The CBS legal drama Matlock continues to build momentum after a successful debut season, and fans are buzzing about the latest casting news for Season 2. In a exciting development announced in August 2025, acclaimed actress Justina Machado has joined the recurring cast, marking a heartfelt reunion with series creator Jennie Snyder Urman. This addition not only brings fresh dynamics to the Jacobson Moore law firm but also connects back to the beloved CW series Jane the Virgin, which Urman famously created.
Matlock, a modern reboot of the classic Andy Griffith series, stars Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a sharp-witted septuagenarian lawyer who infiltrates a high-powered firm to expose corruption while navigating personal secrets. The show’s blend of courtroom drama, family intrigue, and social commentary has earned widespread praise, making Season 2’s cast expansion a highly anticipated event.
Who Is Justina Machado Joining Matlock?
Justina Machado, best known for her powerful performances in One Day at a Time and her recurring role on Jane the Virgin, will play Eva, a formidable, intelligent, and ambitious attorney. Eva serves as the managing partner of Jacobson Moore’s Miami office and is revealed to be the fourth ex-wife of Howard “Senior” Markston (played by veteran actor Beau Bridges). Described as “the one who made him swear off marriage,” Eva is a force to be reckoned with—sharp, strategic, and unafraid to leverage her connections for advantage.
Eva arrives in New York for an emergency meeting at the firm, turning the situation to her benefit in true Matlock fashion. Her character promises to shake up the established dynamics at Jacobson Moore, particularly in relation to Senior’s past and the firm’s internal politics. As a recurring guest star, Machado’s presence is expected to add layers of tension, wit, and emotional depth to the upcoming episodes.
This role reunites Machado with Jennie Snyder Urman, who developed Matlock and previously worked with her on Jane the Virgin. Machado recurred on that series, bringing her signature charisma and nuance to the ensemble. The collaboration extends further: Matlock already features another Jane the Virgin alum, Yael Grobglas, who plays Shae Banfield (aka “the Meerkat”), the firm’s insightful jury consultant known for her uncanny ability to read people and detect lies through body language.
The Jane the Virgin connections don’t stop at cast reunions. CBS Studios, which produced both shows, ties the projects together creatively. Urman’s knack for blending heartfelt drama with clever twists shines through in Matlock, and Machado’s addition feels like a natural extension of that style.
Why This Casting Matters for Matlock Season 2
Matlock Season 1 captivated audiences with its fresh take on legal procedurals, focusing on generational clashes, hidden identities, and moral dilemmas within a prestigious law firm. Kathy Bates’ portrayal of Matty—underrated yet brilliant—earned critical acclaim, while the supporting cast, including Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence, Jason Ritter as Julian Markston, Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin, and Beau Bridges as Senior, created a rich ensemble.
Season 2 builds on this foundation with new challenges. The season premiere (which aired in October 2025) introduced heightened stakes, including firm politics and personal revelations. Justina Machado’s Eva brings an external perspective from the Miami office, potentially stirring conflicts over leadership, client strategies, and Senior’s complicated history.
Eva’s backstory as Senior’s ex-wife adds personal stakes. Senior, the firm’s managing partner, has a colorful romantic past, and Eva is positioned as the one who finally ended his marriage ambitions. This relationship could lead to compelling scenes exploring regret, power dynamics, and reconciliation—or rivalry—within the firm.
Machado’s casting also diversifies the narrative. Known for portraying strong, multifaceted Latinx women (as in One Day at a Time, where she played a Cuban-American veteran), Eva promises to bring cultural depth and professional intensity to the series.
The Broader Impact on the Show and Fans
For fans of Jennie Snyder Urman’s work, this reunion is a treat. Urman’s storytelling often features strong female leads, family complexities, and humor amid drama—elements evident in Jane the Virgin, One Day at a Time (which she executive produced), and now Matlock. Bringing back familiar talents like Machado and Grobglas creates a sense of continuity and shared universe appeal.
The announcement came at a pivotal time. Matlock has been a breakout hit for CBS, drawing strong ratings and positive reviews for its smart writing and Bates’ commanding performance. Season 2 has already introduced other recurring elements, including storylines around immigration (such as an ICE-related plot in the midseason premiere) and character exits like David Del Rio’s Billy Martinez. New additions like Sarah Wright Olsen and Henry Haber in later episodes further expand the world.
Machado’s involvement signals the show’s commitment to evolving its ensemble. Her experience in ensemble casts makes her a perfect fit for the intricate interpersonal drama at Jacobson Moore.
What to Expect in Matlock Season 2
As Matlock progresses through Season 2, viewers can anticipate courtroom battles intertwined with personal revelations. Matty’s secret identity as an infiltrator continues to unfold, with Olympia and Julian navigating their own alliances and betrayals. Eva’s arrival could complicate Senior’s role, perhaps forcing him to confront past mistakes while the firm faces external pressures.
The series maintains its balance of procedural cases and serialized character arcs, making each episode both standalone and part of a larger narrative. With Urman’s vision guiding the show, expect witty dialogue, emotional moments, and twists that keep audiences guessing.
In summary, Justina Machado’s casting as Eva in Matlock Season 2 is more than a new face—it’s a reunion that enriches the show’s legacy, connects creative teams, and promises compelling storylines ahead. Fans of legal dramas, heartfelt character work, and strong performances will find plenty to love as the season unfolds on CBS.
