Carrie Preston Celebrates Star Role in CBS’s ‘Elsbeth’

NEW YORK, NY — Carrie Preston is thrilled to headline her first television series, continuing the role of Elsbeth Tascioni, a character she has portrayed for 15 years. The actress, known for her roles in ‘True Blood’ and ‘Claws’, first introduced the character in 2010 on ‘The Good Wife’. Elsbeth is a quirky yet brilliant lawyer who solves complex cases in unconventional ways, earning Preston her first guest-actress Emmy in 2013.

After appearing in the spinoff ‘The Good Fight’, Preston is now excited about ‘Elsbeth’, a CBS series created by Robert and Michelle King. “This is definitely my dream job,” she said of playing the titular role, now a consultant for the New York Police Department. “I’ve wanted this for so long, but never thought it would happen at this stage in my life.”

In ‘Elsbeth’, Preston relishes the chance to develop her character further. Over the years, Elsbeth’s role was often as a supporting character brought in to save the day. Now, as the protagonist, Preston can explore the depth of Elsbeth’s personality and her relationships, especially with her gay son, Teddy, who has been referenced in previous shows but never seen.

“The writers have done a great job creating a believable relationship between Elsbeth and Teddy,” Preston explained. “Their bond is filled with love and respect, while also introducing some conflict that feels authentic.”

The series features a range of talented guest stars, including Mary-Louise Parker and Tracey Ullman. Preston is particularly fond of Eric McCormack‘s guest appearance in an episode, highlighting the series’ mixture of comedy and drama against a unique backdrop.

Aside from character-driven stories, the show embraces creativity, evident in its unexpected moments, such as a musical number in the Season 2 finale. “It fits right into the tone of the show,” Preston noted.

Looking ahead to Season 3, Preston hopes to deepen Elsbeth’s relationships and explore new storylines. “I’m excited to see how Elsbeth navigates changes in her life and work,” she said. “This is a show about a woman reinventing herself through her work.”