The Verdict Is In: Everything We Know About Matlock Season 2 Release Date, Cast, And Matty Matlock's Revenge

The wait for the brilliant septuagenarian lawyer Madeline "Matty" Matlock is almost over: The highly anticipated second season of the *Matlock* reboot, starring Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, has a confirmed premiere date for 2025. After a successful first season that modernized the classic legal drama, fans are eager to see the next chapter in Matty’s high-stakes return to the courtroom and her secret mission within the prestigious law firm, Jacobson Moore. As of today, December 13, 2025, the most current and official information points to a fall return for the CBS legal drama. The Season 2 premiere is scheduled to debut on a special night and time, before settling into its regular weekly slot. This comprehensive guide breaks down the confirmed release date, the returning cast, the central plot for the new season, and all the key players behind the camera.

Confirmed Matlock Season 2 Release Date and Schedule

The curiosity surrounding the *Matlock* 2025 release date has been one of the hottest topics in television, and the network has finally delivered a clear answer. The new season will kick off the CBS Premiere Week with a special Sunday night debut before moving to its regular time slot. The official, confirmed premiere date for *Matlock* Season 2 is:

• Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

This special Sunday premiere will air the first episode, titled “The Before Times.” The show will then return to its normal weekly schedule for the second episode and all subsequent episodes of the season. The regular weekly time slot for *Matlock* Season 2 is:

• Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

For viewers who prefer to stream, new episodes will be available on the CBS app and on the Paramount+ streaming service. The show’s return in October 2025 marks a significant event for fans of legal dramas and those who appreciate the gender-flipped reboot of the original series, which famously starred Andy Griffith.

The Matlock Reboot: Full Cast and Character Breakdown

The heart of the new *Matlock* series lies in its dynamic ensemble cast, led by the incomparable Kathy Bates. The show’s creators have assembled a talented group of actors who bring a fresh, modern energy to the courtroom drama, balancing high-stakes legal battles with compelling personal arcs. The main cast returning for *Matlock* Season 2 includes:

• Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock: The brilliant, sharp-witted, and recently retired lawyer who returns to the legal world at the age of 70. She is often underestimated by her younger, ambitious colleagues, which she uses to her advantage. Her return is driven by a secret, personal mission.
• Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence: A powerful and successful partner at the prestigious law firm Jacobson Moore, who hires Matty. Olympia is a highly respected figure in the legal world and serves as a key player in Matty’s new environment.
• Jason Ritter as Julian: A character who often finds himself intertwined with the firm’s cases and Matty’s activities. Ritter brings a familiar face to the ensemble, known for his work in other television series.
• David Del Rio as Billy: A member of the legal team, Billy provides a fresh perspective and often interacts with Matty and the other young associates at the firm.
• Leah Lewis as Sarah/Emmalyn Belvin: A young, ambitious associate at the firm. Her character is listed with two names, indicating a complex or evolving personal story arc within the show’s narrative.
• Beau Bridges: The veteran actor is also part of the ensemble, adding another layer of gravitas and experience to the cast.

The Secret Mission: A Deep Dive into Matty Matlock's Plot

What makes the *Matlock* reboot compelling is the underlying, high-stakes personal plot that drives Madeline Matlock back into the legal fray. This is not just a standard case-of-the-week procedural; it's a story of vengeance and justice.

The Core Premise: Underestimated and Unstoppable

Matty Matlock is a sharp, retired lawyer who is lured back into the world of high-stakes litigation. She joins the elite law firm Jacobson Moore, a place where she is immediately underestimated due to her age and unconventional methods. This perception of her as an "old-school" lawyer is a tool she expertly wields, allowing her to observe and investigate unnoticed while others dismiss her as a relic of a bygone era. Her true brilliance shines through as she dismantles cases with her meticulous attention to detail and ability to see what others miss.

The Personal Stakes: The Daughter's Vengeance

The real reason Matty accepts the role at Jacobson Moore is far more personal and darker than a simple career comeback. Matty is seeking to avenge the death of her daughter, who tragically died from opioid usage. Matty believes that a powerful individual within the firm, Jacobson Moore, or a related entity, was responsible for covering up or facilitating the circumstances that led to her daughter's death. Her work on various high-profile cases serves as a cover for her own internal investigation. This central mystery—who is responsible for her daughter’s death and how is it connected to the powerful law firm—forms the backbone of the series and will undoubtedly be a major focus of Season 2. The tension between Matty’s public legal victories and her private, clandestine search for justice creates a compelling narrative that keeps viewers hooked.

The Creative Team and Topical Authority

The success of the *Matlock* reboot is firmly rooted in the vision of its creative team, which provides significant topical authority and a guarantee of high-quality storytelling. The show is a reimagining of the classic series, developed with a modern sensibility.

• Showrunner and Developer: Jennie Snyder Urman. Urman, best known for creating the critically acclaimed series *Jane the Virgin*, developed the *Matlock* reboot. Her involvement ensures a smart, character-driven narrative with a focus on complex relationships and social commentary, modernizing the procedural format for today's audience.
• Executive Producers: In addition to Urman, the show boasts a strong executive production team, including star Kathy Bates herself, Kat Coiro (who also serves as a director), and Joanna Klein. This team brings a wealth of experience in both acting and production, promising a series that is both well-written and expertly executed.
• Network and Studio: The series is produced for CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+, ensuring high production values and wide accessibility for viewers.

The combination of Kathy Bates' acting prowess and Jennie Snyder Urman's unique narrative voice has created a legal drama that honors the legacy of the original *Matlock* while offering a fresh, female-led perspective on justice, making the October 2025 return one of the most anticipated television events of the year. The focus on complex legal cases, family secrets, and the central theme of a septuagenarian fighting for justice against a powerful establishment ensures that *Matlock* Season 2 will continue to be a must-watch series.