Spring is in the air! With longer days and the recent celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, 'Matlock' fans face a bittersweet update as March Madness takes center stage. The NCAA's annual tournament is once again disrupting CBS's regular programming, affecting beloved shows like the legal drama, 'Matlock,' which stars the talented Kathy Bates.
On March 20, 2025, 'Matlock,' which usually graces CBS's screens every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, will not air due to March Madness. Instead, the network will broadcast live NCAA basketball games featuring two exciting matchups: Arkansas vs. Kansas at 7:10 p.m. ET and Omaha vs. St. John's at 9:45 p.m. ET.
This disruption isn't entirely unprecedented. CBS has undertaken a strategic approach by scheduling 'Matlock' to return with its next batch of new episodes starting April 3, 2025, much to the anxiety of its devoted viewers. The show's first episode back, titled 'The Johnson Case,' will continue the thrilling narrative left off in episode 15.
In its debut season, 'Matlock' has quickly become CBS’s most-watched premiere in five years, with Bates winning accolades that include the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Since its 2024 premiere, the show has gained an impressive following, becoming the 2024-2025 season’s #1 new series.
The series marks a new chapter for Bates in television, as it significantly differs from the original 'Matlock' that aired in the late 1980s. Bates plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a seniors attorney who goes her own way in seeking justice within the law firm of Jacobson Moore after her daughter's unfortunate death in the opioid crisis. Skills honed over a lifetime are now utilized to tackle complex cases in a fast-paced legal landscape.
As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise for Matty and her assistant, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall). The upcoming episode centers around Olympia's ambition to impress the partnership board by tackling a complicated murder case. It is a storyline that reflects the personal and professional challenges faced by characters in a high-stakes legal drama.
Fans have expressed their disappointment over the unexpected hiatus, especially after the cliffhanger ending of episode 15, which revealed Mrs. Belvin as a key informant regarding the ongoing case involving big pharmaceutical companies and their implications in their community's opioid fatalities. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating answers in the upcoming episode.
For those seeking to catch up, previous seasons are readily available on streaming platforms like Paramount+, PlutoTV, and CBS.com. The good news for viewers is that 'Matlock's' break will not last long, with its return set for April 3, where it will resume its timeslot amid the NCAA Tournament's conclusion. For cable subscribers, 'Matlock' can also be viewed live on CBS and through various streaming services, offering multiple ways to catch the latest developments.
As fans prepare for the return of this captivating series, the anticipation is building. 'Matlock' continues to be a definitive highlight of the current TV season, and with the finals approaching, CBS is poised to deliver exciting content that will keep its audience engaged.
The new normal of television scheduling surrounding major sporting events like March Madness has created challenges and opportunities alike for networks and shows. As 'Matlock' continues to delight audiences, it's clear the hiatus will only heighten interest in the show's return, ensuring the continued success of this modern twist on a classic narrative.
