Matlock is returning for a third season on CBS — but who is and isn’t returning after an investigation?
The hit CBS series, which premiered in September 2024, follows a wealthy retired lawyer named Madeline Kingston (Kathy Bates) who pretends to be a poor widower named Matty Matlock to get a job at Jacobson Moore law firm. As it turns out, Matty thinks someone at the company is complicit in the opioid epidemic that resulted in her daughter’s death.
The season 1 finale ended with Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) confronting Julian (Jason Ritter) about the Wellbrexa documents. He begged Olympia not to expose him — not knowing she actually found the documents because of Matty’s mission at Jacobson Moore. Then there was Billy (David Del Rio), who found out he was going to be a father, and Sarah (Leah Lewis), who was celebrating a big professional win.
Shortly before the season 2 premiere, news broke that Del Rio was fired following an investigation into sexual assault accusations.
An alleged incident involving Del Rio and Lewis took place in late September 2024, which was reported by the actress to CBS days later. Del Rio was “fired and escorted off the lot the same day the alleged assault was reported.” Billy was written off in the second half of the season as the investigation was reopened.
Matlock, meanwhile, continued to thrive and CBS renewed the show for a third season. Keep scrolling to see which cast members are — and aren’t — coming back:
Kathy Bates
There would be no Matlock without Matty looking for answers so Kathy Bates will be returning as long as the show continues to air.
Skye P. Marshall
The same goes for Skye P. Marshall’s character Olympia, who has started working with Matty to find out who is responsible for hiding the documents.
Jason Ritter
Before the second half of season 2 premiered, Julian (Jason Ritter) figured out that Olympia was working against him.
David Del Rio
David Del Rio’s character Billy was written out of the show after the scandal. Billy was expecting a baby with his girlfriend but the midseason finale revealed Claudia suffered a miscarriage, which explained his offscreen departure.
Leah Lewis
The last time Matlock viewers saw Sarah (Leah Lewis), she was dismissed by Olympia for hiding information from her. Their divide will continue to play out throughout the rest of the season.
Aaron Harris
Matty’s grandson, Alfie (Aaron Harris), is expected to return since the mission is because of his mother’s death.
Sam Anderson
After having a recurring role in season 1, Sam Anderson returned in a larger capacity and is presumably going to keep playing a key role as Matty’s husband, Edwin.
Eme Ikwuakor
Eme Ikwuakor’s character Elijah has made appearances in season 2 but it remains to be seen whether he will play a role moving forward.
Beau Bridges
Every show needs a villain and Beau Bridges’ Senior has taken on that responsibility on Matlock. Senior is currently out of commission after suffering a health scare that had him hospitalized.
