Elsbeth has quickly become a fan-favorite on CBS, blending sharp wit, clever mysteries, and the quirky charm of its lead character, Elsbeth Tascioni (played brilliantly by Emmy winner Carrie Preston). As a spin-off from The Good Wife universe, the show follows the unconventional attorney as she partners with the NYPD to solve high-profile crimes in New York City. Season 3, which premiered in October 2025, delivers more of the signature procedural comedy-drama, with fresh cases, recurring storylines, and guest stars that keep viewers hooked.
The season kicked off with a special Sunday premiere and settled into its regular Thursday slot at 10/9c on CBS. After airing the first half of the season through December 2025 (including a holiday-themed midseason finale), the show went on a winter break. New episodes resume on February 26, 2026, and will continue weekly on Thursdays.
This guide provides the full broadcast schedule for Season 3 (based on available CBS and TV listings), episode titles, air dates, and mild spoilers — just enough to tease the plot without ruining major twists. Whether you’re catching up or planning your viewing, here’s everything you need to know about Elsbeth Season 3.
Season 3 Broadcast Schedule
Season 3 consists of 20 episodes, following the pattern of previous seasons. Episodes air on CBS Thursdays at 10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT (except for the premiere). Stream on Paramount+ the next day.
- Episode 1: “Yes, And…”Air Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025 (special premiere at 9:30/8:30c) Mild Spoilers: Elsbeth dives into the world of late-night comedy when a talk-show host (guest star Stephen Colbert) meets a suspicious end amid backstage tensions. She also meets a new police officer who’s an aspiring stand-up comic. The episode introduces fresh dynamics and highlights Elsbeth’s unique observational skills.
- Episode 2: “Doll Day Afternoon”Air Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A murder at a famous New York toy store spirals into a hostage crisis. Elsbeth negotiates with the hapless ex-con involved, while Captain Wagner deals with a rival cop’s reckless tactics that could escalate the danger.
- Episode 3: “Good Grief”Air Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A “grief influencer” celebrates her presumed-dead husband’s miraculous return, but the reunion turns fatal. Elsbeth uncovers layers of deception in this emotionally charged case.
- Episode 4: “Ick, a Bod”Air Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A bizarre murder involving a body in an unexpected place leads Elsbeth to question motives tied to personal grudges and hidden secrets.
- Episode 5: “Poetic Justice”Air Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A case involving poetic justice gone wrong brings back familiar faces, including Marissa Gold (Sarah Steele) from The Good Fight, tying into Elsbeth’s personal and professional life.
- Episode 6: “Bunker Down”Air Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Mild Spoilers: Elsbeth investigates a kidnapping and murder with ties to isolationist billionaires, exploring themes of trust and human connection in a tense standoff.
- Episode 7: “And Then There Were Nuns”Air Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A pop star’s purchase of a failing convent turns into a murder scene. Elsbeth faces off against a formidable Mother Superior in this divine yet deadly real estate drama.
- Episode 8: “Basket Case”Air Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A sports-related murder exposes family secrets and false accusations, with Elsbeth challenging authorities who initially dismiss her insights.
- Episode 9: “Glamazons”Air Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 Mild Spoilers: A high-fashion world murder involves a ruthless influencer who outsmarts everyone — until Elsbeth pieces together the clues.
- Episode 10: “A Hard Nut to Crack”Air Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 (midseason finale) Mild Spoilers: A holiday-themed mystery features a grisly Nutcracker performance gone wrong. The episode ends on a cliffhanger involving Elsbeth’s budding romance with mayoral candidate Alec Bloom (Ivan Hernandez), as her son Teddy uncovers suspicious details about his past.
- Episode 11Air Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (midseason premiere) Mild Spoilers: The show returns with unresolved tension from the midseason finale, focusing on Elsbeth’s personal life and a new case that tests her intuition.
- Episodes 12–20Air Dates: Thursdays starting March 5, 2026, and continuing weekly (exact titles and plots TBA). Mild Spoilers: The second half of the season will likely resolve the Alec Bloom arc, deepen Elsbeth’s relationships with Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Officer Hackett (Lindsay Mendez), and feature more high-profile guest stars and clever twists.
Note: Schedules are subject to change due to CBS programming. Check official CBS listings or Paramount+ for updates.
Why Elsbeth Season 3 Is Must-Watch TV
Season 3 builds on the show’s strengths: Carrie Preston’s Emmy-caliber performance, witty dialogue from creators Robert and Michelle King, and standalone mysteries that reward attention to detail. The overarching arcs — like Elsbeth’s romance and family dynamics — add emotional depth, making it more than just procedural fare.
Guest stars (including Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Andrew Rannells) elevate each episode, while the New York setting and clever humor keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the The Good Wife universe or new to Elsbeth, Season 3 offers smart, entertaining mysteries with heart. Don’t miss the midseason return on February 26, 2026 — it’s the perfect way to kick off your Thursday nights. Stream past episodes on Paramount+ and stay tuned for more twists, laughs, and justice served Elsbeth-style.
