant Wellbrexa and the firm Jacobson Moore for hiding evidence.
Season 2 built on this, with Matty and Olympia uncovering more layers of corruption. The midseason finale left Julian on the verge of exposing their secret, while cases reflected themes of grief, power imbalances, and redemption. Showrunner Urman has indicated the Wellbrexa arc would conclude by Season 2’s end, setting up new territory.
For Season 3, expect:
- Post-revelation fallout — If the conspiracy is exposed (or partially resolved), Matty might face consequences, ethical dilemmas, or new alliances/enemies within the firm.
- Evolving relationships — The “love story” (platonic or otherwise) between Matty and Olympia could deepen, exploring mentorship, trust, and betrayal.
- New cases with personal stakes — Episodes will likely tackle timely issues like corporate accountability, ageism, family legacy, and justice reform, all tied to Matty’s growth.
- Matty’s future — With her grandson Alfie and personal life in focus, Season 3 may explore retirement questions or long-term plans.
Urman has emphasized character-driven storytelling, ensuring Bates’ performance remains central. The series’ 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for early seasons highlights its blend of procedural satisfaction and emotional depth.
Production Details and Behind-the-Scenes
Filmed primarily at Paramount Studios (despite a New York City setting), Matlock is produced by CBS Studios, Sutton Street, and Cloud Nine. Jennie Snyder Urman leads as creator, writer, and executive producer, alongside Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Kat Coiro (pilot director), and Bates herself.
The show’s success stems from its clever twists, strong writing, and Bates’ commitment—though she once hinted at retirement, the series’ impact has kept her engaged. Season 3 will likely maintain 16-19 episodes, balancing standalone cases with serialized drama.
Why Matlock Season 3 Matters
In an era of streaming dominance, Matlock proves broadcast TV can still deliver compelling, character-focused stories. Its themes—justice, resilience, fighting corruption—resonate widely, while Kathy Bates’ star power draws both longtime fans of the original and new viewers. With consistent top rankings and award buzz, Season 3 positions the show as a CBS cornerstone.
Whether you’re a procedural fan, a Kathy Bates admirer, or intrigued by legal thrillers with heart, Matlock Season 3 promises more clever twists, courtroom drama, and emotional payoff.
Stay tuned to CBS and Paramount+ for updates—Matty Matlock isn’t done fighting yet.
