Both Elsbeth (CBS, starring Carrie Preston) and Poker Face (Peacock, starring Natasha Lyonne) revive the inverted mystery structure popularized by Columbo in the 1970s. In a traditional “whodunit,” the audience pieces together clues to identify the killer. In a “howcatchem,” viewers witness the crime and perpetrator upfront, then watch the eccentric detective slowly dismantle the killer’s confidence through persistence, odd questions, and underestimated charm.
- Poker Face (created by Rian Johnson) leans into this homage explicitly: Charlie Cale, a lie-detecting drifter, wanders episodic locations with a retro vibe—grainy film look, classic titles, and a signature muscle car. It’s artistic, ambitious, and often praised for elevating the formula with high-stakes guest stars (Adrien Brody, Chloë Sevigny) and sharp writing.
- Elsbeth adapts it to network TV: Elsbeth Tascioni, a quirky attorney from The Good Wife universe, monitors NYPD compliance but ends up solving murders with Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Officer Kaya. Episodes open with the crime, then follow her persistent, scatterbrained probing.
Critics and viewers frequently note the overlap. Reviews describe Elsbeth episodes unfolding “like a typical episode of Poker Face,” with the same structure: murder reveal first, then the sleuth annoys the suspect into confession. Some call Elsbeth a “network Poker Face” or say it gives off “I liked this the first time when it was called Poker Face” vibes. Reddit threads debate which “stole” the premise (though both stem from Columbo).
Key Similarities Between Elsbeth and Poker Face
- Inverted Mystery Format — Crime shown first; focus on “how” the detective catches them.
- Eccentric, Underestimated Female Leads — Both protagonists are quirky women dismissed as oddballs but razor-sharp.
- Persistent Annoyance Tactic — The detective pesters suspects with seemingly irrelevant questions until cracks appear (classic Columbo “one more thing”).
- Guest-Star-Driven Episodes — High-profile cameos add flavor (e.g., Jane Krakowski in Elsbeth, big names in Poker Face).
- Light-Hearted Tone with Clever Twists — Fun procedurals solving cases by episode’s end.
These parallels fuel the “rip-off” narrative, especially since Poker Face premiered in 2023 and Elsbeth in 2024 (though Elsbeth was in development earlier as a Good Wife spinoff).
Crucial Differences That Set Them Apart
Despite the formula, the shows diverge in tone, style, execution, and ambition.
- Setting and MobilityPoker Face: Road-trip format—Charlie travels across the U.S., changing locations, stakes, and vibes each episode. Elsbeth: Mostly New York City-based, tied to NYPD cases—more grounded, procedural feel.
- Protagonist Depth and SuperpowerPoker Face: Charlie has a literal lie-detection ability; cynical, guarded backstory adds edge. Elsbeth: No superpower—just hyper-observant empathy and legal smarts; relentlessly kind and pleasant, even to killers.
- Production and AmbitionPoker Face: Streaming (Peacock), cinematic visuals, Rian Johnson’s pedigree—often called more “artistic.” Elsbeth: Broadcast network (CBS), tighter budgets, but strong in delayed/multi-platform viewing.
- Tone and StakesPoker Face: Higher stakes, edgier humor, varied situations. Elsbeth: Warmer, more comedic, integrated into The Good Wife universe (occasional crossovers like Marissa Gold).
Many reviewers argue Poker Face edges out in creativity, while Elsbeth excels in consistent charm and accessibility.
Is Elsbeth Really a “Cheap Rip-Off”?
The “cheap rip-off” claim is overstated hyperbole. Both shows homage Columbo independently—Elsbeth builds on a pre-existing character developed years before Poker Face aired. Development timelines overlap, and the format isn’t proprietary. Critics note Elsbeth “follows Columbo’s formula most closely” but isn’t a direct copy.
It’s more accurate to say Elsbeth suffers by comparison: Poker Face arrived first with flashier execution, making the CBS version feel like a safer, network adaptation. Yet Elsbeth has carved its niche—quirky fashion, heartfelt moments, and strong ensemble chemistry.
The Cancellation Rumors: Fact vs. Fiction
Sensational headlines claim CBS is “about to cancel” Elsbeth for copying. Reality? The show is secure.
- Renewed for Season 4 (2026-2027), announced January 2026 alongside hits like Tracker and Matlock.
- Strong performer in multi-platform +7 day viewing (#10 overall, top CBS series in streaming).
- Consistent renewals: Season 2 (2024), Season 3 (2025-26), now Season 4.
- No budget or ratings collapse—it’s a reliable procedural in CBS’s Thursday lineup.
Rumors likely stem from clickbait or confusion with other CBS shows. Elsbeth isn’t going anywhere soon.
Why Fans Should Watch Both (Or Choose One)
If you crave artistic flair, road-trip variety, and lie-detection twists → Start with Poker Face. If you prefer warm NYC procedurals, endearing leads, and The Good Wife connections → Elsbeth delivers comfort viewing.
Both prove audiences love modern Columbo-style mysteries. The “rip-off” debate highlights a healthy revival of the genre—not plagiarism.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Elsbeth vs. Poker Face
Elsbeth isn’t a “cheap rip-off”—it’s a solid, network-friendly take on a timeless formula that Poker Face executes with more polish. CBS isn’t canceling it; they’re investing in more seasons. The comparison is fair, but dismissing Elsbeth ignores its charms: Carrie Preston’s Emmy-caliber performance, clever cases, and feel-good escapism.
In a TV landscape full of grim procedurals, both shows remind us why quirky detectives endure. Watch them back-to-back and decide for yourself—no cancellation drama required.
