Matlock season 2: Release date and latest news for Kathy Bates legal drama

There have been plenty of TV reboots and reimaginings over the past few years, but one of the most successful has to be CBS's new take on Matlock, starring Kathy Bates.

The series was immediately a hit with viewers, and renewed for a second season just weeks into its initial run. The legal drama follows retired lawyer Madeline Kingston, as played by Bates, who in season 1 returned to practice in the hopes of getting justice for the death of her daughter.

The show's title is surprisingly meta, as Bates's character chooses to go by the alias Matlock based on the original Matlock series from the 1980s and 1990s, which exists as a TV show within the universe of the new series.

But, with season 2 having already started airing in the US, when will the show be returning to screens in the UK? Read on for everything you need to know about Matlock season 2.

Will there be a Matlock season 2?

There will! In fact, Matlock got an official renewal for season 2 after just two episodes had aired in the US – showing the confidence that CBS has in the show.

Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment said in a statement: "This re-conceived Matlock was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates.

"The audience reception and critical acclaim for it has been overwhelming. We can’t wait to get started on a second season."

Subsequently, in March 2025, executive producer Kat Coiro suggested the show could run on for a long time, suggesting future seasons could also be in the works.

On the shows ongoing plotlines, she told Collider: "I can say that there’s still a lot that you guys are going to have to figure out. In a way, the show has a slow drip. It’s not just huge plot each week. It’s psychologically complex. It’ll go on for years."

When will Matlock season 2 be released?

Matlock season 2 first debuted on CBS in the US on 12th October 2025, with the show now on its mid-season break after airing eight episodes.

Fans in the UK have thus far had to wait, but finally the new season is coming to Sky Witness and NOW. The first episode of season 2 will air at 9pm on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Who from the Matlock cast will return for season 2?

The entire central cast for Matlock season 1 is returning for season 2, including Kathy Bates, Skye P Marshall and Jason Ritter, amongst others.

Meanwhile, two supporting cast members from season 1 have been made series regulars for the new run – Alfie Kingston star Aaron Harris and Edwin Kingston star Sam Anderson.

Billy Martinez star David Del Rio will only appear in seven of the season's episodes after he was fired from the show, with reports saying the decision was taken following a sexual assault allegation, which he has strongly denied.

Here's a full list of the central cast for Matlock season 2:

• Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock
• Skye P Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
• Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
• David Del Rio as Billy Martinez
• Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
• Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston
• Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston

Is there a trailer for Matlock season 2?

There is! You can watch the trailer for Matlock season 2 right here now.

Matlock season 2 will air on Sky Witness and streaming service NOW in the UK from 9pm on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Sign up for NOW from £4.99 a month or sign up for Sky Stream from £15 a month.

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