‘Matlock’ Season 1 Finale Delivers Twists, Betrayals, and a Shocking Reunion

Kathy Bates’ Matty faces personal and professional upheaval as secrets unravel in the explosive Season 1 finale of CBS’ Matlock reboot

Spoiler Alert: Major Season 1 spoilers ahead

Los Angeles, April 18:
The Matlock Season 1 finale wrapped up with high-stakes revelations, personal heartbreak, and a game-changing cliffhanger that left fans stunned — and excited for Season 2. CBS’ reboot of the classic courtroom drama concluded its first season on April 17 with a two-hour finale that saw Kathy Bates’ Madeline “Matty” Matlock face her most emotionally complex case yet.

Matty, who has spent the entire season uncovering a pharmaceutical cover-up linked to her daughter’s overdose, finally gets her answer. The evidence suppression that protected a dangerous opioid was committed by Julian (Jason Ritter), the ex-husband of Matty’s close friend and boss, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall). When Olympia discovers the truth, she’s devastated — caught between loyalty and justice.

“Unmasking not the supervillain but this human who made this terrible, terrible choice makes it all the more complicated,” said series creator Jennie Snyder Urman (Jane the Virgin, Charmed). “Where do we go from here?”

But just as Matty prepares to confront Olympia, her personal world is rocked again — this time by the surprise return of her grandson Alfie’s long-absent father, appearing at her doorstep. It’s a powerful, quiet twist that brings the emotional weight of the finale full circle.

“Matty’s whole world is shaken,” Urman said. “This was about her daughter. This is about family.”

With new layers of betrayal and rekindled relationships, Season 2 is set to explore how these upheavals reshape the Jacobson Moore law firm. “Secrets are revealed and decisions are made that start spinning our show into its next direction,” teased Urman.

What to Expect in Season 2:

• Matty & Olympia: Their friendship — the emotional core of the show — is deeply tested. “They are the love story of the show,” says Urman.
• Sarah & Billy: Billy’s ex is pregnant, Sarah’s job is on the line, and both face fresh challenges next season.
• Evolving dynamics: “The problems are going to be different and challenging,” Urman adds. “Everyone has changed.”

While Matlock pays homage to the original, it stands firmly on its own — with Bates receiving critical acclaim and awards buzz for her grounded yet fiery portrayal of Matty. “I knew Kathy’s performance was incredible,” said Urman. “But I’m still surprised. And grateful.”

With a second season greenlit, fans can look forward to more powerful performances, moral dilemmas, and emotionally rich storytelling when Matlock returns this fall.