Elsbeth, the beloved CBS procedural dramedy starring Emmy winner Carrie Preston as the quirky, brilliant attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, has captured audiences with its unique blend of mystery, humor, and unconventional detective work. As a spin-off from The Good Wife and The Good Fight universe, the series follows Elsbeth as she assists the NYPD in solving high-profile murders in New York City, all while navigating her eccentric personality and sharp intuition. With Season 3 currently underway, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of new episodes after the midseason break.
If you’re wondering when does Elsbeth return for the rest of Season 3, you’re not alone. The show went on hiatus after its midseason finale aired on December 18, 2025, leaving viewers hanging on unresolved cases and character developments. The good news? Elsbeth is set to resume with fresh episodes soon.
When Does Elsbeth Season 3 Return?
Elsbeth Season 3 returns on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at its regular time slot of 10/9c on CBS. This marks the midseason premiere, picking up right where the show left off after Episode 10, “A Hard Nut to Crack,” which aired as the midseason finale.
The break has been filled with reruns and special programming on CBS, including episodes of Matlock airing in the Thursday 10 p.m. slot on January 22 and January 29, followed by events like the Grammy Awards. But starting February 26, new installments will air weekly, bringing back the signature mix of clever whodunits, guest stars, and Elsbeth’s signature disorganized charm.
This return date has been confirmed across multiple sources, including CBS’s official site, TV Insider, People, and Paramount Press releases. For fans streaming on Paramount+, episodes typically become available shortly after airing (same day for Premium subscribers, next day for Essential).
Elsbeth Season 3 Release Schedule and Episode Breakdown
Season 3 of Elsbeth consists of 20 episodes, following the pattern of previous seasons. The first half aired from October 2025 through December 2025, with a special premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025, before shifting to Thursdays.
Here’s a recap of the aired episodes so far:
- Episode 1: “Yes, And…” (October 12, 2025) – A special Sunday premiere diving into the world of late-night comedy with guest appearances and backstage drama.
- Episode 2: “Doll Day Afternoon” (October 16, 2025) – A toy store murder turns into a hostage crisis.
- Episode 3: “Good Grief” (October 23, 2025) – Involving a “grief influencer” and a shocking return from the dead.
- Episode 4: “Ick, a Bod” (October 30, 2025) – Halloween-themed rivalry in Sleepy Hollow.
- Episode 5: “Poetic Justice” (November 6, 2025) – Features returning characters from The Good Fight.
- Episode 6: “Bunker Down” (air date adjusted in some listings, but part of early season).
- Episode 7: “And Then There Were Nuns” (November 20, 2025) – Guest starring Dianne Wiest in a full-circle moment for showrunner Jonathan Tolins.
- Episode 8: “Basket Case” (December 4, 2025) – College basketball murder mystery with Lana Condor.
- Episode 9: “Glamazons” (December 11, 2025) – ’90s supermodel reunion with Jaime Pressly.
- Episode 10: “A Hard Nut to Crack” (December 18, 2025) – Ballet world intrigue during a “Nutcracker” rehearsal.
The second half begins with Episode 11 on February 26, 2026, titled “And Then There Were Nuns” in some previews (though listings vary slightly due to production order). Subsequent episodes will continue weekly on Thursdays at 10/9c, likely wrapping up in spring 2026.
Exact titles and synopses for post-hiatus episodes are still emerging, but expect more high-profile guest stars, crossovers from the Good Wife universe, and Elsbeth’s trademark eccentric methods solving complex cases.
Why Elsbeth Season 3 Is a Must-Watch
Elsbeth stands out in the crowded procedural landscape thanks to its Columbo-inspired inverted mysteries—viewers often know the killer early, but the fun lies in watching Elsbeth piece it together in her unique way. Carrie Preston’s performance has earned critical acclaim, blending comedy, vulnerability, and intelligence seamlessly.
Season 3 has introduced fresh storylines, including deeper explorations of supporting characters like Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Officer Becca (various dynamics). Recurring elements from previous seasons, such as returns from Marissa Gold (Sarah Steele), add continuity for longtime fans.
The show’s success is evident: CBS renewed it for Season 4 in January 2026, even before Season 3 concluded, signaling strong confidence in its staying power. Ratings have held steady, and it’s a hit on Paramount+ streaming.
Where to Watch Elsbeth
New episodes air live on CBS Thursdays at 10/9c. For cord-cutters:
- Stream next-day on Paramount+ (Essential plan) or same-day with Paramount+ Premium.
- Catch up on Seasons 1-3 via Paramount+.
- Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV carry CBS in most markets.
Don’t miss the return—set your reminders for February 26, 2026!
Final Thoughts
Elsbeth continues to deliver witty, engaging mysteries with heart, and Season 3’s upcoming episodes promise more of what fans love. Whether you’re a longtime follower from the Good Wife days or a newcomer drawn to the charming lead, the wait is almost over. Mark your calendars for February 26, 2026, when Elsbeth returns to solve more crimes in her one-of-a-kind style. Stay tuned to CBS and Paramount+ for any last-minute schedule updates, and enjoy the ride!
