For a lot of television fans, January isn't the most exciting month of the year, especially in 2026. If you're a fan of CBS shows, then you're in for a bit longer of a wait for new episodes to return. The network opted to hold most of its shows for February returns in order to make way for the Olympics on NBC. However, CBS just gave us a peace offering: Early renewals!
Typically, TV fans expect to hear about the fates of their favorite shows toward the end of the television season in May, but every now and again we're treated to early renewals. While it's mostly silence from CBS right now, the network went ahead and announced renewals for 10 of its most popular fan-favorite shows, and that includes legal drama Matlock.
Matlock renewed for season 3 at CBS
CBS revealed on Jan. 22, 2026 that Matlock will officially be back for season 3. The renewal comes as little surprise as the legal drama remains one of broadcast's most critically acclaimed series and Kathy Bates has nabbed nominations from the Emmys, Golden Globes, and more major associations. In addition to praise, CBS claims that the series ranks as the No. 1 overall show on Thursday nights.
Matlock season 3 was confirmed alongside the renewal of fellow Thursday night drama Elsbeth, which will also be back for season 4. Other CBS hits that were among this crop of early renewals include Tracker, both NCIS series, and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. It's a good to day be a TV fan and have a sigh of relief that at least some of your shows are safe from cancellation.
The season 3 renewal comes weeks ahead of Matlock season 2's return on CBS. The series signed off with its midseason finale on Dec. 18, which led into a two-month hiatus. CBS opted to keep the majority of its series off the air until after the Olympics conclude in late February. Being so, Matlock doesn't air new episodes until Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9/8c on CBS.
While some sources suggest that Matlock season 2 will only have 16 episodes, which would mean there are only eight episodes left to air when the show returns in February, CBS hasn't outright confirmed the exact episode count. There could be up to 19 episodes like the first season, but a shorter season would also make sense given the extended break and scope of the story.
As season 3 was just announced, there aren't any further details to share just yet, including what to expect from the storylines or who could be added to the cast (or even leave the show). But we can likely expect Matlock season 3 to premiere on CBS in fall 2026. For now, make sure you're all caught up on the latest episodes of season 2 before Matty makes her comeback!