The Matlock Season 2 Cast: Everything You Need To Know About The Shocking Shakeup And New Stars
The highly-anticipated second season of the CBS legal drama *Matlock*, starring Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates, has returned to screens amidst a whirlwind of behind-the-scenes drama. Since its premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the reimagined series has captivated audiences with its sharp legal mind and complex characters, but the biggest headlines this season have focused on a major cast shakeup that has forced showrunners to pivot the storyline.
The new *Matlock* series centers on Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a sharp, septuagenarian attorney who joins a prestigious New York law firm, bringing her folksy charm and brilliant legal acumen to a new generation. This article provides the definitive, up-to-the-minute guide to the *Matlock* Season 2 cast, including a detailed look at the lead, the returning stars, and the shocking dismissal that rocked the production in late 2025.
The Unstoppable Force: Kathy Bates' Full Biography and Profile
The success of the *Matlock* reboot hinges entirely on the formidable talent of its lead, Kathleen Doyle Bates, who was born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
- Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
- Born: June 28, 1948
- Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Occupation: Actress, Director, Producer
- Education: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
- Major Awards:
- Academy Award for Best Actress (for *Misery*, 1990)
- Two Golden Globe Awards
- Two Primetime Emmy Awards
- Iconic Roles: Annie Wilkes (*Misery*), Evelyn Couch (*Fried Green Tomatoes*), Molly Brown (*Titanic*), and numerous roles in *American Horror Story* and *Six Feet Under*.
- Matlock Role: Madeline “Matty” Matlock (also known as Madeline Kingston), a brilliant, older lawyer who uses her unassuming appearance to her advantage while working at the prestigious firm of Olympia Lawrence.
Bates' career spans over five decades, establishing her as one of Hollywood's most versatile and acclaimed actresses. Her portrayal of Matty Matlock is a modern, gender-flipped homage to Andy Griffith's original character, blending folksy exterior with a razor-sharp legal mind.
The Shocking Season 2 Cast Shakeup: Who Was Fired and Why?
The most significant and controversial news surrounding the *Matlock* Season 2 premiere was the abrupt departure of one of the main cast members. This behind-the-scenes drama led to major script rewrites and became a central talking point for the show's return.
David Del Rio’s Firing and Character Exit
In a major shakeup just before the Season 2 premiere in October 2025, actor David Del Rio, who played associate lawyer Billy Martinez, was fired from the CBS legal drama.
- Actor: David Del Rio (born September 29, 1987)
- Matlock Role: Billy Martinez, a fellow lawyer at the firm.
- Reason for Firing: Del Rio was dismissed following sexual assault allegations made by his co-star, Leah Lewis.
- Character Exit: Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, was written out of the series. The showrunner confirmed that the final episode featuring the character had already aired in the Fall Finale of Season 1, and the role would not be recast for Season 2.
The incident led to an investigation by CBS, and the subsequent dismissal of Del Rio, highlighting the sensitive nature of the show's production. Co-star Leah Lewis, who plays Sarah Franklin, returned to filming for Season 2 after the dismissal, with the show making significant script changes to accommodate the loss of the character.
Meet the Core Cast of *Matlock* Season 2: New Faces and Key Roles
Despite the turmoil, the core cast of *Matlock* has returned to deliver a compelling second season. The series continues to focus on the dynamic legal team, introducing new characters to fill the void left by the shakeup and to challenge the firm's operations. The show airs on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
Skye P. Marshall delivers a powerful performance as Olympia Lawrence, who is not only the boss of Matty Matlock but also a captivating and impactful character in her own right.
- Role: Olympia Lawrence, the high-powered boss of the law firm.
- Season 2 Plot: Marshall has indicated that her character will "bring hell" to the firm's operations, especially in her ongoing storyline concerning her divorce from Julian Markston.
Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
Jason Ritter, known for his versatile acting career, plays Julian Markston, a somewhat troubled lawyer who is integral to the firm's structure and personal drama.
- Role: Julian Markston, a high-priced attorney and the divorcing husband of Olympia Lawrence.
- Season 1 Twist: The Season 1 finale hinted at a more villainous turn for Julian, suggesting his character arc will be a major focus of Season 2.
Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
Leah Lewis, a key figure in the season's off-screen drama, returns as Sarah Franklin, whose character is a young lawyer navigating the complex world of high-stakes litigation.
- Role: Sarah Franklin, a lawyer whose personal history was explored in depth during the first season.
- Personal Arc: Her character had a heartbreaking past revealed in Season 1, setting up a future arc focused on vengeance against Madeline Kingston (Matty).
New Faces for Season 2
To inject new energy and topical authority into the series, *Matlock* Season 2 has introduced several new entities to the cast.
- Sarah Wright Olsen as Gwen: Olsen joins the cast as Gwen, an efficiency expert whose arrival will likely create tension and new challenges as she analyzes the firm's operations.
- Henry Haber: Haber has also been confirmed as a new addition to the cast, though his specific role and character name have not yet been fully detailed.
- Returning Recurring Cast: The series also continues to feature recurring performances from respected actors such as Beau Bridges, Sam Anderson, and Aaron D. Harris, ensuring a deep bench of talent.
The second season of *Matlock* promises to be a compelling blend of courtroom drama and personal intrigue. With a powerhouse lead in Kathy Bates, the dramatic real-world shakeup, and the introduction of new characters like Gwen, the show is poised to deliver a fresh, must-watch season of television for fans of legal thrillers and character-driven narratives.
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