The CBS revival of Matlock, starring the acclaimed Kathy Bates as the sharp-witted Madeline “Matty” Matlock, quickly became one of the most talked-about legal dramas of recent years. Premiering in 2024, the show reimagined the classic Andy Griffith series with a modern twist: Matty is a brilliant but underestimated senior attorney who infiltrates a high-powered law firm to uncover corruption tied to her daughter’s death. With strong performances from the ensemble cast—including Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin, Jason Ritter as Julian Markston, and David Del Rio as Billy Martinez—the series earned praise for its clever plotting, character depth, and Bates’ powerhouse lead role.
However, behind the polished courtroom scenes and gripping mysteries, Matlock has faced significant behind-the-scenes drama. The most notable controversy involved a high-profile firing that rocked the production during Season 2. This article dives deep into the incident, exploring what happened, who was affected, the network’s response, and the broader implications for the show. If you’re searching for details on Matlock cast firings, sexual assault allegations, or production controversies, here’s everything you need to know.
The Rise of the Matlock Reboot: Setting the Stage
When CBS announced the Matlock reboot in 2023, expectations were high. Created by Jennie Snyder Urman (known for Jane the Virgin), the series blended procedural elements with serialized storytelling. Kathy Bates’ portrayal of Matty—a savvy, older woman often overlooked in a youth-obsessed industry—resonated with audiences, leading to solid ratings and a quick renewal for Season 2.
The core cast featured a mix of veteran and rising stars:
- Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Jacobson
- Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
- Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
- David Del Rio as Billy Martinez, a charismatic first-year associate
The show emphasized themes of justice, ageism, and workplace dynamics, making it a fresh take on the legal genre. But as Season 2 ramped up production in late 2025, an unexpected scandal emerged that would alter the show’s trajectory.
The Major Behind-the-Scenes Scandal: David Del Rio’s Firing
The primary behind-the-scenes drama in Matlock centers on the abrupt exit of David Del Rio, who played Billy Martinez. In early October 2025, reports surfaced that Del Rio had been fired following an internal investigation by CBS Studios into an allegation of sexual assault.
According to multiple credible sources, including Deadline and Variety, the alleged incident occurred on September 26, 2025, reportedly involving co-star Leah Lewis (Sarah Franklin) in her trailer on set. Lewis reported the matter to CBS shortly after, prompting an immediate investigation. On October 2, 2025, Del Rio was terminated and escorted off the Paramount lot the same day. Executive producer Eric Christian Olsen was reportedly among those involved in his removal.
Del Rio, 38 at the time, had been a series regular since Season 1, appearing in nearly every episode. His character, Billy, was a likable, ambitious lawyer often paired in scenes with Lewis’ Sarah, adding layers of mentorship and occasional tension to the firm dynamics. The timing was particularly disruptive: Season 2 was midway through filming its first batch of episodes, with seven already completed featuring Del Rio.
CBS acted swiftly, aligning with industry standards for handling such serious allegations. The network declined detailed public comments but confirmed the firing after the investigation concluded. Production paused briefly during a pre-planned hiatus (from October to post-Thanksgiving), allowing the team to regroup.
How the Show Handled Billy Martinez’s Exit
Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman addressed the changes in interviews, noting that “creative adjustments” were necessary to write out Billy. Del Rio’s final on-screen appearance came in the episode “Prior Bad Acts” (aired December 4, 2025). The midseason finale (December 11, 2025) provided closure: Sarah learns Billy is taking a personal day, and it’s revealed his pregnant girlfriend Claudia suffered a miscarriage—offering an emotional, off-screen explanation for his departure without recasting.
The writers avoided recasting Billy, opting instead to pivot storylines toward other characters like Sarah’s rival Simone (Andrea Lando) and the ongoing firm intrigue. Leah Lewis confirmed via Instagram that production resumed smoothly, signaling the cast and crew’s focus on moving forward.
Additional ripple effects included reports of Del Rio’s wife, Katherine, posting (and later deleting) defensive social media content aimed at Lewis. Del Rio himself maintained a low profile but reportedly hired high-profile attorney Shawn Holley (known for clients like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber) amid the fallout. As of late 2025, no criminal charges were publicly confirmed, though the investigation reportedly reopened with new evidence presented.
Were Any Other Actors Fired from Matlock?
Despite speculation and fan discussions on platforms like Reddit, no other major cast members have been fired from Matlock. The core ensemble—Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Leah Lewis, and Jason Ritter—remains intact heading into potential future seasons. Rumors of additional cast shake-ups or recasts (e.g., for Billy) have not materialized, and the show has emphasized stability and “joy” in its storytelling post-controversy.
Minor production adjustments occurred due to the incident, but no widespread firings or departures have been reported. The scandal appears isolated to Del Rio’s case, though it highlighted the importance of set safety protocols in Hollywood.
Impact on the Show and Industry Reflections
The Matlock firing sparked broader conversations about workplace conduct in entertainment. CBS’s decisive action was praised by some for prioritizing safety, while others debated due process in public allegations. The show’s ratings held steady, proving its resilience thanks to Bates’ star power and the engaging mysteries.
For fans, the drama added an unintended layer to the series’ themes of justice and accountability. Matty Matlock’s pursuit of truth in the courtroom mirrored real-life calls for transparency behind the scenes.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Matlock?
The behind-the-scenes drama of Matlock, particularly David Del Rio’s firing over sexual assault allegations involving co-star Leah Lewis, marked a challenging chapter for the CBS hit. While only one actor—Del Rio—was fired, the incident forced creative rewrites and a temporary production pause. Yet the show has rebounded, with strong performances and a focus on its remaining cast.
As Matlock continues (with Season 2 wrapping and potential Season 3 on the horizon), it serves as a reminder that even successful productions aren’t immune to real-world controversies. Fans can expect more twists in the courtroom—but hopefully fewer off-screen ones.
