Bad news, Matlock fans — the new hit CBS series isn’t on tonight, Thursday, November 21. So, viewers will have to wait a little bit longer to see what happens next in the legal drama TV show based on the 1986 series of the same name. The show has been a massive success for the network, as the Matlock reboot set a major CBS premiere record and has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score (100 percent). Consequently, taking a quick hiatus during the holidays likely won’t affect Matlock‘s ratings as season 1 continues.

Less than a week following the release of
Matlock
season 1, episode 2, “Rome, in a Day,” CBS renewed the TV series for a second season. The show’s impressive ratings, which were retained with episode 2, undoubtedly had a hand in its swift renewal.

The Matlock reboot gender flips the original series, with Kathy Bates taking over from Andy Griffith as the eponymous character almost 30 years after the first show ended. Bates stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, but there is much more to the story than meets the eye. During the pilot episode of Matlock, the audience learns just how different it is from the original series, and not just because the lead character is a woman instead of a man. However, fans will have to wait a couple of weeks to learn what happens to Matty next because Matlock is taking a break.

Why There Is No New Matlock Tonight (November 21, 2024)

The Kathy Bates Legal Drama Is Going On A Hiatus

As mentioned above, CBS will not release a new episode of Matlock season 1 tonight, Thursday, November 21, 2024. The network won’t even air a repeat episode of Matlock. Instead, CBS will debut its 2024 original holiday film Nugget is Dead? A Christmas Story in the legal drama’s timeslot. Nugget is Dead? A Christmas Story runs from 8 pm to 10 pm ET on November 21, while repeat episodes of George & Mandy’s First Marriage season 1 and Ghosts season 4 air at 10 pm and 10:30 pm, respectively.

Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story follows Steph Stool, a woman who must forego her plans to spend the holidays with her boyfriend to return to her hometown after her family’s dog, Nugget, becomes ill. The CBS Christmas movie takes place in a small coastal town in Australia and is seemingly a comedy with heartfelt, emotional themes. Perhaps Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story has nothing in common with Kathy Bates’ Matlock reboot, but it still might be worth the watch for fans of the show.

When Will A New Episode Of Matlock Release?

Matlock Returns In December 2024

Unfortunately, CBS won’t air the next episode of Matlock season 1 the week after November 21, too. Since Thursday, November 28, is Thanksgiving, the network is only running re-runs of its original shows, including George & Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts, Matlock, and Elsbeth. According to TV Guide, Matlock season 1, episode 2, “Rome, in a Day,” will air on November 28 at 9 pm ET instead of episode 7.

The good news is that Matlock returns the following week, on Thursday, December 5. Episode 7, “Belly of the Beast,” is set to air, while CBS will release episode 8, “No, No Monsters,” one week later, on December 12. Unfortunately, it seems like Kathy Bates’ successful Matlock TV show will then go on its winter hiatus, as episode 8 is its fall finale.

What To Expect From The Upcoming Matlock Episode

Matty Works On A Pharmaceutical Case With Julian

Following Matlock season 1, episode 6, the next hour of the CBS legal drama features Matty teaming up with Jason Ritter’s Julian on a pharmaceutical case. A woman is suing a company after participating in a clinical trial that allegedly gave her severe symptoms in “Belly of the Beast.” Meanwhile, Skye P. Marshall’s Olympia Lawrence learns a secret concerning Julian’s (her ex) past. In the midst of all the chaos is the law firm’s holiday party, which is sure to be festive and dramatic, based on Matlock season 1, episode 7’s synopsis.

Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, TV Guide