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Why there was no new ‘Matlock’ episode on CBS this week — and when fans can expect it back

Fans were soon disappointed when they tuned in on December 18 for a new 'Matlock' Season 2 episode but found none.

When 'Matlock' premiered on CBS in 2024, viewers discovered it unexpectedly. The legal drama with the familiar title turned out to be more intelligent, more mysterious, and quite well written than expected. What began as a curiosity about a quasi-reboot soon became one of the most talked-about TV shows from 2024 to 2025. As Kathy Bates leads this sharp ensemble cast, CBS’s modern reimagining earned critical acclaim and strong ratings. Hence, its return is highly anticipated. That excitement soon turned into disappointment when fans tuned in on December 18 for a new episode but found none.

The absence of a new 'Matlock' episode was due to CBS’s scheduling and not due to any unexpected issues in production. The series has officially entered its mid-season hiatus phase. It’s a common practice in network television during the holiday season. CBS has paused all of its scripted dramas for a few weeks and will air special programming instead. It will allow room for production teams to finalize the upcoming episodes. Hence, Episode 9 of the series won’t air until February 26, i.e., two months from now. This has marked a more extended waiting period for the same as compared to all other TV networks, which also wrapped their schedules earlier this year. 

The break came at a time when 'Matlock' faced a significant shift in its narrative direction. Season 1 concluded with major revelations, including the mystery around Wellbrexa documents and Alfie’s father’s real identity. These storylines remained important in Season 2, forming a backbone of the overarching storyline. The reboot also dealt with behind-the-scenes changes, including Billy's exit, as actor David Del Rio faced allegations of harassment from co-star Leah Lewis. Hence, writing his character out added complexity to a season that already felt dense. 

On December 18, CBS aired the network’s comedy lineup instead of a new 'Matlock' episode in its 9 PM ET slot. They have been airing supersized episodes from the sitcom 'Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage' Season 2, from 8-9 PM ET, capping off the comedy offerings for 2025. The channel is also covering the 9-10 PM ET slot with the two-part 'Ghosts' season 5 fall finale. Meanwhile, 'Elsbeth' Season 3 will air its fall finale at 10 PM ET. The scheduling shuffle feels right, as 'Matlock' already concluded its 2025 run last week before the hiatus began.

As for the upcoming episodes of the season, CBS has not yet released specific details about 'Matlock'. However, the finale shed light on the direction the show will likely take. It will revisit lingering cliffhangers, especially the uncertainty of Sarah’s future at Jacobson Moore after she confronted Senior, the sly managing partner of the law firm. As mentioned above, with Billy gone, the fallout from his absence may also be resolved. On a lighter note, Olympia and Madeline seem to have regained their footing, perhaps setting the stage for deeper legal and personal battles when 'Matlock' finally returns in 2026.