You’ve probably seen the headlines about Kathy Bates retiring. Then you saw her in a power suit on CBS. It’s confusing, right? People are genuinely obsessed with whether Madeline "Matty" Matlock is sticking around or if that "last dance" comment was for real.
The short answer? Yes. Will Matlock have a second season isn't even a question anymore because it is already happening. In fact, it's been one of the weirdest, most successful rollout stories in recent TV history. CBS didn't even wait for the first season to finish before they pulled the trigger on a renewal. They saw the numbers and basically said, "No vacation for you, Kathy."
The Shocking Renewal Speed
Network TV usually moves like a glacier. Shows often sit in limbo for months while executives stare at spreadsheets. Matlock was the total opposite. CBS renewed the show for a second season in October 2024, after only two episodes had aired. That is basically unheard of.
Why the rush? The ratings were massive.
We are talking about 7.7 million live viewers for the premiere, which ballooned to over 10 million once you added in the people watching on Paramount+. By the time the first season wrapped up in April 2025, it was officially the #1 new show on television. It wasn't just "good for a reboot." It was a juggernaut.
Wait, I Thought Kathy Bates Was Retiring?
This is the part that tripped everyone up. Before the show launched, Bates told The New York Times that this was her "last dance." It sounded like a goodbye tour. Fans were convinced that even if the show was a hit, she’d walk away after ten episodes.
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Honestly, the show itself changed her mind.
She later told People that she was "one foot out the door" until she read the script by Jennie Snyder Urman. The twist at the end of the pilot—you know the one, where we realize she isn’t just a "simple country lawyer" but a woman on a revenge mission—reignited her spark. She’s now on record saying she’d love for the show to run for five years. She'll be 81 by then, and she's totally fine with it.
What’s Happening in Season 2?
If you're looking for the Matlock Season 2 premiere, it actually already kicked off on October 12, 2025.
It moved into a high-stakes Sunday night slot right after 60 Minutes for its debut before settling back into its usual Thursday night home. The transition from Season 1 to Season 2 wasn't just a "case of the week" reset. The stakes got way more personal.
The second season has been navigating some heavy waters:
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- The Wellbrexa Aftermath: The mystery that drove the first season—the opioid documents—didn't just disappear.
- Olympia and Matty's Friction: Their dynamic turned from mentor-mentee to something way more contentious and psychologically complex.
- Cast Shakeups: We saw some drama behind the scenes, too. David Del Rio, who played Billy, was written out of the show mid-Season 2. His final episode aired in December 2025, with the show explaining his exit through a family tragedy involving his partner.
New Faces Joining the Firm
To keep things fresh, the show is bringing in "new energy." Since we are currently in January 2026, we are right on the cusp of some big changes.
CBS has confirmed that Sarah Wright Olsen and Henry Haber are joining the cast for the second half of Season 2. They are playing Gwen, an efficiency expert who is probably going to make everyone’s life miserable, and Hunter, a "bro-y" associate from the floater pool.
If you're keeping track of the schedule, the show is currently on a midseason break. It’s set to return on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9/8c.
Why This Isn't Just Your Grandma’s Procedural
The reason Matlock is surviving while other reboots fail is the "High Concept" hook. It’s not just about a lawyer winning cases. It’s a undercover operation. Matty is essentially a spy in a law firm.
Some fans on Reddit have complained that the "Wellbrexa" plot is dragging a bit, but the numbers don't lie. Even with a slight dip in the 18-49 demographic during the early parts of Season 2, the total viewership is still hovering around 12 million per episode when you count multiplatform views.
That is "safe from cancellation" territory.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you’re trying to stay caught up or want to make sure you don't miss the return, here is the move:
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- Watch the Midseason Premiere: Set your DVR or calendar for February 26, 2026.
- Paramount+ Catch-up: If you missed the first half of Season 2 (the episodes that aired in late 2025), they are all sitting on Paramount+. You’ll want to see Episode 7 specifically to understand why Billy Martinez is gone.
- Ignore the Retirement Rumors: Stop worrying about Kathy Bates leaving. She’s signed on, she’s filming, and she’s having the time of her life playing a "septuagenarian undercover boss."
The show has successfully proven that you can take an old brand, flip it on its head, and make it the most-watched thing on TV. As long as the "Matty vs. the Firm" tension holds up, a third season is looking like a very safe bet.
Current Status: Season 2 is currently airing.
Return Date: February 26, 2026.
Where to Watch: CBS and Paramount+.
Stay updated on the latest casting calls for the second half of the season, as the "Jacobson Moore" firm is expected to undergo a major merger that will shift the power balance for Matty yet again.