Insights from Carrie Preston Ahead of Elsbeth Season 3
Carrie Preston never fails to impress me. Recently, she sat down with DECIDER to discuss Season 3 of her CBS drama, elsbeth, which is set to premiere soon. This season, fans can expect some exciting guest stars, such as Stephen Colbert, Julia Fox, and David Cross. Joining the cast is Lindsey Mendes, known for her work in shows like evil, dogfight, and god spell. Interestingly, Mendes has become good friends with theater pals Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe during the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s cheerful work earlier this year.
Preston mentioned that she glimpsed the Broadway production featuring the trio while it was in the works. She humorously suggested wanting to be part of Mendes’ theater circle, potentially collaborating with the harry potter star.
“Hey, guys, we are having a blast shooting this show,” she joked about how Mendes might convey the fun to Groff and Radcliffe. She acknowledged their busy schedules and noted how amazing it is that they’re able to fit in guest appearances. Still, she’s definitely open to inviting them over.
She shared that the showrunner, John Tolins, has a knack for crafting guest roles, as seen with Matthew Broderick in Season 2. So, if Groff and Radcliffe want to jump in, it just comes down to coordinating schedules.
“We need to find gaps in their availability and adjust accordingly,” she said.
In another segment, Preston expressed her gratitude for the show’s popularity, saying, “I’m really thankful it resonates with so many.” They’re already well into filming, with Episodes 6 and 7 in progress, and it seems like things are, well, going well.
When asked about Colbert’s return to acting, Preston noted his excitement for doing scripted work again, recognizing his versatility across various roles. Her memory of meeting him on elsbeth was sweet; it was her first late-night interview, and he was incredibly welcoming.
He is working alongside familiar faces like Amy Sedaris and Andy Richter, which she believes makes the experience even more enjoyable for him. Colbert’s recent show cancellation added urgency to his appearance, and she felt it served as a good distraction for him.
Having the three of them together on set was a blast. Preston mentioned the professionalism in their work ethic, saying everyone took their roles seriously but managed to keep the atmosphere light and fun.
She reflected on how they mingled humor with scripted elements beautifully. “Amy was just a hoot,” she recalled, highlighting how much the crew enjoyed her antics both on and off camera.
As for weaving in little Easter eggs for fans, she embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Mendes shared some gestures she’d exchanged with Groff and Radcliffe, which Preston seamlessly incorporated into a monologue, adding layers for those in the know.
When asked about the likelihood of Groff or Radcliffe appearing on the show, Preston chuckled while acknowledging their schedules and the effort required to make it happen. But Tolins is keen on creating roles tailored for them, just like he did for Broderick.
On a lighter note, she envisioned that her character, Elsbeth, would probably be a fan of Murder Inside the Building, balancing her detective duties with a sense of humor.
The first episode of elsbeth Season 3 is currently available on Paramount+, and new episodes air Thursdays at 9:30 PM on CBS before streaming the next day.
