The hit CBS procedural dramedy Elsbeth continues to impress audiences and critics alike in its third season, blending sharp wit, clever mysteries, and an ever-growing roster of high-profile guest stars. In the latest exciting casting announcement, beloved actors Mark Linn-Baker, Joanna Gleason, and Didi Conn are set to guest star together in Episode 16 of Season 3. They will share the screen with previously announced guest Griffin Dunne, promising a memorable and star-studded installment that fans won’t want to miss.
This news, first reported exclusively by Deadline on February 2, 2026, highlights how Elsbeth has become a go-to destination for iconic performers from television, film, Broadway, and beyond. The series, a spin-off from the acclaimed The Good Wife and The Good Fight universe, follows the quirky yet brilliant attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Emmy winner Carrie Preston) as she navigates New York City’s elite circles while solving crimes alongside the NYPD.
Who Are the New Guest Stars Joining ‘Elsbeth’ Season 3?
Mark Linn-Baker will portray Barney Corman, a bookstore owner and literary critic who shares a hometown connection with the famed novelist Elliott Pope, played by Griffin Dunne. Linn-Baker is best known for his comedic timing and memorable roles across decades. He rose to fame as Balki Bartokomous in the classic 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers, where his chemistry with Bronson Pinchot created countless iconic moments. More recently, he delivered a standout performance in HBO’s Succession, showcasing his dramatic range. With stage credits including Broadway productions like The Music Man and You Can’t Take It With You, Linn-Baker brings a perfect mix of charm, intellect, and subtle humor to his Elsbeth role.
Joanna Gleason, a Tony Award winner, joins as part of this talented trio. Gleason has long been celebrated for her work on stage and screen. She earned her Tony for originating the role of the Baker’s Wife in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, and has appeared in numerous Broadway hits such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Social Security. On television, she shone in The West Wing, The Good Wife, and The Good Fight—making her appearance in the Elsbeth universe feel like a natural extension of her impressive resume. Gleason’s ability to blend warmth, intelligence, and quiet strength makes her an ideal addition to the show’s ensemble of complex, engaging characters.
Didi Conn, another veteran with a loyal fanbase, rounds out the guest lineup for Episode 16. Conn is eternally remembered as Frenchy in the blockbuster musical film Grease (1978) and its sequel, where her portrayal of the sweet, beauty-school dropout became a pop-culture staple. She also starred in the sitcom Benson and appeared in Broadway’s Lost in Yonkers. Conn’s endearing screen presence and comedic flair have kept her relevant across generations, and her involvement in Elsbeth adds a nostalgic yet fresh energy to the episode.
Together with Griffin Dunne (known for films like After Hours, An American Werewolf in London, and recent roles in Succession and Impeachment: American Crime Story), these actors form a powerhouse quartet. Dunne’s character, Elliott Pope, is a renowned novelist whose connections tie into the episode’s central mystery, likely involving literary intrigue, small-town secrets, or high-society drama—hallmarks of Elsbeth‘s clever plotting.
Why ‘Elsbeth’ Season 3 Continues to Excel with Star Power
Since its premiere, Elsbeth has carved out a unique niche in the crowded procedural landscape. Unlike traditional crime shows, it leans heavily into character-driven storytelling, eccentric personalities, and humor that doesn’t sacrifice suspense. Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni—clad in her signature eclectic outfits and armed with unorthodox deduction skills—has become one of television’s most endearing detectives.
Season 3 has already featured an impressive array of guest stars, demonstrating the show’s appeal to top talent. Previous episodes have welcomed performers such as:
- Lindsey Normington
- Jaime Pressly
- Andrew Rannells
- Tony Hale
- Dianne Wiest
- Lois Smith
- Sarah Steele (reprising her Good Wife/Fight character Marissa Gold)
- Stephen Colbert
- William Jackson Harper
- Annaleigh Ashford
- Andy Richter
- Amy Sedaris
And more. The addition of Broadway and screen legends like Gleason, Linn-Baker, and Conn fits seamlessly into this pattern of attracting performers with rich theatrical backgrounds. Many of these guests have ties to the extended Good Wife universe or share a love for witty, intelligent scripts—qualities that define Elsbeth.
The show’s format allows each episode to function as a semi-standalone mystery while building ongoing character arcs. This structure keeps viewers returning week after week, especially as Elsbeth’s relationships with Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and the rest of the NYPD evolve.
What to Expect from Episode 16 and the Rest of Season 3
While plot details for Episode 16 remain under wraps, the involvement of a bookstore owner/literary critic (Linn-Baker), a novelist (Dunne), and two accomplished actresses suggests a story blending intellectual puzzles, personal histories, and perhaps a murder tied to the world of books or publishing. Elsbeth excels at turning seemingly mundane settings into hotbeds of intrigue, so expect clever twists, sharp dialogue, and Elsbeth’s signature “Aha!” moments.
Season 3 has maintained strong momentum, with new episodes airing Thursday nights on CBS following a mid-winter break. The series’ renewal and consistent guest-star buzz indicate it’s poised for continued success, possibly even awards recognition for Preston and the ensemble.
Fans of procedurals like The Good Wife, Murder, She Wrote, or Columbo will appreciate how Elsbeth updates the genre with modern sensibilities, diverse casting, and laugh-out-loud humor. The guest-star announcements keep the excitement high, drawing in both longtime viewers and newcomers curious about the latest celebrity cameo.
Final Thoughts on This Exciting ‘Elsbeth’ Casting News
The casting of Mark Linn-Baker, Joanna Gleason, and Didi Conn in Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 16 is more than just another guest-star reveal—it’s a celebration of veteran talent coming together for a show that values smart writing and charismatic performances. Alongside Griffin Dunne, this group promises an episode filled with charm, depth, and mystery-solving magic.
As Elsbeth continues to thrive on CBS, episodes like this remind us why the series has become a standout in primetime television. Be sure to tune in for Episode 16 when it airs—it’s shaping up to be one of the season’s highlights.
Stay updated on all things Elsbeth by following CBS announcements and reliable entertainment sources. With such stellar additions, Season 3 is proving to be the show’s strongest yet.
