David Del Rio’s departure disrupted Matlock during Season 2 production, but the series eventually gave his character, Billy Martinez, an on-screen exit. TV Insider reported that Del Rio was fired after sexual-assault allegations involving co-star Leah Lewis; Del Rio denies the allegations. The show’s later story resolution was separate from those real-world events: Billy accepted a severance package and left Jacobson Moore.
The phrase “impossible choice” is best understood as framing for the mid-production cast and story problem, not a current renewal dilemma. CBS’s two-hour Season 2 finale aired April 23, 2026, and Paramount Global Content lists the series as renewed for Season 3.
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![Matlock (2024): Season One [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31exKpFr2ML._SL160_.jpg)
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Matlock (2024): Season One [DVD] | $28.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Matlock - Complete Series (DVD, 52 Discs) | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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MATLOCK-2ND SEASON (DVD/6 DISCS) | $15.31 | Buy on Amazon |
Why did David Del Rio leave Matlock?
TV Insider reported that Del Rio was fired during Season 2 production after sexual-assault allegations involving his co-star Leah Lewis. Del Rio denies the allegations. They remain allegations, not established facts, and the reported firing should not be treated as proof of them. TV Insider’s account is the source for the reported circumstances.
The production change affected Billy Martinez, the character Del Rio played. The series handled the exit over several episodes rather than resolving it immediately.
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What happened to Billy Martinez on screen?
His absence began before the character’s final explanation
TV Insider identifies Season 2, episode 7, which aired in December, as Del Rio’s last episode. Afterward, a phone call referred to Billy and his partner Claudia’s miscarriage, but Billy was not heard in the scene. When the series returned on February 26, Sarah moved to Julian’s team while Billy remained absent.
The show explained Billy’s departure in episode 10
In the March 5 episode, an email revealed that Billy had accepted a severance package from Jacobson Moore amid the firm’s merger and would not return. That is the fictional explanation the show gave for Billy’s exit; it is distinct from the reported real-world circumstances of Del Rio’s departure.
Rank #2
- Matlock - Complete Series
- Brand New: An item that has never been opened or removed from the manufacturer’s sealing (if applicable). Item is in original shrink wrap (if applicable). See the seller's listing for full details.
- Format DVD (52 Discs)
- Region Code 1 (US, Canada)
- Actor: Andy Griffith, Linda Purl, Clarence Gilyard Jr, Nancy Stafford, Daniel Roebuck, Julie Sommars, Carol Huston, Kene Holliday, David Froman, Richard Newton, Brynn Thayer, Kari Lizer, Michael Durrell, Don Knotts, Warren Frost, Al Wiggins, Lucille Meredith, Lee Lively, Jason Wingreen
Sarah changed teams, and Hunter joined Olympia’s team
The same March 5 episode introduced Hunter, played by Henry Haber, as a new member of Olympia’s legal team. Sarah’s move to Julian’s team and Hunter’s arrival were part of the show’s on-screen adjustment after Billy’s absence.
Was CBS facing an impossible Season 2 renewal choice?
No. The cast and story disruption happened during Season 2 production; it was not an unresolved choice over whether the network would renew the show for that season. CBS announced a two-hour Season 2 finale, “Who Are You?” and “Matty Matlock,” for April 23, 2026, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The finale’s central serial arc concerned the team’s effort to bring Senior to justice for his role in the Wellbrexa cover-up, alongside an airport ramp safety-negligence case. CBS’s April 9, 2026 announcement set out the finale details.
Rank #3
Paramount Global Content lists Matlock as renewed for Season 3. Its page describes the 2024 series as a CBS drama and procedural and lists Seasons 1 and 2 at 35 episodes in total. It gives October 12, 2025, as the Season 2 premiere date. Paramount Global Content’s series page also describes Matty’s return to the legal world with a hidden agenda and her work alongside Olympia and a new generation of associates.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is in the Matlock cast?
CBS Studios lists Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence, Jason Ritter as Julian Markston, Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin, Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston, and Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston. The page identifies CBS Studios as the producer and lists Jennie Snyder Urman among the executive producers. CBS Studios’ series information provides those credits.
Where can you watch Matlock?
CBS’s April 9, 2026 release says episodes are available through Paramount+ under the terms it described at that time: Premium subscribers have live access through their local CBS affiliate feed and on-demand access, while Essential subscribers have on-demand access the day after broadcast and no live option. Those details reflect the dated release, not a guarantee of current plan terms; check Paramount+ before subscribing. The release also identifies CBS broadcast as the TV option.
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