NEED TO KNOW
Elsbeth is back with more colors and more crimes!
Carrie Preston has returned to reprise her beloved role as Elsbeth Tascioni, the quirky yet brilliant attorney who works alongside the New York Police Department to help solve crimes. The season 3 trailer teased no shortage of moments where Elsbeth must use her unique experience and intuition to resolve even the most dangerous cases — including a hostage incident at a toy store.
In addition to Preston, the hit CBS comedic police procedural also stars Wendell Pierce as NYPD Captain Charles Wallace Wagner. Following season 2, Carra Patterson stepped back from a series regular to a guest star as her character NYPD Officer Kaya Blanke.
Of course, in true Elsbeth fashion, there is no shortage of celebrity cameos this season — including Stephen Colbert starring as the host of the fictional late-night show Way Late with Scotty Bristol. Viewers can also expect to catch Andy Richter, Annaleigh Ashford, Julia Fox, William Jackson Harper, Amy Sedaris, Lindsay Mendez and Sarah Steele.
The series, which is a spinoff from The Good Fight and earlier The Good Wife, premiered as part of a CBS special premiere week on Sunday, Oct. 12. However, after the first week, episodes have resumed their normal Thursday time slot.
Here’s everything to know about the Elsbeth season 3 episode release schedule and when viewers can catch new episodes.
When did Elsbeth season 3 premiere?
Michael Parmelee/CBS
Elsbeth season 3 premiered on Sunday, Oct. 12. The first episode aired as part of a special event after the premiere of Matlock season 2.
The premiere introduced Colbert’s character while also teasing some drama amongst the crew — including Sedaris and Richter’s characters — behind the scenes of his fictional hit talk show.
“I’m very proud of the new season so far,” showrunner Jonathan Tolins told Deadline after the season premiere. “I think we’re doing what we’ve always done, but we’re getting better at it. We continue to attract incredible guest stars and we’re finding more fascinating slices of the culture to explore.”
How many episodes are in season 3 of Elsbeth?
Michael Parmelee/CBS
As of October 2025, CBS has confirmed at least five episodes in season 3 of Elsbeth. The first season consisted of 10 episodes, while the second season featured 20 episodes.
“We’re also taking more risks with the format this season, finding ways to keep the show surprising,” Tolins teased to Deadline. “I’m finding that the show — especially with Carrie Preston’s incredible performance leading the way — can handle everything we throw at it.”
What is the Elsbeth season 3 episode release schedule?
Michael Parmelee/CBS
Although Elsbeth premiered on a Sunday, the series returned to its usual weekly Thursday spot on Oct. 16. CBS has not announced an official release schedule for every episode, but the network has confirmed the first handful of episodes:
Oct. 12: Season 3 premiere, “Yes, And…”Oct. 16: “Doll Day Afternoon”Oct. 23: “Good Grief”Oct. 30: “Ick, A Bod”Nov. 6: “Poetic Justice”
The season will reportedly run until at least Jan. 1. According to Paramount, Elsbeth will air a holiday-themed episode on Dec. 18. In it, Elsbeth will dive into the world of New York ballet after an “avant-garde choreographer’s Nutcracker rehearsal turns deadly.”
What time do new episodes of Elsbeth air?
Elizabeth Fisher/CBS
New episodes of Elsbeth will air Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT. The comedy will follow Matlock, the hit legal drama starring Kathy Bates, airing the hour prior.
Where can I watch Elsbeth?
Michael Parmelee/CBS
All new episodes of Elsbeth will air on CBS and will stream on Paramount+ the following day. The first two seasons of Elsbeth are also all available to watch on Paramount+.