The season 2 finale of Matlock aired on April 23 on CBS.

The drama has already been renewed for season 3, and fans will be surprised to learn when it will premiere.

Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman shared her thoughts on a surprise episode update.

This story contains spoilers from Matlock season 2.

Matlock fans, you can expect some major changes in season 3.

The hit CBS series wrapped up season 2 on April 23, and there was a lot to unpack. Between Madeline “Matty Matlock” Kingston (Kathy Bates) closing the Wellbrexa case, Julian Markston (Jason Ritter) turning on his father, Howard “Senior” (Beau Bridges), and major shakeups at Jacobson Moore, the finale delivered plenty of bombshells.

But as showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman told Entertainment Weekly, fans should expect the show to get a “big reset” for the next installment.

And unfortunately, the new episodes may take longer than people think.

matlock season 3
CBS

Much to the chagrin of Matlock fans, season 3 will not premiere in 2026. Rather, Matlock season 3 will premiere on CBS in midseason 2027.

So, why the delay? As Jennie shared with TV Insider on April 21, she asked for Matlock to be pushed back a few months and hinted that she wants to spend time building out the aftermath of the season 2 finale.

“I just feel like we had so much stuff to think about because we really landed the plane on this, and we really thought that was important because we didn’t want to keep dragging out the same story, and the characters have to get to someplace real emotionally,” she told the outlet. “So we really, when we took this two-hour finale and really paid a lot of things off, what came with that was I’m going to need time after that to really build the architecture so that we have it for the next seasons. I’m excited about it, but I am also grateful because we needed a little bit of time.”

Despite there being some time before Matlock returns, it’s clear folks were satisfied with where the show ended up in season 2.

“The BEST season finale—I cheered loudly and cannot wait for the next season!!” one person wrote on Instagram.

“🙌❤️ Well done! Best season finale. 🥳🎉 Every single actor gave us an outstanding performance. Bravooooo 👏👏👏❤️ Can't wait for next season 🤩🤩🤩,” another agreed.

“Will miss this show until it returns ❤️ Matlock,” a different follower added.

We’ll be over here impatiently waiting for Matlock to return.