CBS’ top-tier slate of TV shows means there’s a lot of options when it comes to possible crossover episodes with Matlock.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Jason Ritter revealed which CBS show had his vote.
“Elsbeth is right there. Not only are we on the same night, it’s the world of law,” Ritter, 45, shared while promoting his upcoming hosting gig at The Festival of Arts’ California Dreamin’: A Benefit for the Arts on Saturday, August 23. “I just think it would be so fun.”
Ritter could see the fictional worlds molding perfectly.
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“I love Carrie Preston so much and I think she’s brilliant. I would love to see that Elsbeth energy on an episode of Matlock — or some of us over in an episode of Elsbeth,” he continued. “Sometimes they do two episodes of each show where they cross into each other. So that would be so fun. That would be my dream.”
Another show on Ritter’s wishlist is Justin Hartley‘s Tracker. “If Tracker ever wants a partner [for Justin’s character, Colter], maybe Julian leaves the firm and he starts a new life,” Ritter joked. “Just two rugged guys.”
Ritter is currently filming season 2 of CBS’ hit series Matlock, which picks up after his character, Julian, was revealed to be the one who hid documents that would have taken opioids off the streets sooner.
“[In season 1], Julian was in the middle of a divorce, but he was going through his life with his skeletons safely in his closet. Now, with the affair coming out — and then with the other big reveal coming out — he’s in a new boat,” Ritter teased. “There is no pretending with [his ex-wife] Olympia anymore. Or compartmentalizing and putting [things] away in a dark and shameful drawer.”
The fan-favorite character will have to face his mistakes when Matlock returns. “Julian is going to have to grapple — one way or another — with this. It’s such a shameful thing that he has just put it away, tried to be a good dad and focused on his family,” Ritter explained. “Now, he is grappling with the ramifications of what he did. Also he’s terrified.”
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Amid production on season 2 of the award-winning series, Ritter is taking a break to host the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show on Saturday in Laguna Beach. The event features a concert by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack before Ritter introduces a special presentation of the 2025 Pageant of the Masters.
“This opportunity came about because Joe Mantegna — who I love very dearly — invited us all to go to this event 20 years ago. It was so mind-blowingly beautiful and such an unforgettable experience. Somehow I actually just haven’t been back since then,” Ritter noted. “Joe just asked if I would love to host and it was an excuse to get to see it again. I can’t wait to watch these paintings come to life. It feels like one of the most surreal things I’ve ever seen live. It’s very, very beautiful and the amount of work that goes into it is incredible. It’s perfect for anybody who is down in Laguna and looking for a beautiful moment.”
Just before the show, Ritter will be drawing the winning ticket for a brand new 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra (or $10,000 cash in lieu of a car), which visitors can still buy raffle tickets for with $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets. Funds raised will benefit the nonprofit organization and its programming and tickets are still available.
Matlock returns to CBS on Sunday, October 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET before taking its regular Thursday night time slot on October 16. New episodes will be streaming the next day on Paramount+.
