All About “Matlock” Season 3 and Why Fans Will Need to Wait Longer for Its Return
All About “Matlock” Season 3 and Why Fans Will Need to Wait Longer for Its Return
Christopher RudolphFri, April 24, 2026 at 11:30 AM UTC
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Kathy Bates and Skye P. Marshall in 'Matlock'Credit: Michael Yarish/CBS -
The two-hour season 2 finale of Matlock aired on April 23
The legal drama starring Kathy Bates has become one of the most-watched series on broadcast TV
In January 2026, CBS shared news about Matlock season 3
Another season and another major case have come to a close for Kathy Bates' Madeline "Matty" Matlock!
When Matlock premiered in 2024, it seemed like it would be a remake of the classic legal drama starring Andy Griffith — but creator and showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman proved the series was much more than that. The procedural was a reimagining of the original, with the reveal of the true identity of Bates' character, and the real reason she joined the Jacobson Moore law firm.
The first season of Matlock proved to be a hit, becoming one of the highest-rated shows on broadcast TV. The series returned in October 2025 for season 2, which just wrapped on April 23 with a two-hour finale.
So, with season 2 now over, here's everything to know about Matlock season 3, and when the series will be back with new episodes.
Has Matlock been renewed for season 3?
Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter and Kathy BatesCredit: Michael Yarish/CBS
Yes, Matlock has been renewed for season 3. CBS announced the news in a press release in January 2026.
What will Matlock season 3 be about?
Leah Lewis and Jason RitterCredit: Michael Yarish/CBS
The plot for Matlock season 3 has not been revealed, but one major story is coming to an end: the Wellbrexa opioid case, which was what brought Matty Matlock to the law firm back at the beginning of the series.
"You’re getting our answer. The Wellbrexa case is closing at the end of Season 2," series star Skye P. Marshall told Parade in April 2026. "There are going to be so many twists and turns, and who you think is involved and not involved is going to send you to the floor."
"The finale is going to knock you out. Season 3 is a new day," the actress teased.
Which cast members are returning for Matlock season 3?
Jason Ritter and Beau BridgesCredit: Michael Yarish/CBS
The cast for Matlock season 3 has not been confirmed, but expect stars Bates and Marshall to return.
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Other members of the Matlock ensemble include Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, Aaron D. Harris, Sam Anderson and Beau Bridges.
According to Parade, one season 2 cast addition who is expected to return is Marshall's real-life husband, Edwin Hodges, who appeared in the latest season, playing Langston Wright.
When will Matlock season 3 premiere?
Leah Lewis and Henry HaberCredit: Michael Yarish/CBS
Matlock is returning for a third season, but viewers will have to wait a while until the new episodes debut.
In April 2026, CBS announced its fall schedule, revealing that hit shows like Matlock and Ghosts are being held until midseason for the 2026-2027 TV schedule.
"It really speaks to the strength of our schedule that we’re in a position to move bonafide hits like Matlock and Ghosts to mid season,” said CBS entertainment president Amy Reisenbach, per Variety.
It might be disappointing to have to wait longer for season 3, but it was Urman who asked CBS for more time to work on the upcoming episodes.
"I just feel like we had so much stuff to think about because we really landed the plane on this," the showrunner told TV Insider about the end of season 2. "When we took this two-hour finale and really paid a lot of things off, what came with that was I’m going to need time after that to really build the architecture so that we have it for the next seasons."
"I’m excited about it, but I am also grateful because we needed a little bit of time," she added.
Where can I watch Matlock?
Kathy BatesCredit: Michael Yarish/CBS
Matlock airs on CBS, and seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Paramount+.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
