Kathy Bates is back, and she’s bringing the courtroom drama we’ve been craving. After a stellar debut season that pulled in over 17 million viewers, Matlock returns for Season 2 with more legal intrigue, corporate conspiracies, and the Emmy winner’s masterful portrayal of Madeline “Matty” Matlock. Here’s everything you need to know about catching the premiere.
When Does Matlock Season 2 Premiere?
The legal drama makes its highly anticipated return on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT on CBS. This special premiere night kicks off the season before the series settles into its regular Thursday 9 p.m. ET/PT timeslot starting October 16, 2025.
For streaming fans, episodes will be available on Paramount+ the next day, beginning Monday, October 13, 2025.
Complete U.S. Release Schedule
| Time Zone | Premiere Time | Regular Timeslot (After Oct 16) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 8:30 p.m. | Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. |
| Pacific (PT) | 8:00 p.m. | Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 7:30 p.m. | Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 6:30 p.m. | Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. |
After the Sunday premiere event, Matlock joins CBS’s established drama block alongside Ghosts and Elsbeth, securing its place as a Thursday night staple.
Where to Watch Matlock Season 2
Live Broadcast:
- CBS (traditional television)
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- Sling TV (market dependent)
Streaming Options:
- Paramount+ Essential (next-day streaming)
- Paramount+ Premium (live and next-day access)
- Prime Video Channels (Paramount+ add-on)
Not Available On: Netflix, Disney+, Max, or standalone Amazon Prime Video.
For those tracking network drama releases, CBS has positioned Matlock as a cornerstone of its fall 2025 lineup, banking on Kathy Bates’ star power and the show’s proven appeal to broad audiences.
What Makes Season 2 Worth Watching
Season 1 left viewers with burning questions about the Wellbrexa pharmaceutical scandal and corporate corruption at the law firm. According to CBS’s official description, Matty Matlock isn’t just any attorney—she’s a deceptively sharp legal mind using classic strategies and an approachable persona to dismantle powerful opponents.
Season 2 raises the stakes considerably. With 18 episodes ordered, the show has room to develop both standalone cases and the larger conspiracy arc that keeps viewers hooked. The second episode, titled “Another Matlock,” airs on Thursday, October 16, continuing the weekly rollout with potential mid-season breaks for network programming events.
Cast Updates You Should Know
The core cast returns with Kathy Bates leading an ensemble that includes:
- Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
- Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
- Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
- Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston
- Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston
One significant change: David Del Rio, who played Billy Martinez in Season 1, will not continue as a series regular. Following reports of alleged misconduct, CBS ended its association with the actor. His character appears briefly in early episodes before being written out mid-season.
Production Timeline
CBS ordered 18 episodes for Season 2, with production split into two phases. The first half was filmed before a planned October-November 2025 hiatus, with remaining episodes shooting through early 2026. This staggered schedule ensures quality while managing the ambitious episode count.
The show continues its proven structure: each episode presents a standalone case while advancing larger narrative threads about high-level corruption and law firm politics. It’s the perfect formula for both casual viewers who enjoy procedural elements and dedicated fans tracking the season-long arc.
Why Matlock Became a Phenomenon
The reboot’s success stems from brilliant casting and sharp writing. Kathy Bates brings gravitas and unexpected humor to Matty Matlock, creating a character who subverts expectations at every turn. Her performance earned critical acclaim and resonated with audiences hungry for intelligent, character-driven legal drama.
Season 1’s 17+ million viewer average speaks volumes in today’s fragmented television landscape. For those exploring CBS drama series, Matlock represents network television at its finest—accessible, engaging, and sophisticated enough to satisfy discerning viewers.
What to Expect Opening Night
The Sunday premiere benefits from CBS’s football lead-in audience, potentially introducing new viewers to Matty’s world. The 8:30 p.m. ET timeslot positions it perfectly after sports programming, maximizing exposure before the series moves to its regular Thursday slot.
Set your DVRs, mark your calendars, and prepare for Kathy Bates to remind everyone why she’s one of television’s most compelling performers. Matlock Season 2 promises to deliver everything that made Season 1 appointment viewing—with even higher stakes and deeper mysteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does Matlock Season 2 premiere, and when do regular episodes air?
Matlock Season 2 premieres on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT on CBS as a special premiere event. After this opening episode, the series moves to its regular Thursday timeslot at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT starting October 16, 2025. Episodes will stream on Paramount+ the day after their CBS broadcast, beginning Monday, October 13, 2025. The season consists of 18 episodes that will air weekly with potential mid-season breaks for network programming events.
Q: Where can I stream Matlock Season 2 if I don’t have cable?
Matlock Season 2 is available on Paramount+ with both Essential (next-day streaming) and Premium (live and next-day) plans. You can also watch through live TV streaming services that carry CBS, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. Additionally, Paramount+ is available as an add-on through Prime Video Channels. The series is not available on Netflix, Disney+, Max, or standalone Amazon Prime Video. Sling TV carries CBS in select markets, so availability may vary based on your location.
