5 Reasons Why 'Elsbeth' Is TV's Must-Watch "Howcatchem" Mystery—Latest Season 3 Updates

The quirky, brilliant, and deceptively observant attorney-turned-detective Elsbeth Tascioni has officially become a television phenomenon. As of today, December 12, 2025, the CBS police procedural comedy-drama *Elsbeth* is in the middle of its highly-anticipated third season, cementing its status as one of the freshest and most unique shows on network television. The series, which spun off from the acclaimed dramas *The Good Wife* and *The Good Fight*, has captivated audiences by transplanting its eccentric protagonist from the courtroom to the streets of New York City, where she uses her unique perspective to solve complex murders. This article dives deep into the latest updates, the full cast, the show's unique "howcatchem" format, and everything you need to know about the current season, proving why *Elsbeth* is the cozy mystery show you should be watching right now.

Elsbeth Tascioni and Carrie Preston: A Biographical Profile

The character of Elsbeth Tascioni and the actress who brings her to life, Carrie Preston, are inextricably linked, with Preston having played the role for over 15 years across three different series.

Elsbeth Tascioni (Character)

• Full Name: Elsbeth Tascioni (née Guðmundsdóttir)
• Occupation: Formerly an attorney at law; currently a Consultant Detective/Observer for the NYPD.
• Series Appearances: *The Good Wife* (2010–2016), *The Good Fight* (2017–2022), and *Elsbeth* (2024–Present).
• Signature Trait: Known for her seemingly scattered, eccentric, and often non-sequitur conversational style, which masks an extremely sharp, astute, and highly effective legal and investigative mind.
• Awards: Her work as a lawyer earned her a reputation as a brilliant, if unconventional, legal mind. As a detective, she utilizes her unique point of view to catch murderers.
• Current Role: After a disciplinary issue in Chicago, Elsbeth is sent to New York City to serve as an independent observer for the NYPD, a role she uses to insert herself into active murder investigations.

Carrie Preston (Actress)

• Born: June 21, 1967 (Age 58 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Macon, Georgia, USA.
• Education: Juilliard School graduate.
• Spouse: Michael Emerson (married since 1998, a famous actor known for *Lost* and *Person of Interest*).
• Key Roles: Arlene Fowler in the HBO fantasy drama *True Blood* (2008–2014) and Elsbeth Tascioni in the CBS dramas.
• Accolades for Elsbeth: Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Elsbeth Tascioni in *The Good Wife*. She was also nominated for a second Emmy and three Critics' Choice Television Awards for the role.
• Other Work: In addition to acting, Preston is also a director and producer.

The "Howcatchem" Format: Elsbeth’s Unique Mystery Style

One of the main reasons *Elsbeth* has been hailed as a surprise hit and a breath of fresh air in the procedural genre is its deliberate use of the "howcatchem" format. This is a significant departure from the traditional "whodunit" shows that dominate television.

What is the "Howcatchem"?

The term "howcatchem" is an inversion of "whodunit." In most episodes of *Elsbeth*, the audience is shown the crime and the killer's identity in the opening minutes. The mystery is not *who* committed the murder, but *how* the eccentric Elsbeth Tascioni will figure out the killer's intricate plan and gather the necessary evidence to catch them.

A Nod to Classic Detective Shows

This format is a direct homage to classic and beloved detective series like *Columbo* and, more recently, Peacock's *Poker Face* starring Natasha Lyonne. By revealing the killer early, the focus shifts entirely from plot twists to character study and the meticulous, often humorous, process of investigation.

The show's creators, Robert King and Michelle King, have successfully transitioned the series from the high-stakes legal drama of its predecessors to a lighter, more colorful, and almost "cozy mystery" feel, despite the New York City setting. The howcatchem style allows the show to lean into its comedy-drama label, with Elsbeth's seemingly random observations and distractions being the very tools that unravel the killer's carefully constructed alibi.

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Elsbeth Season 3: Latest Updates and Cast Details (2025)

*Elsbeth* has proven its staying power, earning a swift renewal for a third season, which is currently airing new episodes on CBS. The show's success is attributed not only to the unique format but also to the strong ensemble cast supporting Carrie Preston.

Key Cast and Characters

The core cast has returned for Season 3, continuing the dynamic that makes the show so engaging:

• Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni: The title character and consultant detective, whose unconventional methods are both frustrating and invaluable to the NYPD.
• Wendell Pierce as Captain C.W. Wagner: The commanding officer of the NYPD precinct. Wagner is often exasperated by Elsbeth's antics but respects her results, offering a grounding presence to the series.
• Carra Patterson as Officer Kaya Blanke: A young, ambitious NYPD officer who is initially skeptical of Elsbeth but soon becomes her reluctant and capable partner in the field.

Season 3 Plot and Unique Cases

Season 3, which began airing in late 2025, continues to elevate the emotional stakes while maintaining the upbeat energy and unique format that fans love. The cases remain highly inventive, often featuring murderers from New York's elite circles—from television producers to pop stars—giving the show a meta, high-society backdrop.

The latest episodes have seen Elsbeth investigating a pop star's purchase of a failing convent that turns into a murder scene, a case involving a "Mother of all nuns," and other highly theatrical scenarios. The ongoing subplot of Elsbeth's official observer status and the underlying political machinations that brought her to New York are also expected to develop further, adding a layer of serialized drama to the otherwise episodic format.

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The Legacy of Elsbeth Tascioni

The character of Elsbeth Tascioni has evolved from an occasional guest star in a legal drama to the anchor of her own successful police procedural. Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to be both an outsider and the smartest person in the room. Elsbeth's genius is her ability to see the world differently. While others focus on the obvious details of a crime scene, Elsbeth notices the misplaced shoe, the unusual flower, or the non-sequitur that betrays the killer’s facade. This makes the show a delightful exercise in observation, rewarding viewers who pay close attention to the details Elsbeth points out. The show's critical success, despite some mixed reviews about its tonal shift from its predecessors, highlights a growing appetite for "feel-good cozy mysteries." *Elsbeth* provides a much-needed dose of optimism and quirky charm in a television landscape often saturated with dark, gritty procedurals. The series’ commitment to its "howcatchem" style and the sheer charisma of Carrie Preston ensures that it will remain a must-watch for fans of clever, character-driven television for seasons to come.