Elsbeth is back, and it’s bringing more of that quirky, crime-solving magic that’s hooked fans. This CBS gem, spun off from The Good Wife and The Good Fight, follows the brilliant but offbeat attorney Elsbeth Tascioni as she cracks high-society cases with the NYPD in New York City. After two seasons of clever twists, sharp humor, and unforgettable guest stars, Season 3 is ready to roll with a fresh batch of mysteries. Here’s the full scoop on when it premieres, who’s in the cast, and what plots are brewing.
Elsbeth Season 3 Premiere Date
Clear your schedule for a special kickoff. Elsbeth Season 3 starts with a Sunday premiere on October 12, 2025, at 9:30/8:30c on CBS, right after Matlock Season 2. This is a one-night event before the show settles into its regular Thursday slot. The weekly run begins October 16, 2025, at 10/9c. CBS locked in this schedule as part of their fall 2025 lineup, pairing Elsbeth with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts, and Matlock on Thursdays. Can’t catch it live? Paramount+ will have episodes ready to stream, perfect for avoiding spoilers or binging later.
The show’s been pulling in huge viewership—11 million across platforms, up 3% from last year—so it’s no surprise CBS is giving it a prime spot. Expect around 10 to 13 episodes, keeping with past seasons, though the exact count isn’t confirmed yet.
Elsbeth Season 3 Cast Lineup
The core team is back to keep the vibes lively. Carrie Preston returns as Elsbeth Tascioni, the quirky lawyer who spots lies in the glitziest corners of NYC. Wendell Pierce is back as Captain Wagner, the tough-talking cop balancing Elsbeth’s wild ideas. One shift to note: Carra Patterson’s Officer Kaya Blanke isn’t a regular anymore but will pop in as a guest star after her character moved to a D.C. task force last season. This leaves room for new faces like Nikki Reynolds or Chandler to join Elsbeth on cases.
Guest stars are stealing the show this season. Annaleigh Ashford plays a murderous housewife in a creepy Halloween episode. William Jackson Harper’s a desperate poetry journal director stirring up trouble in the arts scene. The premiere, called “Yes, And…,” features Stephen Colbert as Scotty Bristol, a late-night host caught in backstage drama, with Amy Sedaris as head writer Laurel Hammond-Muntz and Andy Richter as her husband Mickey. Lindsay Mendez steps in as Officer Grace Hackett, a comic whose stand-up skills help crack a case.
Episode 2 brings David Cross as Nolan Hurst, a shady toy store figure in a hostage situation, alongside Julia Fox as Raquel Drabowski. Marcia DeBonis returns as Sheryl Jacobs, and there’s a chance Ben Levi Ross is back as Elsbeth’s son Teddy. Some fans are crossing fingers for Ioan Gruffudd to reprise Angus, given their chemistry last season. This cast is stacked with talent to keep every episode popping.
Elsbeth Season 3 Plot Teasers
Season 3 sticks with the “howcatchem” style—showing the crime first, then letting Elsbeth unravel it with her unique flair. The premiere, “Yes, And…,” dives into the messy world of late-night TV, with Scotty, Laurel, and Mickey tangled in a murder that Elsbeth and Officer Hackett tackle. Episode 2 ramps up with Nolan Hurst’s toy store deal turning into a deadly hostage crisis.
Look out for themed episodes, like the Halloween one with Ashford’s killer housewife, blending spooky chills with the show’s signature laughs. Harper’s poetry journal plot digs into money troubles driving crime in the literary world. The Delia Kirby trial from Season 2 gets a quick off-screen wrap-up with a conviction, keeping the focus on new mysteries. Some past guest stars might return, and a few cases could tie back to earlier seasons for extra depth.
While the season’s big arc is still under wraps, expect standalone cases mixed with peeks into Elsbeth’s personal life and her dynamic with Wagner. The formula of smart mysteries and playful humor stays true to what makes the show shine.
