Everything to Know About ‘Matlock’ Season 2, From Shocking Twists to Kathy Bates Behind the Camera
Season 1 ended with a bombshell—and season 2 promises to be even more dramatic
Matlock, a (very) creative take on the ’80s Andy Griffith legal drama starring award-winning actress Kathy Bates in the gender-swapped title role, received acclaim for the originality it brought to the reboot formula when it premiered in 2024, and the top-rated CBS series will start its highly anticipated second season on October 12.
Before Matlock comes back, here’s everything you need to know about Season 2. You can check out the intense trailer for the new season below.
What is the plot of ‘Matlock’?
Matlock stars Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a veteran lawyer in her 70s who comes to work at the powerful firm Jacobson Moore. Once she’s back to work, she uses her grandmotherly presence to gain the trust of her younger colleagues, but it turns out that the unassuming Matty is not who she seems.
At the end of Matlock‘s debut episode, it was revealed that Matty Matlock is actually Madeline Kingston, a wealthy retired woman living with her husband (she originally claimed she was a widow) and her grandson. As it turns out, Matty Matlock/Madeline Kingston came out of retirement to avenge the death of her daughter in the opioid crisis, as Jacobson Moore often defends pharmaceutical companies and had previously covered up important information about the dangerous drugs.
As season 1 continued, we saw Madeline Kingston navigate the complexities of living a double life and watched Bates flawlessly pull off an increasingly complex dual role, leading her to become the oldest-ever nominee for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy.
What can we expect from ‘Matlock’ season 2?
Matlock’s first season ended on a bombshell, as it was revealed that Julian Markston (Jason Ritter), Jacobson Moore senior partner and ex-husband of Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall), Matty’s superior at the firm, was responsible for the deadly cover-up that motivated Matty to seek revenge.
With season 2 approaching, fans are anxiously waiting to see how this revelation impacts Matty and Olympia’s relationship, and this isn’t the only cliffhanger—there’s also family drama, as Rob (Niko Nicotera), a man claiming to be the father of Matty’s gifted grandson, Alfie (Aaron Harris), appeared at her door in the season 1 finale’s last moments.
In an interview with TV Insider, Matlock creator Jennie Snyder Urman teased that whether or not Rob is Alfie’s biological father will be revealed in the season 2 premiere. She also noted that viewers will see Matty deal with the aftermath of personal and professional dramas as she and Olympia, who formed an endearing friendship over the course of season 1, will have to overcome a lot to regain one another’s trust and continue working together.
What has Kathy Bates said about ‘Matlock’ Season 2?
Bates, 77, has said that Matty is likely to be her final role before retirement, telling Vanity Fair, “I have a feeling this is going to be the last thing I do. I hope we run a good while—I really do.” The star, who serves as an executive producer on the series, also told Entertainment Weekly, “I’m gonna direct the last episode of the first half of the season—if I don’t fall over by then.” Clearly, Matlock has reinvigorated the actress’s career in a big way, and we’re excited to keep watching the show and see her step behind the camera in Season 2.
When and where can I watch ‘Matlock’ Season 2?
Matlock season 2 premieres on CBS in a two-night event, with the first episode airing on Sunday, October 12 at 8:30 p.m. EST and the second episode airing on Thursday, October 16 at 9 p.m. EST. The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
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