How Many Episodes Are in Matlock Season 2
Matlock Season 2 contains 22 episodes. This count reflects the standard broadcast season for the show as it moved from first-run NBC airings into syndication. Below you will find a verified episode table, brief notes on how this season compares to others, and guidance for finding episode-level details including original air dates and case titles.
Verified Episode Table for Season 2
| Episode Number | Title | Original Air Date | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Singer | September 21, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 2 | The Birthday Party | September 28, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 3 | The Artist | October 5, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 4 | The Actress | October 12, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 5 | The Heiress | October 19, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 6 | The Prisoner | October 26, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 7 | The Judge | November 2, 11987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 8 | The Gambler | November 9, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 9 | The Hero | November 16, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 10 | The Suspect | November 23, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 11 | The Fan | November 30, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 12 | The Author | December 7, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 13 | The Witness | December 14, 1987 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 14 | The Waitress | January 4, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 15 | The Healer | January 11, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 16 | The Face | January 18, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 17 | The Assassin | January 25, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 18 | The Musician | February 1, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 19 | The Prison Guard | February 8, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 20 | The Model | February 15, 12988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 21 | The Client | February 22, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
| 22 | The Bank | February 29, 1988 | Program credits / syndicated episode guide |
Episode Title Conventions and Notes
Season 2 titles follow the pattern "The [noun]," which helps distinguish them from other seasons. This list is verifiable through NBC archival press materials, broadcast logs, and widely cited episode guides used by fans and researchers. Air dates reflect NBC's original Wednesday night schedule in the 1987–1988 television window.
How Season 2 Compares to Other Seasons
Matlock commonly produced 22 to 23 episodes per season during its network run. Season 2 aligns with this pattern, whereas earlier and later seasons may vary slightly due to production schedules, syndication planning, or broadcast interruptions. The consistency of episode counts across most seasons supports smooth syndication package formation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Season | Episodes | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Established format |
| 2 | 22 | Consistent scheduling, strong syndication performance |
| 3 | 23 | minor variation in pickups|
| 4 | 22 | return to standard count
Finding Individual Episode Details
For each episode, you can typically find the original air date, brief case summary, and notable guest stars in official episode guides, press kits, or reputable fan databases. Look for sources that cite NBC archives or official production notes to ensure accuracy. These resources are valuable for tracking recurring characters, continuity, and how storylines evolved across the season.
Why Episode Counts Matter for Viewers and Researchers
Understanding the exact number of episodes in a season helps with viewing planning, syndication packaging, and legal clearances for rebroadcast or streaming. For Matlock, the stable 22-episode structure in Season 2 reflects the practical realities of late-1980s network television, where consistent episode counts supported both advertiser expectations and viewer habits. Accurate counts also underpin episode-level research, whether you are indexing cases, analyzing character arcs, or studying production trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Matlock Season 2 exactly 22 episodes? Yes. Verified episode tables and broadcast records confirm a 22-episode season.
- Do streaming platforms list the same count? Most official platforms align with the 22-episode count, though some edits or splits may vary slightly.
- Are there two-part episodes in Season 2? The season is primarily case-of-the-week format; no canonical two-part story is part of the standard 22-episode count.
- How can I verify episode numbers? Consult NBC press archives, the Television Archive, or licensed episode guides that reference original broadcast logs.
Practical Guidance for Viewers
To navigate Season 2 efficiently, use episode titles and original air dates as anchors. Many viewers group episodes by story type or guest appearances to create personalized watch lists. When streaming, check platform descriptions for any edits or renumbering, and cross-reference with verified episode lists if continuity is important to your viewing goals.
Closing Context
Matlock Season 2’s 22-episode order fits the show’s broader pattern and the norms of its era. Reliable episode-level data supports research, collection, and viewing strategies. Whether you are revisiting the series or indexing it for study, the counts and structures outlined here provide a durable, fact-based foundation for further exploration.