Wondering if Matlock will return for Season 2? The hit CBS legal drama, led by Kathy Bates, debuted with strong ratings and a major twist that left viewers eager for more. As audiences tuned in to watch Matty Matlock’s undercover mission unfold, the network quickly made a decision about the show’s future.
Here’s what we know about Matlock’s Season 2 renewal and what it means for the series going forward.
Is Matlock Season 2 canceled or renewed?
CBS has officially renewed Matlock for Season 2. It is the network’s first new show of the 2024 fall season to receive an early pickup.
The legal drama, starring Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, premiered on September 22, 2024, with 7.74 million viewers. According to Deadline and TVLine, CBS made the renewal decision after only two episodes aired, citing strong ratings and critical reception.
The series began with a special Sunday preview that delivered CBS’ most-watched non-Super Bowl series premiere since The Code in 2019. It achieved a 0.4 demo rating and held 6.38 million viewers during its second Thursday broadcast. CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach praised the show’s success, stating, “We knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates.”
Jennie Snyder Urman developed the series as a reimagined version of the classic Andy Griffith courtroom drama. Kathy Bates plays a brilliant, aging lawyer who rejoins a top law firm. At the same time, she secretly investigates the death of her daughter, Ellie. The premiere reveals that Matty is actually Madeleine Kingston. She uses a false identity to expose corruption involving a Big Pharma client and the firm’s role in hiding critical evidence.
Matlock’s regular cast includes Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, Jason Ritter as Julian, Leah Lewis as Sarah, and David Del Rio as Billy. The show’s renewal ensures it will return for the 2025–2026 television season with 18 episodes in Season 1 currently planned. TVLine reported that viewers graded the premiere an average of “A-,” further reinforcing the network’s confidence in its performance.
