The seventh episode of Matlock Season 2, titled “Prior Bad Acts,” is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The episode will continue airing in the show’s regular time slot, 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ the next day. This installment continues the legal and personal drama surrounding Madeline “Matty” Matlock as she works to expose corruption within her law firm.
Where to Watch New Episodes
New episodes of Matlock premiere on CBS every Thursday at 9:00 PM ET/PT. For viewers who do not have traditional cable, the show can be streamed live via services that carry CBS, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV. If you miss the live broadcast, episodes are available for on-demand streaming the following day on Paramount+.
The Ongoing Storyline of Season 2
Season 2 of Matlock has intensified the central conflict. Kathy Bates returns as the brilliant Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a lawyer who joined the prestigious Jacobson Moore firm under false pretenses. Her secret goal is to uncover a corporate cover-up linked to the opioid crisis that led to her daughter’s death. The season explores the fallout from the discovery that Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian, played by Jason Ritter, was the one who hid a crucial document related to the dangerous drug Wellbrexa.
This has created a deep rift between Matty and her boss, Olympia, played by Skye P. Marshall, who is torn between justice and protecting her ex. Meanwhile, Matty’s home life is complicated by the arrival of a man claiming to be the father of her grandson, Alfie. The season weaves together high-stakes legal cases with this overarching personal mission, with new characters like Senior’s ex-wife, Eva, adding more layers to the firm’s power dynamics.
What to Expect in the Coming Episodes
Leading up to Episode 7, the season has built momentum with several key episodes. The fifth episode, “Mousetrap,” on November 6, sees Matty and Olympia working to protect each other from Julian’s suspicions while handling a teen’s resentencing case. The following week, “Harm Reduction” on November 13, involves the duo helping a group of nuns while Olympia and Sarah get pulled into secretive activities within the firm.
While specific plot details for “Prior Bad Acts” are still under wraps, it will continue the major story arcs. Viewers can expect more progress in Matty’s quest for the Wellbrexa documents and the evolving, tense relationship between the main characters. The show continues to balance its weekly legal cases with the long-running narrative that has defined the series.
Main Cast Returning for the New Episode
The episode features the show’s core ensemble cast. Academy Award winner Kathy Bates leads as Madeline “Matty” Matlock. She is joined by Skye P. Marshall as Senior Attorney Olympia Lawrence, Jason Ritter as her ex-husband Julian Markston, and Leah Lewis as Associate Sarah Franklin. The cast also includes David Del Rio as Billy Martinez, though online reviews suggest his character’s future on the show is uncertain following the actor’s departure. The family side of the story is supported by Sam Anderson as Matty’s husband, Edwin, and Aaron Harris as their grandson, Alfie.
Fan Reactions to the New Season
The second season has sparked lively discussions among viewers. Following the episode “Another Matlock,” one fan expressed frustration with the characters’ choices, writing online, > “Suddenly every character is devoid of any ethics.” Another viewer commented on the show’s direction, stating, > “This episode made me quit Matlock… they made it continue with poor writing and are just dragging this on and on.”
However, other fans have found things to enjoy. A review of the third episode, “Tomorrow Is Still Tomorrow,” noted an improvement, saying, > “This is the first episode in season two that felt a little bit more like the first season… contained some good writing, and introduced us to some new characters.” Another praised the episode’s balance, calling it a return to form: > “Matlock remembers how to lawyer: Ep 3 torches the arc bloat with a blazing standalone-ish case… The win feels earned.”
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