The hit CBS series Elsbeth continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of quirky detective work, sharp wit, and high-profile guest stars. In Season 3, fans are buzzing about two exciting additions: acclaimed actress Beanie Feldstein and veteran actor-director Griffin Dunne, who make memorable guest appearances. These “visits” to the world of Elsbeth Tascioni bring fresh energy to the show’s signature mix of murder mysteries and eccentric New York charm. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the series, these cameos promise to deliver standout performances that elevate the already stellar storytelling.
What Makes Elsbeth So Addictive?
Elsbeth, a spin-off from The Good Wife and The Good Fight universe, follows the brilliant but unconventional attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (played by the Emmy-winning Carrie Preston). Relocated to New York City as part of a consent decree, Elsbeth partners with the NYPD to solve complex crimes involving the city’s elite. Her unorthodox methods—combined with her keen observational skills and disarming demeanor—make her one of television’s most endearing sleuths.
The show thrives on its procedural format infused with humor, social commentary, and celebrity guest stars who often play suspects, victims, or key witnesses. Season 3 builds on this tradition, with new episodes airing Thursday nights on CBS following the mid-season return on February 26, 2026. The series has earned praise for its clever writing by creators Robert and Michelle King, and its ability to attract top talent for one-off roles.
Beanie Feldstein’s Role: A Generous Friend with a Dark Twist
Beanie Feldstein, best known for her breakout performance in the comedy Booksmart (2019) and her critically acclaimed portrayal of Monica Lewinsky in Impeachment: American Crime Story, joins Elsbeth in Episode 315 as Rachel. Rachel is described as the ultimate loyal friend—the one who organizes and attends every milestone event for her circle: baby showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, gender reveals, and more. She’s the go-to planner, always putting others first.
However, when it’s time to celebrate Rachel’s own special day, her generosity goes unreciprocated, leading to potentially deadly consequences. This setup fits perfectly with Elsbeth‘s pattern of exploring how personal slights and social dynamics can escalate into murder among the privileged. Feldstein’s natural warmth and comedic timing make her an ideal fit for a character whose kindness is tested in extreme ways. Viewers can expect her to deliver a nuanced performance that balances humor with underlying tension, much like her previous roles that showcase emotional depth beneath surface-level charm.
Feldstein’s casting adds another layer of Broadway flair to Elsbeth, as she has starred in revivals like Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl. Her appearance highlights the show’s ongoing tradition of welcoming versatile performers who can handle both drama and comedy.
Griffin Dunne’s Appearance: The Ego-Driven Novelist
In Episode 316, Griffin Dunne guest stars as Elliott, a world-famous novelist known for his massive ego and surprisingly thin skin. When a childhood acquaintance—who also happens to be a book critic—publicly points out flaws in Elliott’s latest work, the situation spirals into something far more sinister and deadly.
Dunne, whose career spans decades with iconic roles in Martin Scorsese’s After Hours (1985), An American Werewolf in London, and more recent turns in This Is Us and Impeachment: American Crime Story, brings gravitas and dry wit to the role. As an actor-director (he helmed Practical Magic and episodes of various series), Dunne excels at portraying complex, flawed characters. Elliott’s arrogance masking insecurity provides fertile ground for Elsbeth‘s investigative style, where small clues unravel big egos.
Fans of Dunne will appreciate how his presence adds intellectual intrigue to the episode, turning a literary critique into a high-stakes mystery. His chemistry with Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth is anticipated to be electric, given his history of sharp, dialogue-driven performances.
Why These Guest Stars Are a Perfect Fit for Elsbeth Season 3
Elsbeth has built a reputation for attracting A-list talent to its guest roster, including previous standouts like Annaleigh Ashford, Andrew Rannells, Dianne Wiest, Tony Hale, and Lois Smith in Season 3 alone. Beanie Feldstein and Griffin Dunne continue this trend, bringing star power that draws in broader audiences while staying true to the show’s quirky tone.
Both actors have ties to prestige television and film, and their roles involve themes of friendship, betrayal, and ego—recurring motifs in Elsbeth‘s cases. These episodes explore how everyday resentments among the well-connected can turn fatal, with Elsbeth’s unique perspective uncovering the truth in unexpected ways.
The announcements from sources like Deadline have generated significant excitement online, with fans on platforms like Reddit and social media expressing enthusiasm for seeing these performers “visit” the Elsbeth world. As Season 3 progresses, these appearances are expected to rank among the season’s highlights.
What to Expect from Elsbeth Season 3 Overall
Beyond these guest spots, Season 3 features returning favorites like Wendell Pierce as Captain C.W. Wagner, along with evolving dynamics in the NYPD team. The series maintains its Thursday night slot, making it a reliable weekly escape filled with clever twists and laugh-out-loud moments.
With strong ratings and critical acclaim, Elsbeth has solidified its place as a must-watch procedural comedy-drama. The addition of talents like Feldstein and Dunne ensures the season remains fresh and unpredictable.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss These Star-Studded Episodes
Beanie Feldstein and Griffin Dunne’s guest appearances in Elsbeth Season 3 are shaping up to be unforgettable. From Rachel’s heartbreaking story of unreturned loyalty to Elliott’s ego-fueled downfall, these “visits” showcase why the series continues to thrive: exceptional casting paired with smart, entertaining mysteries.
Tune in to CBS on Thursday nights—or stream on Paramount+—to see how Elsbeth unravels the cases involving these talented stars. Whether you’re drawn by the celebrity cameos, the clever writing, or Carrie Preston’s iconic performance, Season 3 delivers the perfect mix of intrigue and fun.
