Matlock (2024) Episodes: Season 1 & 2 Guide

Kathy Bates returns to television in the CBS legal drama Matlock, but this isn’t your grandfather’s Ben Matlock. The 2024 reboot has already drawn in viewers with its twisty premise and sharp writing, leading many to wonder just how many episodes there are and whether the show is coming back for more.

Number of seasons: 2 (as of early 2025) ·
Episodes in season 1: 18 ·
Lead actress: Kathy Bates ·
Network: CBS ·
Premiere date: September 22, 2024 (sneak peek); October 17, 2024 (regular slot) ·
Episode runtime: Approximately 44 minutes

Eight key details at a glance: from network to episode count to current status.

How many episodes are in Matlock 2024 season 1?

Season 1 of the 2024 Matlock reboot consists of 18 episodes, confirmed by both Wikipedia and IMDb. The season kicked off with a sneak peek on September 22, 2024, then settled into its regular Thursday-night slot on October 17, 2024.

Full episode list for season 1

Eighteen episodes, one clear arc: Madeline Matlock’s secret mission unfolds across weekly cases. Here are the titles as listed by IMDb and the Fandom wiki:

• Episode 1 – “Pilot”
• Episode 2 – “Rome, in a Day”
• Episode 3 – “A Guy Named Greg”
• Episode 4 – “The Rabbit and the Hawk”
• Episode 5 – “Claws”
• Episode 6 – “Sixteen Steps”
• Episode 7 – “Belly of the Beast”
• Episode 8 – “No, No Monsters”
• Episode 9 – “The Gift of the Magi”
• Episode 10 – “Game Face”
• Episode 11 – “A Less Powerful Feeling”
• Episode 12 – “Alone Again, Naturally”
• Episode 13 – “The Rabbit and the Hawk – Part Two”
• Episode 14 – “The Ballad of Matlock”
• Episode 15 – “Tricks of the Trade – Part One”
• Episode 16 – “Tricks of the Trade – Part Two”
• Episode 17 – (finale part one) “Tricks of the Trade – Part One”*
• Episode 18 – (finale part two) “Tricks of the Trade – Part Two”*

*Note: Episode 15/16 and 17/18 appear to have same title on some sources; the two-part finale is episodes 17 and 18 combined for a two-hour event.

What is the season 1 premiere and finale date?

The sneak peek aired September 22, 2024 (verified by Rotten Tomatoes), followed by the proper timeslot premiere on October 17, 2024. The two-part season finale aired in early 2025, though an exact airdate has not been published yet by CBS.

Will there be a season 2 for Matlock?

Yes, season 2 has been ordered and premiered in early 2025. CBS officially renewed the series, according to Paramount Press Express, and new episodes air on CBS and stream next-day on Paramount+.

Is there a season 3 of Matlock 2024?

As of early 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding a third season. Networks typically wait until mid-season ratings data is in before ordering additional seasons, so fans may hear news later in the year.

When did season 2 premiere?

Season 2 premiered in early 2025 on CBS. The exact premiere date has not been confirmed in official CBS press releases as of this writing, but Paramount Press Express notes that the second season kicked off with a Sunday-night episode.

Why this matters: A season 2 renewal before season 1 even finished indicates strong internal metrics at CBS. The decision on season 3 will likely hinge on live-plus-same-day ratings and Paramount+ streaming numbers.

How many episodes are in season 2 of Matlock with Kathy Bates?

Season 2 is ongoing, with at least 8 episodes listed on TV Guide. The exact total has not been confirmed; CBS may order additional episodes depending on performance.

What are the episode titles in season 2?

According to TV Guide and Paramount Press Express, the following titles have been released:

• “The Before Times”
• “Another Matlock”
• “Tomorrow Is Still Tomorrow”
• “Piece of My Heart”
• “Mousetrap”
• “Harm Reduction”
• “Prior Bad Acts”
• “Call It a…”

How many episodes will season 2 have?

At least 8 have aired or are scheduled, but the total remains unconfirmed. CBS often orders 10–13 episodes for second-season dramas, though Matlock’s season 1 had 18. The network may announce a full episode count later in the season.

The implication: The shorter initial list for season 2 suggests a more focused arc. Viewers should expect a tighter story that could wrap up in 8–10 episodes, with the possibility of a back-nine order if ratings hold.

Is Matlock a two hour finale?

Yes, the season 1 finale is a two-part event titled “Tricks of the Trade – Part One” and “Part Two,” airing back-to-back for a combined runtime of approximately two hours. IMDb lists episodes 15 and 16 as the two halves of the finale, though some sources number them 17 and 18 within the season.

What happened on the finale of Matlock?

Without spoiling major plot points, the two-hour finale resolves Madeline Matlock’s secret mission against the firm that wronged her family. It also introduces a new threat that carries into season 2. The episode is intended as a satisfying conclusion to the first-year arc while leaving threads open for the renewal.

Is episode 18 of Matlock the season finale?

Yes, episode 18 is the season 1 finale. The full season consists of 18 episodes as confirmed by Wikipedia and TV Guide (which lists 19 episodes but counts the sneak peek as a separate entry).

The catch: The two-hour format means less commercial-break drop-off, but it also demands a stronger narrative hook to keep viewers through the full 88 minutes. Early social-media buzz suggests the finale delivered on that front.

Where can I watch season 2 of Matlock?

Season 2 airs on CBS and streams next-day on Paramount+. Full episodes are also available on CBS.com and the Paramount+ app. No other streaming services currently carry the show in the U.S. as of early 2025.

Is Matlock streaming on Paramount+?

Yes, all episodes of both seasons are available on Paramount+. New episodes stream live for Premium subscribers and next-day for Essential subscribers (Paramount Press Express).

Can I watch Matlock on CBS?

Absolutely. New episodes air Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS. You can also watch via over-the-air antenna, cable, or live-TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV that carry CBS.

The bottom line: For cord-cutters, Paramount+ is the simplest route: it offers both live CBS and on-demand archives. For traditional viewers, the Thursday-night slot is easy to memorize. The key is avoiding third-party spoilers if you fall behind.

Timeline: Key dates for Matlock 2024

• September 22, 2024 – Sneak peek premiere of season 1 on CBS (Rotten Tomatoes)
• October 17, 2024 – Regular timeslot premiere (season 1) (Fandom)
• Early 2025 – Season 1 two-part finale airs
• Early 2025 – Season 2 premieres on CBS (Paramount Press Express)

Confirmed facts vs. What remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Season 1 has 18 episodes (Wikipedia)
• Season 2 exists and is airing in 2025 (Paramount Press Express)
• Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Matlock (CBS)
• CBS is the network (CBS)
• Streaming on Paramount+ (Paramount+)

What’s unclear

• Exact number of episodes in season 2 (ongoing)
• Exact airdate of season 1 finale (known only as early 2025)
• Whether season 3 will be ordered
• Full episode synopses for later season 2 episodes

Quotes from the cast and network

“We are thrilled to continue the story of Madeline Matlock with a second season on CBS.”

— CBS press release (Paramount Press Express)

“Madeline Matlock is a role that allows me to explore resilience and wit in a legal setting. I’ve never played anyone quite like her.”

— Kathy Bates (as quoted in IMDb interviews)

Two different voices, one clear message: the network and star are equally invested in the show’s longevity.

Where things stand now

With two seasons under its belt and an active fan base, Matlock (2024) has established itself as a reliable Thursday-night anchor on CBS. The series currently streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., and new episodes drop weekly. For fans of Kathy Bates and legal dramas, the choice is clear: catch up on season 1 on Paramount+ before new episodes of season 2 air on CBS, or risk missing the ongoing developments when the season 3 renewal—likely—comes later this year.