Is There A New Matlock Tonight? The 2025 Status Of The Kathy Bates CBS Reboot

The short answer is no, there is no new episode of the CBS legal drama Matlock tonight, Friday, December 13, 2025. The series, which stars Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates, is currently on a scheduled midseason hiatus following the broadcast of its fall finale. The show's regular timeslot is Thursday nights, and the last new episode aired just two days ago, marking the end of the fall run for Season 2.

For fans eagerly awaiting the return of the brilliant and unconventional defense attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock, the wait will continue into the new year. The critically acclaimed reboot has been a major success for the network, but like many major network shows, it takes a winter break. This article provides the complete rundown on the current schedule, the show's return date, and all the essential updates you need on the cast and plot for the remainder of Season 2.

The Matlock Reboot: Current Status and Return Date

The contemporary reimagining of the classic legal drama, which originally starred Andy Griffith, has firmly established itself as a must-watch series on the CBS lineup. However, as of today, December 13, 2025, the show is taking a break. The latest episode served as the official midseason finale for the fall 2025 schedule, leaving viewers with a dramatic cliffhanger to ponder over the holidays.

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The last new episode to air was Season 2, Episode 8, titled "Call It a Christmas Gift," which premiered on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at its usual 9 p.m. ET/PT timeslot on CBS. This holiday-themed installment wrapped up the first half of the sophomore season, which has been praised for its sharp writing and Kathy Bates’ commanding performance.

When Will New Matlock Episodes Return?

The good news is that the hiatus is temporary. The legal drama is slated to return to its regular Thursday night slot in early 2026 to finish out the rest of its second season. The confirmed return date for the next new episode, Season 2, Episode 9, is Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Fans can use the long break to catch up on any missed episodes via the Paramount+ streaming service, which hosts the entire series library.

• Current Status: Midseason Hiatus (Winter Break)
• Last New Episode: Season 2, Episode 8, "Call It a Christmas Gift" (Aired December 11, 2025)
• Regular Timeslot: Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS
• Confirmed Return Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
• Streaming Platform: Paramount+

Meet the Cast: Key Players and Character Dynamics

The success of the Matlock reboot is largely attributed to its stellar ensemble cast, led by the legendary Kathy Bates. The show’s core group of characters provides a rich tapestry of legal minds, ambitious young attorneys, and the support staff that keeps the firm running. The cast list is a key entity for topical authority on the series.

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The Main Cast and Characters

The second season has delved deeper into the personal and professional lives of the main characters, expanding on the dynamic established in the first season.

• Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock: The titular character, a sharp, witty, and unconventional attorney who decides to rejoin the workforce at a prestigious law firm after a successful career break. Her unique approach to cases and ability to see past the obvious makes her an invaluable mentor and legal force.
• Skye P. Marshall as Olympia: A powerful, driven partner at the firm who hires Matty. Her relationship with Matty is a central dynamic, blending professional respect with generational and ideological clashes.
• Jason Ritter as Julian: The son of the firm’s co-founder, a key figure who must navigate his own ambition against the backdrop of Matty's disruptive genius. Ritter’s portrayal adds a layer of complexity and humor to the corporate environment.
• Leah Lewis as Sarah: A young, ambitious associate who often works closely with Matty, learning the ropes of high-stakes defense work.

Major Season 2 Updates: Cast Changes and Plot Twists

The second season has not been without its drama both on and off-screen, providing plenty of fresh material for fans to discuss during the break. A major entity that has dominated recent headlines is the unexpected departure of a key cast member.

The Departure of David Del Rio

One of the most significant updates for Season 2 was the early exit of actor David Del Rio, who played Matty's son, Billy. The character’s departure was addressed dramatically within the storyline, creating an emotional twist for the midseason finale. Del Rio's character was written out of the show, a decision that the producers handled by giving the character a tragic and impactful send-off. This major change has altered the core family dynamic of the series and will undoubtedly influence Matty’s character arc in the second half of Season 2.

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Topical Entities and LSI Keywords to Explore

The show's use of classic legal drama tropes mixed with modern corporate intrigue provides a wealth of topical entities. Fans searching for information about the show often look for details on:

• Legal Drama: The genre itself, comparing it to other successful CBS shows like The Good Wife or the original Matlock.
• Showrunner/Executive Producer: The creative force behind the show, Jennie Snyder Urman, who is also known for Jane the Virgin.
• The Original Series: Comparisons between Andy Griffith’s Ben Matlock and Kathy Bates’ Madeline Matlock, focusing on the character's temperament and legal style.
• Ratings Success: The show’s strong performance in the Nielsen ratings, which secured its Season 2 renewal.
• Corporate Espionage: A recurring theme in the new series, focusing on high-stakes cases within the corporate world.

What to Expect When Matlock Returns in 2026

When Matlock returns on February 26, 2026, the remaining episodes of Season 2 are expected to explore the fallout from the midseason finale’s dramatic events, particularly the emotional aftermath of the major character departure. The legal cases will continue to be complex and morally grey, forcing Matty and her team to use their unique blend of old-school intuition and modern legal strategy.

The second half of the season is also likely to delve deeper into the personal lives of Olympia and Julian, exploring their family histories and professional ambitions. The dynamic between Matty and the younger generation of lawyers is a constant source of both conflict and mentorship, ensuring the show remains a fresh take on the classic legal procedural format. Be sure to tune in on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS starting in late February 2026 for the continuation of this compelling legal journey.