Matlock season 2 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the roles they play

CBS brings back its legal drama for another thrilling run as Matlock season 2 premieres with new disputes, fresh courtroom intrigue, and a returning powerhouse cast. The series brings back Academy Award winner Kathy Bates in the lead role as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, alongside a strong ensemble of talented actors.

The Matlock season 2 cast includes Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, Beau Bridges, Sam Anderson, Aaron Harris, and newcomer Justina Machado. Together, they shape the intense legal and personal battles unfolding at the high-powered New York law firm Jacobson Moore.

Who plays who in Matlock season 2?

Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock

Kathy Bates plays the sharp and strategic Matty Matlock, a seasoned attorney who returns to legal practice under mysterious circumstances. Known for her award-winning roles in Misery, American Horror Story, and Fried Green Tomatoes, Bates brings emotional depth and wit to the character.

In Matlock season 2, she continues her undercover mission to expose corruption tied to the opioid-related Wellbrexa scandal.

Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence

Marshall portrays Olympia, Matty’s close colleague and conflicted ally at Jacobson Moore. Previously seen in Black Lightning and Good Sam, Marshall plays a determined attorney whose loyalty is tested throughout the ongoing investigation into Wellbrexa.

Jason Ritter as Julian Markston

Ritter, known for Parenthood and Raising Dion, plays Julian, Olympia’s ex-husband and a key figure entangled in the Wellbrexa cover-up. In Matlock season 2, Julian faces intense legal and personal consequences as his involvement comes to light.

Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin

Leah Lewis returns as Sarah, a driven young attorney making a name for herself at the firm. Recognized for her breakout role in The Half of It, Lewis gives Sarah a strong moral compass while she navigates intense legal challenges.

Beau Bridges as Howard "Senior" Markston

Academy Award nominee Beau Bridges plays Senior, the founding partner of Jacobson Moore. Known for The Fabulous Baker Boys and Homeland, Bridges portrays a powerful lawyer whose legacy now faces collapse due to scandal and health concerns.

Supporting and recurring characters

Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston
Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston
Niko Nicotera as Dante
Justina Machado as Eva
David Del Rio as Billy Martinez – Written out mid-season due to off-screen controversy.
Bella Ortiz as Claudia
Andrea Londo as Simone
Brian Van Holt as Detective Ronson

What is Matlock season 2 all about?

Matlock season 2 continues directly after the season 1 finale. The new season addresses unresolved plots, including Julian’s role in the Wellbrexa case and the identity of Alfie’s alleged father. The series maintains a serialized legal format, combining weekly courtroom cases with ongoing storylines about corruption and legal misconduct.

Madeline “Matty” Matlock remains undercover at Jacobson Moore to investigate the firm’s link to Wellbrexa, the drug tied to her daughter’s death. Her relationship with Olympia becomes strained after Olympia uncovers part of Matty’s secret.

Julian attempts to avoid accountability for his role in the Wellbrexa cover-up, while Senior’s declining health destabilizes the firm. Eva joins the season as Senior’s former spouse and the head of the Miami office, increasing internal conflict at the firm.

Where is Matlock season 2 streaming online?

Matlock season 2 premieres Sunday, October 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS before moving to its regular Thursday 9 p.m. slot starting October 16. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Paramount+. The streaming platform offers two tiers:

Paramount+ Essential – On-demand access with limited ads
Paramount+ Premium – Includes Showtime and fewer ads, plus live CBS access

Season 1 of Matlock also streams on Paramount+, while the original Matlock series starring Andy Griffith streams for free on Pluto TV.

Streaming exclusively on CBS and Paramount+, the season expands the world of Matlock with high-stakes storytelling from start to finish.

About the author

With over five years of work experience, Bea Melisse Ibañez is a seasoned writer covering K-pop, K-dramas, and the latest trends in the entertainment industry at Sportskeeda. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Bea combines her academic background with her fascination for Hallyu culture, creating insightful and accurate content.

In her career, Bea has had the opportunity to interview prominent figures in the K-pop industry, including groups like TWICE and artists such as GOT7's BamBam, Lee Seung-gi, and Hwang Min-hyun.

As a pop-culture enthusiast, her love for Korean dramas and music began in high school, where she discovered 2nd and 3rd-generation K-pop groups. She also admires actors like Eddie Redmayne, Lee Joon-gi, and Park Eun-bin, and her favorite celebrity is Miley Cyrus.

In her free time, Bea likes to rewatch her favorite shows. If given a chance, she would like to be a part of the dazzling world of Hazbin Hotel.

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Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez