The 2024 reboot of Matlock, starring the acclaimed Kathy Bates as the brilliant septuagenarian attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock, has become one of CBS’s biggest hits in recent years. The series, which premiered in September 2024, offers a fresh, gender-swapped take on the classic Andy Griffith show, blending sharp legal drama with humor, family dynamics, and social commentary.
As the show gears up for its upcoming Season 3 (renewed by CBS on January 22, 2026, for the 2026-2027 broadcast season), fans are buzzing with questions about the cast. The biggest topic? How the major scandal involving allegations of sexual assault and a subsequent firing has impacted who will — and won’t — return.
This article dives deep into the current status of the Matlock cast for Season 3, the details of the scandal that rocked the production during Season 2 filming, and what it means for the future of the series.
The Scandal That Shook ‘Matlock’: What Happened?
In October 2025, Matlock faced serious controversy when series regular David Del Rio (who played first-year associate Billy Martinez) was fired following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault. According to reports from Deadline and other outlets, the alleged incident occurred on September 26, 2025, and involved fellow series regular Leah Lewis (who portrays junior associate Sarah Franklin).
Sources indicated the event took place in Lewis’s trailer on the Paramount lot, prompting immediate action from producers and CBS Studios. Del Rio was reportedly escorted off the set the same day the allegation was reported (around early October 2025). CBS confirmed the departure but provided no further details publicly.
The scandal unfolded amid Season 2 production, which had started strongly but included a pre-planned hiatus after wrapping the first half of the season. Filming continued without Del Rio, and his character was written out following the midseason finale in December 2025. Some pre-filmed episodes from early Season 2 still featured him, but his arc concluded abruptly.
Leah Lewis addressed the aftermath indirectly on social media, emphasizing strength and family support without naming specifics. The incident drew widespread attention, with cast members like Skye P. Marshall discussing moving forward professionally. There were later reports of the investigation being reopened in December 2025, though no major new developments have altered the core outcome.
This real-life drama contrasted sharply with the show’s on-screen themes of justice, ethics, and workplace dynamics — making the scandal particularly noteworthy for fans.
‘Matlock’ Season 3 Renewal: Good News Amid the Turmoil
Despite the controversy, Matlock remains a critical and ratings success. CBS renewed it for Season 3 alongside other hits like Tracker, Elsbeth, and Survivor. The renewal announcement came in January 2026, signaling confidence in the series’ future.
Season 3 is expected to premiere in fall 2026 as part of the 2026-2027 TV season. While exact premiere dates and episode counts aren’t confirmed, the show will likely return to its Thursday 9/8c slot on CBS.
The scandal occurred during Season 2, but the show’s strong performance (critical acclaim for Bates, solid viewership, and award nominations) helped it weather the storm and secure another season.
Which ‘Matlock’ Stars Are Returning for Season 3?
Here’s a breakdown of the main cast and their confirmed or expected status for Season 3:
Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock
Returning: Yes.
As the lead and heart of the series, Bates is locked in. Her portrayal of the undercover, brilliant lawyer has earned widespread praise, including Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice nominations. There’s no indication of any exit — she’s the reason many tune in.
Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
Returning: Yes (highly expected).
Marshall plays the ambitious senior attorney and Matty’s boss/mentor figure. She’s been a standout, with reports emphasizing her commitment to the show post-scandal. Sources like TV Insider and Yahoo note her as a core returning lead.
Jason Ritter as Julian “Jules” Matlock
Returning: Yes (expected).
Ritter portrays Matty’s son, adding family depth to the legal drama. He’s part of the main ensemble with no reports of departure.
Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
Returning: Yes.
Despite being central to the scandal as the accuser, Lewis has returned to filming (confirmed in late 2025 updates) and is expected to continue. Her character remains integral to the firm’s young associate storyline.
David Del Rio as Billy Martinez
Returning: No.
Del Rio will not return. His character was written out after the midseason break in Season 2, and with his firing, Billy’s story has concluded. The show has introduced new recurring elements (like Justina Machado’s addition in Season 2) to fill gaps.
Other recurring players, such as Justina Machado (joined in Season 2), Sam Anderson, and Aaron Harris, may continue depending on story needs, but the core focus remains on Bates, Marshall, Ritter, and Lewis.
New cast additions or adjustments are possible for Season 3 to refresh dynamics after the exit.
How the Scandal Impacted the Show’s Future
The firing highlighted CBS’s swift response to workplace allegations, aligning with industry standards post-#MeToo. Production adapted quickly — filming resumed after hiatus, and the show maintained momentum.
Critically, Matlock Season 2 has continued to perform well, with Bates’ performance anchoring the series. The scandal didn’t derail renewals; instead, it underscored the show’s resilience.
Fans have debated Billy’s write-off (possible exits ranged from off-screen departure to dramatic on-screen resolution), but the focus has shifted back to Matty’s cases and personal growth.
What to Expect in ‘Matlock’ Season 3
With the scandal behind it, Season 3 promises more high-stakes cases, deeper character exploration, and Matty’s ongoing “undercover” mission at the firm. Expect continued emphasis on themes like ageism, gender dynamics in law, and family reconciliation.
Bates’ star power, combined with strong supporting performances, positions Matlock as a reliable CBS procedural with heart. The renewal bodes well for long-term success.
Conclusion
The Matlock reboot has proven its staying power, even after a significant off-screen scandal. Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, and Leah Lewis are set to return for Season 3, while David Del Rio will not, following his firing amid serious allegations.
As the series moves forward, it continues to deliver engaging legal stories with emotional depth. Fans can look forward to more from Matty Matlock in fall 2026 — a testament to the show’s quality beyond any controversy.
Stay tuned to CBS for updates, and catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 if you haven’t already. Matlock remains one of television’s most compelling comebacks.
