CBS’s Matlock Season 2 wrapped up its fall run with a suspense-filled finale that brought betrayals, heartbreak, and one major character getting fired. The episode, which aired on Thursday, December 11, 2025, left fans reeling as secrets came to light and alliances began to fracture — setting the stage for an explosive return next year.
Here’s a full breakdown of what happened in the Matlock Season 2 fall finale, including the shocking firing, the new twist involving Julian, and when the series will return.
Matlock Season 2 Fall Finale Overview
In the latest episode, tensions reached their breaking point when Senior (Beau Bridges) suffered a sudden heart attack, throwing the team’s plan to take him down into chaos. While Matty (Kathy Bates) was determined to move forward with their mission to expose him, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) began to waver, questioning whether their actions had gone too far.
Despite their differences, Matty and Olympia tried to stay aligned — until Julian entered the equation.
Julian’s Suspicion Grows
One of the biggest developments came when Olympia decided to fully side with Matty. She proved her loyalty by handing over a copy of the Wellbrexa study, a critical piece of evidence tied to the opioid case that has driven much of the season’s plot.
But their exchange didn’t go unnoticed. Julian (Jason Ritter) saw the handoff, growing increasingly suspicious of Olympia’s actions. He followed her home and began piecing together the truth about her secret alliance with Matty — a twist that could have devastating consequences for both women in the episodes ahead.
Ritter had previously teased Julian’s internal struggles and how his past mistakes would resurface this season. Speaking to Us Weekly, he explained:
“Julian is going to have to grapple — one way or another — with this. It’s such a shameful thing that he’s just put away, tried to be a good dad, and focused on his family. Now he’s terrified.”
The finale confirmed that Julian’s moral reckoning is far from over — and that his involvement with Olympia may soon explode into a full-blown confrontation.
A Confession, a Miscarriage, and a Firing
Elsewhere in the episode, Sarah (Leah Lewis) finally came clean to Olympia about secretly working with Senior to spy on Julian. The revelation shattered trust within the legal team, leading Olympia to reassign Sarah to a different department.
Meanwhile, Billy (David Del Rio) took a personal day after learning that his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage — a heartbreaking moment that revealed the emotional toll their cases have taken on the team.
But the real shock came after the episode aired, when reports surfaced that David Del Rio had been fired from Matlock following an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations dating back to Season 1. CBS confirmed that Del Rio will not return for the remainder of the season, and the show’s writers are expected to address his character’s exit when Matlock resumes in 2026.
Matty’s Mission Takes a Dangerous Turn
The heart of the episode centered on Matty’s unwavering mission to bring Senior to justice. Despite Olympia’s growing reservations, Matty refused to back down — believing that his arrest is the only way to expose the corruption surrounding the Wellbrexa case.
Senior’s heart attack temporarily derailed their plan, but Matty’s determination to push forward hinted at a darker side of her pursuit of justice. Her obsession may soon blur the line between right and wrong, especially as new secrets about her identity risk coming to light.
As fans know, Matty Matlock is actually Madeline Kingston, a wealthy retired lawyer who has been posing as a widow to infiltrate Jacobson Moore law firm. Her secret has been the backbone of the series since its debut, and the finale’s final moments hinted that her cover might soon be at risk.
When Will Matlock Return?
CBS has confirmed that Matlock Season 2 will return from its winter break on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET.
The upcoming episodes will pick up immediately after the events of the fall finale, diving deeper into the fallout from Senior’s heart attack, Sarah’s reassignment, and Julian’s growing suspicions.
A Quick Recap of Matlock’s Story So Far
Matlock, which premiered in September 2024, follows Madeline “Matty” Kingston (Kathy Bates), a retired lawyer who disguises herself as a modest widow to work at the powerful law firm Jacobson Moore. Her true mission? To uncover the firm’s connection to the opioid epidemic that killed her daughter.
Over two seasons, the show has evolved into a sharp legal thriller, balancing courtroom intrigue with emotional storytelling. Its blend of old-school investigative drama and modern-day moral questions has made it one of CBS’s breakout hits.
FAQs
1. Who was fired from Matlock?
Actor David Del Rio was fired after a sexual assault allegation investigation tied to Season 1. His character, Billy, will be written out of the show.
2. What happened to Senior in the fall finale?
Senior (Beau Bridges) suffered a heart attack, throwing Matty’s plan to take him down into uncertainty.
3. What did Julian discover?
Julian (Jason Ritter) saw Olympia handing Matty the Wellbrexa study, growing suspicious and following her home — a move that will have major consequences next season.
4. When does Matlock return?
Matlock returns to CBS on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET.
5. Where can I watch Matlock?
New episodes air on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+.
Conclusion
The Matlock Season 2 fall finale delivered a potent mix of emotional depth and shocking revelations — from Senior’s collapse and Olympia’s risky choices to Julian’s dangerous suspicions and Billy’s firing.
With the show returning in February 2026, viewers can expect the stakes to skyrocket as Matty’s true identity inches closer to exposure and the fallout from the Wellbrexa case reaches its breaking point.
Watch Matlock Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, and stream the next day on Paramount+. For more updates and post-finale coverage, stay tuned to TrendingNewsBuzz.com.
