Behind-the-scenes drama has always had the power to make or break a beloved TV series. From the scandal that rocked House of Cards to the on-set feuds of Glee, offscreen chaos can often spell doom for even the most popular shows. Now, CBS's acclaimed legal drama Matlock is finding itself in a similar precarious position, and the latest news about its upcoming season has fans worried.
A Season of Turmoil
Matlock, which has been a standout on network television, is gearing up for its third season. The show, starring the phenomenal Kathy Bates, has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. With a stellar supporting cast including Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, and Beau Bridges, and a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, it's been a reliable hit for CBS. However, the series has been plagued by a series of unfortunate events that could threaten its future.
The first major blow came in October 2025 when David Del Rio, who played lawyer Billy Martinez, was fired following allegations of sexual assault. CBS conducted an internal investigation and terminated Del Rio, who has since filed a lawsuit against the network, claiming he was falsely accused and suffered significant professional and reputational harm. The arbitration is still ongoing, but Del Rio was written out of the show in Season 2.
Then, in June, another lawsuit emerged. Former Matlock story editor John Lowe accused showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman of creating a hostile work environment, with allegations of racist and sexually inappropriate comments. CBS and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber were also named. CBS has filed a motion to dismiss the suit, disputing Lowe's claims, but the legal battle is far from over.
Impact on the Show
These legal troubles have inevitably affected the show's storytelling. Del Rio's character was given a hasty exit in the Season 2 mid-season premiere, with Billy being written out via a throwaway line about being out sick and then his job being eliminated due to layoffs. It was an awkward narrative choice, a departure from the show's usual meticulous plotting, but perhaps a necessary one given the circumstances.
Now, fans have learned that Season 3 will consist of only 13 episodes, a significant drop from Season 1's 19 and Season 2's 16. This reduction is a worrying sign, especially for a show that has been a perfect showcase for Bates's remarkable talent. The series has been known for its twisty storylines and exploration of fascinating issues, but it's now at risk of being remembered more for its behind-the-scenes problems than its on-screen brilliance.
While CBS may ultimately win these legal battles, the stain on Matlock is likely to linger. The show's future is uncertain, and the reduced episode order could be a precursor to an early cancellation. For now, fans can only hope that the series can weather this storm and continue to deliver the compelling drama they've come to love.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Matlock are available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S., with Season 3 set to premiere in January 2027. In the meantime, if you're looking for more crime drama, check out this 105-episode procedural or crime dramas that nailed their finales.
