Everything We Know About Matlock Season 3

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CBS has confirmed a third season of its hit legal drama, Matlock, starring Kathy Bates. The show, a fresh take on the classic courtroom series, will continue to follow the story of Madeline “Matty” Matlock. The renewal isn’t unexpected, as Matlock was one of CBS’s most-watched programs, finishing its first season as the top new show on television.

The second season of Matlock debuted with almost 12 million viewers across all platforms, a significant jump from its first season. Season 2 continues the story of Madeline and her boss, Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall), as they secretly investigate the Jacobson Moore law firm, continuing the momentum from the show’s successful first season.

What Happened in Matlock Season 2?

It was finally revealed that Olympia’s husband, Julian Markston (Jason Ritter), was the one who concealed the crucial Wellbrexa document – the document that could have saved Madeline’s daughter. This creates a difficult personal situation for Olympia in the second season. The season begins with Madeline and Olympia’s relationship fractured, but they eventually begin to rebuild their trust.

In Season 2 of Matlock, Olympia and Madeline rebuild their working relationship while solving each week’s new case. They decide to investigate Julian’s father to prevent Olympia’s ex-husband from going to jail, as Senior (Beau Bridges) forced his son to cover up details of a drug study. But the season takes an unexpected turn with the midseason finale.

Julian begins to suspect a conspiracy against the law firm and realizes they might try to frame him, especially while his father is ill. The first episodes of Matlock Season 2 also introduce Alfie (Aaron D. Harris), Madeline’s grandson, who is about to meet his father, setting the stage for a dramatic second half of the season.

Who Stars in CBS’s Matlock?

Kathy Bates stars in a new take on the classic show Matlock, playing the lead role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in a gender-swapped version. Her performance as the 70-year-old lawyer has been widely praised, and she’s been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025.

Throughout the series, Matlock is joined by Olympia Lawrence, a seasoned lawyer who has become a partner at Jacobson Moore. Skye P. Marshall portrays Olympia, and her close friendship with Madeline is a central theme of the show. Jason Ritter plays Julian Markston, Olympia’s former husband and the father of her children, who previously specialized in pharmaceutical law at the firm.

Beau Bridges plays Howard Markston, known as “Senior,” Julian’s father and a leader at Jacobson Moore. Sam Anderson and Aaron Harris appear as Edwin and Alfie Kingston, Madeline’s husband and grandson, respectively. Leah Lewis joins the cast as Sarah, a young lawyer at Jacobson Moore who previously worked with Olympia.

Andy Lewis previously appeared on Matlock with David Del Rio, playing Billy, a fellow junior associate at Jacobson Moore. However, he left the show during the second season following allegations of sexual assault. Yael Grobglas and Eme Ikwuakor joined the cast as important supporting characters, Shae Banfield and Elijah Walker.

When Does Matlock Season 3 Premiere?

Season 3 of Matlock is coming back this fall, along with the rest of the network’s 2026-2027 lineup, after a summer break. Other shows returning include Tracker, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Elsbeth, Fire Country, and all of the NCIS series.

New episodes of Matlock Season 3 will probably air on Thursdays at 9 pm Eastern, just like before. However, CBS might start the season on a Sunday, similar to how Season 2 launched in 2025. CBS has typically premiered new seasons in mid-October, and Season 3 could debut around the same time.

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2026-01-27 03:09