When CBS brought back Matlock with a modern twist and Oscar-winner Kathy Bates at the helm, no one quite knew what to expect. Would a reboot of a classic courtroom drama from the ’80s find its place in today’s prime-time lineup? As it turns out, not only did Matlock hold its ground—it became one of CBS’s strongest performers. And now, Matlock Season 2 is on the way, promising new mysteries, cast shakeups, and even more fierce courtroom drama that fans have grown to love.
Let’s take a look at what’s next and why this reboot continues to defy expectations.
A Breakout Hit: How Matlock Became a CBS Power Player
From the moment Kathy Bates stepped into the role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock, viewers were hooked. In its debut season, Matlock quickly climbed the ratings charts, becoming one of CBS’s most-watched new dramas. Despite launching midseason due to the 2023 strikes, the show still pulled in over 7 million viewers weekly, regularly landing in the Top 10 scripted network shows.
The success wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about heart. Viewers connected with the idea of a woman in her 70s going toe-to-toe with big corporations and crooked lawyers, all while outsmarting her adversaries with wit and experience. Kathy Bates delivered a performance that was both commanding and refreshingly human, reminding us that some heroes don’t wear capes—they carry case files.
Matlock Season 2 Is Official: Here’s When It’s Coming
Following the massive response to Season 1, CBS wasted no time. In April 2024, the network officially renewed Matlock for a second season. Unlike its delayed debut, Season 2 is part of the Fall 2025 primetime lineup, which means fans can expect new episodes to begin airing in September.
This fall premiere signals CBS’s confidence in the series. Slotted for Sunday nights—a competitive time block—the show is set to return alongside other network staples. Production is already in motion, and the buzz is building as we await a new round of courtroom chaos, Matty-style.
A Familiar Face Returns—But Others Say Goodbye
While Kathy Bates is confirmed to return, not all cast members will be joining her in Matlock Season 2. In a surprising shift, both Leah Lewis (Sarah) and David Del Rio (Billy) have exited the show. Reports suggest creative changes are behind their departure, with the writers steering the story in a new direction. That doesn’t mean Season 2 will lack depth—CBS has hinted that fresh characters will be introduced, likely bringing new energy and possibly some much-needed friction to Matty’s legal team.
Meanwhile, Skye P. Marshall (Olympia) is expected to reprise her role. Her character’s dynamic with Matty could become even more central, especially with fewer familiar faces around. This evolving cast structure may allow the show to explore different corners of Matty’s world—both in and out of the courtroom.
What’s Next for Matty Matlock? Season 2 Story Predictions
Season 1 introduced us to Matty’s return to legal life. Now, Matlock Season 2 is expected to dig even deeper. The showrunners are planning a more serialized approach, where weekly cases intersect with long-form story arcs. Matty’s personal history, including her motivations for returning to law, will come more into focus. And with new enemies likely on the horizon, we may see her pushed further than ever before.
There’s talk of Matty confronting corruption at higher levels. Think elite legal circles, political pressure, and emotional reckonings from her past. Her cases will still deliver the twisty, puzzle-like structure fans enjoy, but the stakes are about to get much more personal.
Why Audiences Can’t Get Enough Of Matlock
Let’s be real—part of Matlock’s magic is that it doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s smart, deliberate, and heartfelt. In a TV landscape filled with fast-paced crime dramas, Matlock feels like a confident return to slow-burn storytelling, where the courtroom is less about theatrics and more about truth.
And at the center of it all is Kathy Bates, whose portrayal of Matty brings warmth, humor, and unapologetic brilliance. She’s not a superhero. She’s a woman with a past, a purpose, and a killer closing argument.
Fans are rooting for her not just because she wins cases, but because she fights for what’s right, even when it’s hard. In that way, Matlock isn’t just a legal drama. It’s a character study, a reminder that age, experience, and empathy still matter.
Matlock Season 2 is shaping up to be even more powerful than the first. With a Fall 2025 return locked in, changes to the core cast, and deeper storylines on the horizon, CBS is giving fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re here for the weekly twists, the emotional arcs, or just to watch Kathy Bates command the courtroom, there’s never been a better time to tune in.
Can’t wait for Matlock to return? We’ve got you covered. Keep following TVSeasonspoilers for all the latest news, behind-the-scenes scoops, and exclusive sneak peeks as Matlock Season 2 heads to your screens this fall.