Matlock returns January 30, 2025, with Episode 9, and CBS has confirmed Season 2 is coming in Fall 2025! Explore the schedule, cast, and what to expect from Kathy Bates’ legal drama.
Fans of legal dramas and powerful female leads have something exciting to look forward to—Matlock is officially returning with fresh episodes in January 2025, and even better, Season 2 has already been confirmed! With a compelling storyline, sharp legal twists, and Emmy-winner Kathy Bates leading the charge, Matlock has carved a unique space for itself in the competitive world of TV dramas.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the show’s return, its mid-season schedule, and what to expect in the highly anticipated Season 2.
A Breakout Hit in 2024
Matlock was one of the surprise breakout successes of the 2024 television season. Just two episodes into its premiere run, CBS renewed the show—an early vote of confidence and a clear sign of the show’s potential. The Season 1 finale, a dramatic two-hour event that aired on April 17, 2024, wrapped up the first arc with major reveals while cleverly laying the foundation for future twists.
Not a Remake, But a Reinvention
While Matlock borrows its name from the beloved Andy Griffith courtroom drama, this version is not a direct remake. Instead, it’s a smart, modern reimagining. The new series stars Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a seasoned and sharp-minded attorney who returns to the legal world after years away. With a quiet demeanor and razor-sharp mind, Matty brings down legal giants with intelligence and grit.
Matty joins Jacobson Moore, a prestigious law firm, where she surprises her younger, ambitious colleagues and unearths long-hidden secrets. But she’s not just there to argue cases—she’s on a personal mission to expose corporate wrongdoing tied to a tragic loss in her past.
The Secret That Shook Season 1
From the very first episode, viewers were given a taste of the deeper layers of Matlock. It was revealed early on that Matty wasn’t just another attorney—she was undercover, working to uncover buried evidence involving Wellbrexa, a pharmaceutical drug linked to her daughter’s fatal opioid overdose. With help from her husband Edwin (Sam Anderson) and grandson Alfie (Aaron D. Harris), Matty sought the truth behind the suppressed documents.
The Season 1 finale revealed who was behind the cover-up, but it also introduced new mysteries. As showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman hinted, Season 2 will not be a reset. “You get the answer to that central question, and then, we push forward into the next season,” she told TV Insider.
Episode 9 Marks the Return in January
The story picks up with Episode 9, titled “Friends,” scheduled to air on January 30, 2025. While specific plot details remain secret, the episode title suggests important developments in relationships—be it alliances, trust issues, or internal firm politics.
Given the show’s track record of combining emotionally rich storytelling with intriguing legal puzzles, fans can expect a gripping return that balances both character growth and courtroom suspense.
Meet the Main Cast of Matlock
One of the strongest assets of Matlock is its stellar ensemble. Each character brings depth and complexity to the screen:
Kathy Bates wins Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards for ‘MATLOCK’ pic.twitter.com/ljo9JCpiwK
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) June 3, 2025
- Kathy Bates as Matty Matlock: A savvy and compassionate legal veteran with a hidden agenda.
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia: A powerhouse attorney and one of Matty’s key allies at the firm.
- Jason Ritter as Julian: Olympia’s ex-husband and son of the firm’s founder, who is intrigued by Matty’s brilliance.
- David Del Rio as Billy: A charming young associate.
- Leah Lewis as Sarah: An ambitious up-and-comer eager to climb the legal ladder.
- Sam Anderson as Edwin: Matty’s devoted husband and secret mission partner.
- Aaron D. Harris as Alfie: Matty’s grandson and tech-savvy partner in her investigative work.
Additionally, Niko Nicotera made a surprise appearance in the Season 1 finale as a man claiming to be Alfie’s biological father. This cliffhanger is expected to play a big role in the upcoming episodes.
What We Know About Matlock Season 2
CBS officially confirmed the renewal of Matlock in October 2024, citing the show’s strong ratings and positive fan response. Kathy Bates’ performance as the wise and determined Matty was especially praised by critics and audiences alike.
While we await an official episode count, it’s likely that Season 2 will consist of 18 episodes, matching Season 1’s structure. The show is scheduled to return as part of CBS’s 2025-2026 Fall lineup, airing Thursdays at 9/8c, maintaining its original prime-time slot.
What to Expect in the New Season
Season 2 will delve deeper into the personal and professional journeys of the characters. We’ll likely see:
- The aftermath of Matty’s big reveal and how it affects her role at the law firm.
- Further exploration of Julian and Olympia’s complex dynamic.
- Billy and Sarah stepping up their roles in both courtroom battles and firm politics.
- Matty balancing justice, grief, and the challenges of aging in a youth-dominated environment.
Given the show’s emotional core and emphasis on justice, fans can also expect Matlock to continue addressing relevant societal issues with empathy and intelligence.
Is Jason Ritter Leaving?
Rumors had swirled about Jason Ritter possibly exiting the show due to his casting in HBO’s upcoming DC Comics series, Lanterns. However, those fears were put to rest when Ritter confirmed at PaleyFest 2025 in Hollywood that he is definitely returning for Season 2 of Matlock.
Will the Full Cast Return?
Although an official Season 2 cast list hasn’t been released, it’s expected that all main characters will return, including:
- Kathy Bates
- Skye P. Marshall
- Jason Ritter
- David Del Rio
- Leah Lewis
- Sam Anderson
- Aaron D. Harris
- Niko Nicotera (as Alfie’s supposed father)
Recurring guest stars from Season 1 like Beau Bridges, Eme Ikwuakor, and Yael Grobglas may also make return appearances.
A Promising Future for Matlock
With its fresh approach to legal storytelling, a beloved lead actress, and engaging mystery-driven plotlines, Matlock has become a fan-favorite in record time. The mid-season return in January 2025 marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter, while Season 2 promises even more twists, courtroom battles, and emotional depth.
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