Which Matlock Characters Will Return for Season 2, and Which Won’t?

Matlock is left with numerous unanswered questions following the finale’s surprising revelations — but will all the beloved characters make a return for season 2?

In the finale, which aired on Thursday, April 17, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) uncovered that her ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), was behind the concealment of the Wellbrexa documents. Despite his pleas for her not to expose him, he remained unaware that she discovered the documents due to Matty’s (Kathy Bates) investigation at Jacobson Moore.

Matty was anxiously awaiting news from Olympia when an unexpected visitor arrived at her home. All indications pointed to him being Alfie’s father, whom Matty’s husband had cautioned against contacting after their daughter’s passing.

Creator Jennie Snyder Urman shared with Us Weekly how the incredible support for the series facilitated the evolution of the plot’s twists.

“It was both challenging and intriguing to be in this bubble, shooting episode 17 while the first episode aired. We were already on a path, and now we are connecting with the audience while being careful to still tell our story,” she explained in April 2025. “I always consider how to address any issues viewers pinpoint; I want to ensure the narrative remains strong and logical.”

Urman cautioned Us that fans should not feel too “comfortable,” stating, “This flexibility allows us to shift the formula, making it unique. We have some exciting structural developments in store for next year, which are sure to delight the audience since the finale leaves us in a packed position with various story arcs.”

Continue reading to find out which characters from Matlock will be returning for season 2 — and those who won’t:

Matty Matlock

Not only will Bates be back, but the list of guest stars has expanded, thanks to the lead.

“A few people have reached out to me, expressing interest in joining the show. I won’t disclose names,” Urman teased to Us in April 2025. “It’s thrilling that individuals are keen to be part of Matlock. They want to act alongside Kathy Bates, who is a legend. I’m enthusiastic to say yes to all these requests.”

Olympia Lawrence

“I’m not exaggerating. When I read the finale script, I thought, ‘Here we go!’ Meaning our characters are fully fleshed out [by then]. Everyone has their own agenda, aims, and ambitions — whether those align with their previous alliances or not,” Marshall stated to Us in November 2024 regarding Matlock’s ambitious trajectory.

“Following season 1’s conclusion, I’m confident we’ll see some remarkable guest stars to continue building on this narrative,” she added. “The success of Matlock has garnered a lot of attention, and I am eager to see which incredible talents wish to explore various characters.”

Julian Markston

Following Julian’s revelation as the one responsible for hiding those documents, Ritter is expected to play a more significant role in the upcoming season.

“Olympia has such a strong moral compass that even if they weren’t parents — even if they were in a relationship — she would say, ‘I’m sorry, but you did this,’” Ritter hinted to Us in April 2025. “If Julian faces imprisonment or worsens his public standing, her reaction is unpredictable.”

There’s also potential for a reconciliation between Olympia and Julian.

“I’m uncertain about the future of their relationship. Olympia is fundamentally a good person, making it challenging for her to trust him after the affair and this massive betrayal. Trust is easily shattered and hard to rebuild; it requires effort from both parties,” he shared with Us.

Billy Martinez

Urman suggested that Claudia’s pregnancy does not necessitate Billy reverting to prioritizing others over himself, explaining to Us in April 2025, “You’re asking the very questions we ponder in the writers’ room, but I can’t divulge too much as it’s all part of the season 2 premiere.”

Sarah Franklin

“Although there were unexpected twists along the way, she showed up in court and achieved her goals. It’s incredible. She feels acknowledged and celebrated, which is a significant moment of victory for her,” Urman explained to Us. “However, we also acknowledge that drama will ensue. I want to focus on Sarah feeling fulfilled and celebrate that moment before any turmoil arises.”

Elijah

Now that Olympia’s trust in her ex has been shattered, Elijah could potentially make his move to win her over, correct?

“Honestly, I’m uncertain about how things will unfold between Olympia and Elijah. I hope to see more of him in future episodes. Still, it’s essential to recognize that these relationships aim to move forward, especially since their divorce was finalized,” Marshall shared with Us in November 2024. “The introduction of unexpected elements has altered Olympia’s path with Elijah. I’m intrigued to explore what could have happened in that scenario.”

Senior

“We’ll dive deeper into Julian’s character, gaining insights not just into him but also his mother, which I found exciting,” Ritter mentioned to Us in April 2025. “We may even get acquainted with more of his family. Julian is not the same as Junior, and I’m looking forward to meeting my brother. Their relationships with our father differ significantly, which adds complexity.”

Ritter is equally thrilled about the opportunity for “more backstory,” adding, “Olympia has shared bits about his family, but we haven’t explored it deeply yet. Julian is such a dynamic character, and it’s exhilarating to portray someone multi-faceted.”

Alfie Kingston

With Alfie’s (Aaron Harris) paternity being a focal point of the finale, it’s reasonable to believe that Matty’s grandson will remain part of the narrative.

Edwin Kingston

Similarly, Matty’s husband, Edwin (Sam Anderson), has expressed a clear disinterest in their lives involving Alfie’s father.

“The season 1 finale lays the groundwork for everything,” Urman hinted to Us in April 2025. “In season 2, expect answers to the questions we’ve been teasing.”

Alfie’s Dad

Niko Nicotera made his debut in the final moments of season 1 as Alfie’s potential father.

“Introducing Alfie’s dad will bring significant changes and disrupt the established family dynamics. It introduces an element that Matty struggles to control, which is a discomfort for her,” Urman explained to Us in April 2025. “This includes the necessity for a DNA test to confirm paternity. We will explore his past with Ellie, his struggles with addiction, and whether they choose to deepen their involvement.”

She further added: “This brings everything to the forefront and offers Ellie a more substantial role in the narrative, showcasing more flashbacks that highlight the joy between Ellie and her mother, alongside the pain.”