When Elsbeth premiered on CBS, expectations were sky-high. The series wasn’t just another procedural—it was a spinoff centered on one of television’s most eccentric legal minds, played by the endlessly watchable Carrie Preston.
But now that the show has settled into its rhythm, a bigger question looms: Is Elsbeth truly the best thriller currently on CBS, or is it riding almost entirely on Carrie Preston’s charisma?
Let’s break it down.
What Makes Elsbeth Stand Out on CBS?
CBS has long dominated the procedural and crime-thriller space, but Elsbeth feels… different. Instead of focusing on gritty realism or relentless violence, the show leans into intellectual suspense, personality-driven storytelling, and a “howcatchem” structure rather than a traditional whodunit.
At its core, Elsbeth offers:
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A quirky, female-led thriller rarely seen on network TV
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Clever mystery setups resolved through observation, psychology, and intuition
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A lighter tone that still maintains high narrative stakes
This blend makes Elsbeth accessible while still engaging—an increasingly rare balance in broadcast thrillers.
Carrie Preston: The Show’s Greatest Weapon
There’s no denying it: Carrie Preston is the gravitational center of Elsbeth.
Fans first fell in love with Elsbeth Tascioni during her appearances on The Good Wife and later The Good Fight. Her offbeat mannerisms, unexpected brilliance, and emotional depth made her unforgettable.
In Elsbeth, Preston elevates the character even further:
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Her performance blends humor, vulnerability, and sharp intelligence
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Elsbeth’s quirks never feel gimmicky—they’re essential to solving cases
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She commands scenes without overpowering supporting characters
Without exaggeration, few network thrillers survive without a magnetic lead, and Preston delivers week after week.
Is Elsbeth Strong Enough Without Carrie Preston?
This is where the debate gets interesting.
On paper, Elsbeth could seem dangerously close to being a “star vehicle.” Yet the show avoids collapsing under that weight for one key reason: the writing respects the audience’s intelligence.
Each episode:
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Builds tension through subtle clues rather than shocking twists
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Lets viewers follow Elsbeth’s thought process without spoon-feeding answers
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Balances standalone cases with emotional continuity
Even if you removed Preston’s star power, the show’s structure—its pacing, dialogue, and thematic focus on intuition versus authority—remains solid.
That said, Elsbeth would not hit as hard emotionally without her.
How Elsbeth Compares to Other CBS Thrillers
Compared to more traditional CBS crime shows, Elsbeth occupies a unique lane:
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Less procedural fatigue
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More character-driven suspense
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Minimal reliance on graphic crime
While other thrillers on the network prioritize urgency and danger, Elsbeth prioritizes curiosity. That difference alone helps it stand out in an overcrowded genre.
It may not be the darkest thriller CBS offers—but it is arguably the most distinctive.
Living in a Shadow—or Redefining It?
The idea that Elsbeth lives in Carrie Preston’s shadow assumes that a show should somehow transcend its lead actor. In reality, the best television often embraces that strength.
Instead of being overshadowed by Preston, Elsbeth:
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Is shaped by her performance
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Evolves because of her interpretation of the character
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Uses her presence as a storytelling anchor, not a crutch
This isn’t a weakness—it’s intentional design.
So, Is Elsbeth the Best Thriller on CBS Right Now?
Short answer: It depends on what you want from a thriller.
If you’re looking for:
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Explosions and nonstop danger → probably not
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Psychological tension, smart mysteries, and a standout female lead → absolutely
Elsbeth may not redefine the thriller genre, but it redefines what a CBS thriller can feel like—lighter, smarter, and deeply character-driven.
And yes, Carrie Preston is central to that success. But rather than overshadowing the show, she completes it.
Final Verdict
Elsbeth isn’t just surviving on Carrie Preston’s reputation—it’s thriving because the series knows exactly how to use her brilliance. In a sea of formulaic crime dramas, that alone makes it one of the most compelling thrillers currently airing on CBS.
Sometimes, a shadow isn’t something you escape—it’s something you turn into a signature.
