How will Matlock Season 1's intense ending connect to the next chapter? Showrunner describes how the future is planned accordingly

CBS' new law drama, Matlock Season 1 starring Kathy Bates, aired its season finale on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The two-hour-long finale episode, titled Tricks of the Trade was filled with unexpected twists and turns, including a shocking reveal.

The ending of Matlock Season 1 has left the viewers on a cliffhanger, especially about the future of Matty and Olympia's bond. However, the wait won't be long as CBS has renewed the legal drama for a fresh season. Even though there's no exact release date for Matlock Season 2, CBS confirmed that it will be released by 2026. In an interview with Variety, Jennie Snyder Urman, the executive producer of the show, said,

"We know what the plan is for the next season, we're not losing Matlock and her folksy persona. Who that character is is important, and the way the plot plays out over the second season enables us to do all things. It's exciting."

Before the release of the upcoming season, Jennie Snyder Urman shared the way they selected the potential plotlines for the next installment. She told Variety,

"You have to think of the ending, and you have to commit to it. So you think about the second season enough to know that you want to go in those directions. Then, before the writer's room, I like to think about the big moments and turning points. Then we start to plot them out, and it's really a detailed process."

Matlock Season 1 follows the retired lawyer Madeline Matlock (Kathy Bates), who fakes her identity to infiltrate an elite law firm and secretly investigate an opioid cover-up that led to the death of her daughter. Even though her motive remains the same throughout, she proves herself as a diligent and capable lawyer. Meanwhile, Matty builds a strong connection with her boss, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall).

Reader's discretion: This article contains spoilers. Proceed at your own risk!

Jennie Snyder Urman on Matlock Season 1 ending and Season 2 expectations

Matlock season 1 ending lays the foundation for the upcoming season, teasing a revenge-filled and conflict-driven installment. To begin with, the season 1 finale ends on a shaky note, especially with Matty and Olympia's 'fractured' bond. When Olympia came to know about Matty's real identity in Episodes 16 and 17, that she was the married and wealthy veteran lawyer, Madeline Kingston, she was left devastated. Olympia was shocked by how Matty faked her identity, manipulated her, and used their friendship to expose the opioid cover-up.

Jennie Snyder Urman told Variety that they planned to reveal Matty's identity to Olympia before the finale. Previously, they decided the confrontation to happen in Episode 13, but they wanted to build the narrative and explore the pair's bond a bit longer. She told,

"As we got into the episodes, we just realized that as soon as that happens, everything changes between the two women. We wanted more time before that happened with them actually falling in love. But it's about friendship. Friendships are rare and life affirming and we are going to give weight to that in the show."

Nevertheless, Olympia did not back off from the Wellbrexa case; she dug out information on her former husband, Julian, which stated that he was the main culprit. Thus, in upcoming season 2, Olympia will have a difficult choice to make- expose the father of her children or save her career and family by destroying the evidence.

The finale also showed Edwin and Matty discussing the custody of their grandson Alfie, when a mysterious man turned up and implied on being Alfie's biological father, leaving the Kingston couple hesitant. When asked about what's next for Matty and Edwin, since they have different priorities. While Matty wants to continue with her legal career, Edwin wants to lead a relaxed, laid-back retired life. Jennie Snyder Urman shared some tidbits related to Matty's potential plotline. She told Deadline,

"Yes this man has shown up and he says he's Alfie's father and it will throw everything into chaos. The entire show has been built around Matty's sense of control. Olympia has a piece of information that Matty does not know. So I think you're going to see what happens to this character when she's suddenly under pressure and not in control."

How will Matty solve her problems both in her professional and personal life? Will Matty and Olympia's bond be broken forever? Will Olympia reveal the main culprit of the Wellbrexa case or secure her family and career?

Viewers can expect a gripping Matlock Season 2, with complex courtroom drama, new adversaries, ever-changing personal bonds, and more!

Also read: Matlock Season 1 ending explained: The culprit behind the stolen Wellbrexa files is finally revealed

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