Matlock Addresses David Del Rio's Exit with a Sharp Joke in Midseason Premiere

Melina GraySat, February 28, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC

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((Photo by Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty Images))

Matlock addressed the real-life departure of David Del Rio head-on during its midseason premiere. The CBS series returned for the second half of its second season on Thursday, February 26, and delivered a direct joke regarding the actor's sudden exit from the show.

A Sharp Comment on Redundancies

During the episode, Sarah (Leah Lewis) and Matty (Kathy Bates) meet with an HR representative named Gwen Easton (Sarah Wright Olsen) from Lamar and Olson, the law firm merging with Jacobson Moore. When Gwen asks about the whereabouts of first-year associate Billy Martinez, Sarah stammers through a quick excuse.

"Out sick. Very, very sick. Vomiting, and he," Sarah says, before Matty interrupts to add, "And we've got him covered".

Gwen seizes the moment to make a sharp remark about layoffs. "Yay, so no need for him to return," she replies. "Job eliminated".

After a brief, awkward pause, Gwen clarifies she is "kidding again". The exchange serves as a clear, on-screen confirmation of Del Rio's permanent absence from the series.

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Related: ‘Matlock’ Actor Fired After Sexual Assault Allegation Involving Co-Star Leah Lewis

The Off-Screen Investigation

Del Rio was fired from Matlock in October 2025 following an allegation of sexual assault. The accusation was brought forward by Lewis, and Del Rio was escorted off the Paramount lot the same day the incident was reported to CBS.

Before the midseason premiere, the series began laying the groundwork to write Billy out of the storyline. During the fall midseason finale in December, the show revealed Billy took a "personal day" after his girlfriend suffered a miscarriage, suggesting he would step back from his duties.

Del Rio's final onscreen appearance occurred in the December 4 episode, "Prior Bad Acts".

Jacobson Moore's Next Chapter

For months, fans debated whether CBS would recast the role or write Billy off entirely. In February 2026, CBS officially concluded a supplemental internal review after Del Rio hired attorney Shawn Holley. The network announced it would stand by its original decision to terminate his contract.

With Gwen's pointed joke, Matlock makes it clear that Billy's desk will remain empty. While the production has added new cast members like Wright Olsen and Henry Haber, producers confirmed they are not direct replacements for Del Rio's character. The series will continue its second season by blending his exit into the ongoing firm merger storyline.

Next: CBS Reopens Investigation Into ‘Matlock’ Cast Member’s Firing

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”