The legal drama Matlock quickly became one of the standout new shows of 2024. Led by Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, the CBS series received an early renewal—just two episodes into its premiere season. With its two-hour Season 1 finale airing on Thursday, April 17, Matlock delivered major revelations and left viewers eagerly awaiting what comes next.
From its gripping storyline to its sharp performances, Matlock has captivated audiences by blending legal intrigue with deeply personal stakes. As we gear up for Season 2, here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about the future of Matlock on CBS.
What Is Matlock About?
Inspired by the classic Andy Griffith series of the same name, Matlock is not a direct remake but a bold reimagining. Kathy Bates stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant and cunning lawyer in her seventies who reenters the legal world after years away. Matty joins a top-tier law firm, Jacobson Moore, using her disarming charm and tactical brilliance to win cases and uncover buried truths.
She’s paired with Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a respected senior attorney with a passion for justice, and works alongside ambitious associates Billy (David Del Rio) and Sarah (Leah Lewis). Matty’s sharp instincts and hidden agenda quickly shake up the firm’s status quo.
What Was the Big Twist in Matlock Season 1?
Right from the pilot, Matlock hit viewers with a twist: Matty isn’t just at Jacobson Moore to practice law—she’s secretly investigating a cover-up tied to the opioid crisis. She believes someone at the firm buried key documents related to Wellbrexa, an opioid that contributed to her daughter’s tragic overdose.
With the help of her husband Edwin (Sam Anderson) and grandson Alfie (Aaron D. Harris), Matty spent the season searching for the truth. The Season 1 finale promised — and delivered — a major reveal about who was behind the Wellbrexa scandal while setting the stage for new mysteries in Season 2.
According to showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, fans got the answer to that central question — and now the story moves forward with even higher stakes.
When Does Matlock Season 2 Premiere?
While CBS has not confirmed an exact release date, Matlock Season 2 is officially part of the 2025–2026 TV season, per the network’s announcement in October 2024. That means viewers can likely expect a Fall 2025 premiere, possibly in September or October. However, a midseason debut in early 2026 remains a possibility if schedules shift.
How Many Episodes Will Be in Matlock Season 2?
Season 1 consisted of 18 episodes, so although the official episode count for Season 2 hasn’t been announced, it’s reasonable to expect a similar number. CBS has typically favored full-season orders for its successful dramas.
What Time Does Matlock Air?
The two-hour Matlock Season 1 finale aired at 9/8c on Thursday, April 17, on CBS. It’s expected that the show will keep its Thursday night time slot when it returns for Season 2. Next-day streaming is available on Paramount+, offering flexible viewing for fans who prefer to watch on their own schedule.
Note: Due to the extended finale, no new episode of Elsbeth aired that night.
Who’s in the Matlock Season 2 Cast?
The main cast of Matlock is expected to return for Season 2, including:
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Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock
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Skye P. Marshall as Olympia
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Jason Ritter as Julian Jr.
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Sam Anderson as Edwin
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Aaron D. Harris as Alfie
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Leah Lewis as Sarah
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David Del Rio as Billy
Season 1 also featured notable guest stars such as Beau Bridges, Eme Ikwuakor, and Yael Grobglas.
Some fans speculated that Jason Ritter might exit the series due to his role in HBO’s upcoming DC series Lanterns. However, at PaleyFest 2025 in Hollywood, Ritter confirmed that he will return for Matlock Season 2.
“My mustache is for another show I’m working on called Lanterns,” Ritter joked. “Mustaches can be shaved off. As soon as I’m done with Lanterns, I’m back to Matlock.”
What to Expect in Matlock Season 2
Season 2 will explore the fallout from the Season 1 finale’s big reveal. Matty’s investigation is far from over, and her relationships—with Olympia, Edwin, and Alfie—will be tested in unexpected ways. The show will continue to blend legal cases with emotional depth, making for a compelling watch each week.
Urman has teased that Matlock Season 2 will include:
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A new central mystery connected to Season 1
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More twists and courtroom drama
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Personal conflicts that threaten to destabilize Matty’s world
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Deeper insights into Matty’s past and her motivations
Stay Tuned for More Matlock Updates
That’s everything we know so far about Matlock Season 2! As new updates roll out—from trailers to air dates—we’ll keep you informed right here. Make sure to follow CBS and Paramount+ for the latest news, and check back for cast announcements, plot developments, and exclusive behind-the-scenes looks.
Don’t miss the return of Matlock — coming Fall 2025 on CBS.
