As winter winds down and viewers seek fresh entertainment to brighten their evenings, CBS is set to “light up” February 2026 with the highly anticipated return of one of its breakout hits: Elsbeth. The quirky, Columbo-inspired police procedural comedy-drama resumes its Season 3 on Thursday, February 26, at 10/9c, delivering the dramatic second half of the season after a suspenseful midseason hiatus. Fans who have been eagerly awaiting new episodes since the December 18, 2025, midseason finale can finally mark their calendars—this return promises more clever mysteries, character-driven tension, celebrity guest stars, and the signature eccentric charm that has made Elsbeth a Thursday night staple.
Why Elsbeth Has Become a Must-Watch CBS Series
Since its premiere on February 29, 2024, Elsbeth has carved out a unique niche in the crowded procedural landscape. Created by Robert and Michelle King (the minds behind The Good Wife and The Good Fight), the series spins off the beloved character Elsbeth Tascioni, played to perfection by Emmy winner Carrie Preston. Elsbeth is an unconventional attorney from Chicago who relocates to New York City, partnering with the NYPD to solve high-profile murders using her sharp intuition, offbeat methods, and unfiltered personality.
What sets Elsbeth apart is its blend of humor, heart, and clever whodunits. Drawing heavy inspiration from classic Columbo-style investigations—where the audience knows the culprit early, but the joy lies in watching Elsbeth outsmart them—the show delivers satisfying twists without relying on gore or overly dark themes. Preston’s performance anchors everything; her portrayal of the brilliant yet socially awkward Elsbeth has earned widespread praise for its warmth, wit, and vulnerability.
The series has consistently ranked high in viewer engagement, thanks to its accessible storytelling and strong ensemble. Regulars like Wendell Pierce as Captain C.W. Wagner provide grounded contrast to Elsbeth’s eccentricity, while recurring elements—like her evolving personal life—add emotional depth. By Season 3, Elsbeth has solidified its status as a CBS flagship, earning a Season 4 renewal in January 2026 alongside other network hits.
Season 3 So Far: Building Tension and Twists
Elsbeth Season 3 premiered on October 12, 2025, with a special Sunday slot before shifting to its regular Thursday lineup. The first half delivered 10 episodes packed with memorable cases, guest stars, and character development.
Key highlights include:
- High-profile cameos and crossovers, including nods to the Good Wife universe.
- Elsbeth’s growing personal challenges, particularly her flirtation with mayoral candidate Alec Bloom (Ivan Hernandez).
- The introduction of her journalist son, Teddy (Ben Levi Ross), who brings family dynamics and uncovers potential secrets in Bloom’s past.
- Cases that force Elsbeth to confront her own blind spots—why she’s exceptional at spotting killers but struggles with personal red flags.
The midseason finale, “A Hard Nut to Crack” (Episode 10, aired December 18, 2025), left viewers on a cliffhanger, heightening anticipation for the back half. With a full Season 3 order of 20 episodes, the remaining installments promise to escalate the drama while maintaining the show’s light-hearted tone.
What to Expect in the Dramatic Second Half of Season 3
The midseason premiere, Episode 11 titled “Ol’ Man Liver,” airs February 26 and kicks things off with a bang. Elsbeth takes on a wealthy biohacker (guest star Hamish Linklater) obsessed with eternal youth through extreme measures—including murder. This case blends timely themes like wellness culture and ethical boundaries with classic Elsbeth sleuthing.
Showrunners have teased deeper exploration of ongoing arcs:
- Romantic and family tension: Elsbeth’s relationship with Alec Bloom faces scrutiny as Teddy digs into the politician’s secrets. Expect heartfelt mother-son moments and potential heartbreak.
- Returning characters: Judge Crawford’s widow, Winnie (Henny Russell), is set to reappear, adding layers to past storylines.
- Guest stars and fresh mysteries: The back half will feature more high-caliber cameos, intricate plots, and Elsbeth’s trademark quirky interrogations.
The dramatic tone hinted in previews suggests higher personal stakes—Elsbeth questioning her instincts in love and life—while preserving the fun, puzzle-like cases fans adore. Airing weekly on Thursdays at 10/9c, episodes will also stream on Paramount+ the next day, making it easy for binge-watchers to catch up.
CBS’s February Lineup: Elsbeth Leads the Charge
CBS is positioning February as a powerhouse month for programming. Alongside Elsbeth‘s return, the network rolls out midseason premieres for shows like Ghosts, Matlock, and others, creating a cohesive Thursday block that draws loyal audiences. This strategy “lights up” the schedule after holiday programming lulls, offering viewers comfort viewing with edge-of-your-seat drama and laughs.
Elsbeth‘s placement at 10/9c caps the night perfectly, following lighter fare and building to a thoughtful, character-rich close. With streaming availability on Paramount+, the show reaches both traditional and cord-cutting audiences, boosting its visibility and acclaim.
Why You Should Tune In: The Enduring Appeal of Elsbeth
In an era of gritty procedurals, Elsbeth stands out for its optimism and ingenuity. Carrie Preston’s Emmy-caliber work, combined with smart writing and guest-star appeal, keeps episodes fresh and rewatchable. Whether you’re a longtime Good Wife fan or new to the universe, the series offers escapism with substance—proving that cleverness and kindness can solve even the toughest cases.
As February 26 approaches, excitement is building. Will Elsbeth’s personal life unravel amid her professional triumphs? How will the biohacker case unfold? One thing is certain: Elsbeth returns ready to captivate.
Don’t miss the dramatic second half of Season 3—tune in to CBS on Thursday, February 26, at 10/9c, or stream on Paramount+. Elsbeth isn’t just back; it’s lighting up screens and hearts once again.
