Matlock Season 2 Premiere Date, Storyline & New Characters Revealed
CBS has officially announced the Season 2 premiere of Matlock, and fans of the hit legal drama starring Kathy Bates won’t have to wait long for answers. The series returns with a special event premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 8:30/7:30c, before moving back to its regular Thursday timeslot starting October 16 at 9/8c.
Matlock Season 2 Premiere Episode: “The Before Times”
The first episode of the new season, titled “The Before Times,” picks up immediately after the shocking Season 1 finale.
According to CBS, the episode follows:
- Matty (Kathy Bates) questioning the paternity of the man claiming to be Alfie’s father.
- The team taking on a high-stakes arson case.
- Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) attempting to shield Julian (Jason Ritter) from involvement in the explosive Wellbrexa scandal.
This premiere sets the stage for new legal battles, personal drama, and a deeper dive into Matty’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Season 2 Storyline & Season 1 Recap
In Season 1, fans discovered that Matty wasn’t just a brilliant lawyer—she was working undercover to uncover hidden documents tied to the opioid crisis. Her mission was personal: exposing those who buried the Wellbrexa files to keep dangerous drugs on the market, a decision that cost her daughter’s life.
The finale resolved that mystery while introducing new threats and lingering questions. Season 2 promises to build on that momentum, opening with answers to Alfie’s paternity and layering in new cases and betrayals.
Returning Cast & New Characters
The Season 2 cast of Matlock includes returning fan favorites:
- Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia
- Jason Ritter as Julian
- Leah Lewis as Sarah
- David Del Rio as Billy
- Sam Anderson as Edwin
- Aaron D. Harris as Alfie
New faces for Season 2 include:
- Justina Machado as Eva, Senior’s formidable fourth ex-wife, who arrives from Jacobson Moore’s Miami office with her own agenda.
- Niko Nicotera, who appeared in the Season 1 finale as the man claiming to be Alfie’s father, returns in a major role.
Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman also teased additional “interesting new characters” connected to Senior’s complicated past marriages.
The Creative Team
Matlock is helmed by Jennie Snyder Urman, the creator of Jane the Virgin. She continues to expand the story with a mix of courtroom drama, personal intrigue, and a modern twist on the classic Matlock legacy.
Renewal & Production
After premiering in 2024, Matlock became an instant hit, earning CBS’s first series renewal of the season after only two episodes aired. Season 1 ran for 18 episodes, and although not officially confirmed, Season 2 is expected to feature a similar episode count.
Where to Watch Matlock Season 2
- Premiere Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 8:30/7:30c (special event).
- Regular Timeslot: Thursdays at 9/8c beginning October 16.
- Streaming: Season 1 is currently available on Paramount+ for catch-up viewing.
Casting Opportunities
With Season 2 entering production, more casting opportunities may become available for background roles and recurring characters.
👉 For the latest updates on casting calls and audition opportunities for Matlock, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as roles are announced.
