Matlock Loses A Main Character Ahead Of 2026 Return (How It Affects Kathy Bates’ Revenge Plan)

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When Matlock season 2 returns, one of the show’s main actors won’t be back. CBS is taking an extended winter break for the 2025-2026 TV season, and fans are eager to find out what happens next with their favorite shows. As a popular show on network television, many viewers are both excited and worried about the return of Matlock season 2.

The second season of Matlock last had a new episode in early December 2025. The mid-season finale was full of surprises, as usual. Senior suffered a stroke and was put into a coma, and Madeline and Olympia appeared to be finally reconciling. Despite all of this, the episode also set the stage for Billy to leave the show.

CBS Refuses To Overturn David del Rio’s Matlock Firing After Re-investigation

David Del Rio, who played Billy on Matlock, was fired after his co-star, Leah Lewis, filed harassment complaints against him. He was immediately removed from the set when the accusations surfaced. Production on Matlock season 2 was already scheduled to pause, and this incident added to the need for the writers to determine the show’s direction. CBS later reopened the investigation, potentially allowing Del Rio to return to the series.

After a period of quiet, CBS has confirmed its initial decision (according to EW). This means Billy will not be returning to Matlock for season 2, and a return seems highly unlikely. While the storyline technically allows for his return since his character is still alive, Billy’s exit from the show was prompted by his character’s partner, Sarah, experiencing a miscarriage.

Given what happened behind the scenes, Billy’s time on Matlock is essentially over. While the show could mention him in future conversations, the actor who played him, Del Rio, won’t be appearing on screen again. Show creator Jennie Snyder Urman has confirmed they won’t be replacing the character with a new actor; instead, the show will introduce new characters.

What Losing Billy Means For Matlock’s Main Story

Image via CBS

Billy and Sarah worked together as assistants to Olympia. When Madeline began her plan to get revenge, she pretended to be one of them, and Billy quickly became friendly with her. Sarah was slower to trust her. Billy leaving is a setback for Madeline, as he was a loyal supporter of Olympia and a valuable ally.

Fortunately, Billy isn’t deeply involved in the Wellbrexa scheme, even though he’s close to the person leading it. Senior asked Sarah to keep him informed, which means she’ll play a significant role in how the main story involving Matlock unfolds. While Billy likely would have gotten pulled in eventually, he had very little connection to the plot when del Rio was fired. It also works out well for the show that Sarah’s pregnancy was already established as a possible way for Billy to exit the situation.

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2026-02-23 16:08