Carrie Preston made a memorable entrance as Elsbeth Tascioni when The Good Wife premiered on CBS in 2010. Since then, she has reprised her role in the Paramount+ spin-off The Good Fight, and now, she is back in the spotlight with the latest spin-off, Elsbeth, which debuted in February 2024 and is currently in its second season.
In this new chapter, Elsbeth transitions from her career as a Chicago attorney to a consulting detective for the NYPD. Each episode sees her tackle crimes with an exceptional mix of intuition, clever thinking, and a dash of humor. Drawing inspiration from the classic detective show Columbo, the series reveals the murderer’s identity at the start, building suspense around their motives instead. Elsbeth’s journey to uncover the truth is enhanced by her trademark heart and a profound sense of justice.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Preston shared insights about her long-standing character and discussed what viewers can anticipate from the forthcoming episodes of Elsbeth season 2. The season will introduce new dynamics, including Elsbeth’s long-rumored son, Teddy, portrayed by Ben Levi Ross, while this week’s episode will feature an intriguing nemesis played by Preston’s husband, Michael Emerson, known for his work on Lost and Person of Interest. In reflecting on her character’s evolution over 14 years, Preston hinted at future opportunities to direct episodes.
Preston Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of Elsbeth Tascioni
“Our show brings joy, humor, curiosity, compassion, and a comforting sense of justice to the world.”
ScreenRant: You’ve portrayed Elsbeth on and off since 2010. How do you keep her character fresh, or is she the type of character you can effortlessly return to?
Carrie Preston: Fortunately, the writers have such a profound understanding of her character. They’ve introduced her to a new city and a different profession, allowing me to discover new facets in each episode. Working with a new cast each week keeps the experience vibrant and engaging.
ScreenRant: Given that the show is derived from The Good Wife and The Good Fight, it embraces a lighter tone with a unique vision. How did the inception of an “Elsbeth Solo Show”come about, and did it evolve into the series we see today?
Carrie Preston: When I first joined the series 14 years ago, Robert and Michelle King imagined Elsbeth as their version of a female Columbo. Over time, they consistently approached me with the idea of creating a show centered on her. During the lockdown, we revisited that concept and found an intriguing path forward.
They decided to shift Elsbeth from her legal background to a role within the NYPD, setting the stage for the pilot. Subsequent episodes were handed over to our talented showrunner, Jonathan Tolins, allowing for a unique take on the genre. Our series seeks to encapsulate joy and compassion, elements that feel especially vital in today’s world.
Preston Discusses Elsbeth Season 2’s New Cast Members
“I loved the idea of Elsbeth having a chess opponent and not being quite sure what her next move is.”
ScreenRant: Your husband, Michael Emerson, is set to portray a significant villain this season—a corrupt judge. Given your past collaborations, how does it feel to work together in an adversarial setting?
Carrie Preston: Our previous collaborations rarely featured conflict, so this dynamic is a fresh experience. We set aside our real-life relationship and dove into the roles of Judge Crawford and Elsbeth, respectively. The writers crafted an intriguing character for him, which adds an exciting layer to the story since Elsbeth faces her most challenging intellectual rival.
ScreenRant: How serious can their conflict become while still aligning with the show’s upbeat tone?
Carrie Preston: The series mirrors Elsbeth’s character: vivid and entertaining yet profound and intelligent, shaped by the surrounding crimes.
ScreenRant: Teddy, Elsbeth’s son, is introduced this season after being mentioned for years. What influenced the decision to finally bring him to life?
Carrie Preston: Ben Levi Ross perfectly embodies Teddy. It was a poignant moment when we finally introduced him, resonating with fans who’ve heard about him for years. Our showrunner, Jonathan Tolins, recognized that including Teddy would enrich Elsbeth’s character, showcasing her maternal side and their unique connection.
ScreenRant: Can you give us a glimpse of what’s to come for Elsbeth and Teddy? Will they work together on a case?
Carrie Preston: Their relationship is rooted in love and mutual respect. Viewers will enjoy their moments together, despite facing typical mother-son challenges. While Teddy has his own career trajectory, there’s a part of Elsbeth that hopes he will join her legal path. The question remains: is that truly what he desires?
Preston Reveals Her Favorite Moment From The Good Wife
“If that teaser doesn’t make you want to watch that episode, ‘Old Spice,’ I don’t know what will.”
ScreenRant: Is there a particular episode of The Good Wife or The Good Fight that stands out to you, especially for fans who want to familiarize themselves with Elsbeth?
Carrie Preston: One scene that I find iconic features Elsbeth and Kyle McLachlan’s character, Josh Perotti, in a hilariously romantic moment set to “Call Me Maybe.” If you’re looking for a hook to watch the episode “Old Spice,”I encourage you to give it a try!
ScreenRant: Having directed episodes of various series, are you interested in directing any episodes of Elsbeth, or do you find acting and directing at the same time too taxing?
Carrie Preston: I’ve truly enjoyed directing impactful episodes in the past and value the opportunity to contribute creatively. However, the duality of acting and directing can be quite demanding; my respect goes out to lead actors who tackle both roles. At this stage, I prefer focusing solely on delivering the best performance as Elsbeth Tascioni.
Carrie Preston: I consider Claws to be an underappreciated gem. Although we had a dedicated fan base, the show itself was something extraordinary. Filming in New Orleans was a delightful experience, showcasing a diverse, women-led cast packed with drama, humor, intrigue, adventure, and romance—definitely binge-worthy!
More About Elsbeth Season 2 on CBS
Based on the Character Featured in The Good Wife and The Good Fight
Emmy Award winner Carrie Preston returns as Elsbeth Tascioni, the astute, unconventional attorney working within the NYPD to apprehend New York City’s most affluent criminals through her unique lens. Season two promises captivating new cases and challenges, as past errors resurface to impact Elsbeth, her boss Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce), and rookie detective Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson).
- Cast & Showrunners at NYCC 2024
- Ben Levi Ross
Elsbeth season 2 airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and is available for next-day streaming on Paramount+.
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