“Yes, And…” – Elsbeth dives into the world of late-night comedy when backstage tensions rise between a talk show host (Stephen Colbert), his head writer Laurel (Amy Sedaris) and her on-air sidekick husband, Mickey (Andy Richter). Also, Elsbeth meets a new police officer (Lindsay Mendez) who is an aspiring stand-up comic when off the clock, on the third season premiere of ELSBETH, Sunday, Oct. 12 (9:30-10:30 PM, ET/9:00-10:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Original episodes of ELSBETH will return to their regular time slot (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) beginning on Thursday, Oct. 16. Pictured: Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Stephen Colbert as Scotty Bristol Photo: Michael Parmelee/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
UPDATE: The highly anticipated third season of Elsbeth premiered on October 16, 2023, and it’s making headlines with a star-studded guest appearance by Stephen Colbert. Viewers are eager to witness Colbert’s portrayal of a late-night talk show host embroiled in mysterious circumstances.
The season kicks off with a gripping episode that not only introduces Colbert but also features talents like Amy Sedaris and Andy Richter. However, fans are left wondering about the absence of Carra Patterson, a regular from the previous seasons, heightening the show’s suspense.
In the opening scene, a tour group is led through the fictional late-night show, Way Late With Scotty Bristol. As tensions rise backstage, Scotty, played by Colbert, is shown rejecting staff ideas and shredding scripts with a comically named shredder, “Mickey II.” This quirky setup sets the stage for the unfolding drama when tragedy strikes.
As the plot thickens, Scotty’s staff, including head writer Laurel Hammond-Muntz (Sedaris) and sidekick Mickey Muntz (Richter), confront personal and professional conflicts, leading to Scotty’s shocking demise. Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Carrie Preston) is called back to the studio to investigate what initially appears to be an “unfortunate shredder accident.”
With the episode’s pulse-pounding mystery, viewers are drawn into Elsbeth’s world as she teams up with patrol officer Grace Hackett (Lindsay Mendez). The tension escalates when Elsbeth suspects foul play, directing attention toward Laurel, who has a complicated relationship with the late Scotty.
The show, a nod to classic “howcatchem” murder mysteries, promises to revive the engaging storytelling that captivated audiences in earlier seasons. Despite last season’s focus on long-term story arcs, this season aims to balance ongoing narratives with intriguing standalone mysteries.
Amidst the excitement, the partnership between Elsbeth and Kaya, once a highlight of the series, is altered due to Kaya’s reduced role. However, fresh dynamics with new characters, including Grace Hackett, may bring new life to the series.
In this season opener, Colbert’s chemistry with Sedaris, stemming from their past collaboration on Strangers With Candy, adds an extra layer of humor and nostalgia. The episode cleverly integrates improv elements, bringing a light-hearted touch to the dramatic events, even as it explores serious themes of workplace stress and personal strife.
Fans are encouraged to tune in as the season progresses. With captivating characters and engaging mysteries, Elsbeth is set to reclaim its place as a must-watch show this fall.
Next Steps: Viewers can expect continued character development and plot twists as the season unfolds. Keep an eye on how Elsbeth navigates her new challenges, the evolving dynamics within the precinct, and the intriguing mysteries that await.
Don’t miss out—stream Elsbeth now to catch all the action and drama!
