My Theories About Stephen Colbert’s Role in Elsbeth Season 3 Premiere Were Totally Shaken Up, And The Actual Story Might Be Even Funnier

Season 3 has officially confirmed Stephen Colbert’s role as a fictional late-night talk show host named Scotty Bristol. The latest details released from the upcoming season also include our first look at Colbert in the premiere episode, along with images of Carrie Preston and Wendell Pierce returning as series regulars. Joining the ensemble are Amy Sedaris and Andy Richter, who will play characters intertwined with Colbert’s role. Additionally, Lindsay Mendez will make a guest appearance in the Season 3 opener.

The first episode of Elsbeth Season 3, titled “Yes, And…,” will dive into the world of late-night comedy. Here’s the official synopsis:

“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.”

A particularly intriguing detail from the photos released so far is the return of Marcia DeBonis, who played Sheryl Jacobs in Season 2. In a new photo, Sheryl is seen apparently being interviewed by Colbert’s character, Scotty Bristol, on his late-night show.

Changes and New Faces in Season 3

Season 3 will explore new terrain as Carra Patterson, who portrayed Kaya Blanke since Season 1, will only appear as a guest star moving forward. This shift was confirmed after the penultimate episode of Season 2, which served as Kaya’s farewell. However, fans can expect her return in a limited capacity during Season 3.

The Elsbeth Season 3 premiere is part of CBS’s fall 2025 schedule, which also includes a special premiere event. The show’s return will mark a new chapter with exciting new additions to the cast, including Julia Fox and David Cross, with Colbert’s casting having been previously rumored.

What’s Stephen Colbert’s Role?

Colbert will take on the role of Scotty Bristol, the host of a fictional late-night talk show called Way Late With Scotty Bristol. As is typical with Elsbeth guest stars, the celebrity guest often plays a central role in the episode’s mystery. It seems likely that the show may poke fun at The Late Show’s cancellation, with Colbert’s character possibly being involved in a storyline where he’s compelled to kill a network executive who threatened his career. It’s not the first time Elsbeth has gone meta, with past episodes exploring similar themes (such as the Laurie Metcalf episode in Season 2).

Additional Cast Members for the Premiere

Amy Sedaris will reprise her role as Laurel Hammond-Muntz, the head writer and executive producer of Way Late. Andy Richter will play her long-suffering but funny sidekick, Mickey Muntz, who also happens to be her husband.

Lindsay Mendez will join the series as Officer Grace Hackett, a hardworking police officer with aspirations of becoming a stand-up comedian. She teams up with Elsbeth for a case that involves the world of comedy, where her stand-up knowledge comes in handy.

David Cross will appear in Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 2 as Nolan Hurst, a hapless insider trader who gets caught up in a dangerous situation involving a rare doll on the black market. Meanwhile, Julia Fox will play Raquel Drabowski, a Staten Island widow who has reinvented herself as an upscale “Grief Influencer” and reality star on a dating series called Black Veil.

Notable Departures and Continued Storylines

Michael Emerson, who played Elsbeth’s husband, Judge Milton Crawford, was written out of the show after his character was killed in Season 2 Episode 18. The trial of his killer, Delia Kirby (Meredith Holzman), will not be a focus in Season 3, as the case is “pretty open-and-shut,” according to showrunner Jonathan Tolins.

Ben Levi Ross will likely continue his guest role as Elsbeth’s son, Teddy. Fans are also hopeful that Elsbeth’s sweet romance with Ioan Gruffudd’s Angus will continue, especially after their amicable parting in Season 2’s Valentine’s Day episode.

With Carra Patterson’s departure, Sullivan Jones, who played Elsbeth’s roommate and love interest Cameron, may not return in the same capacity. However, it’s possible he may move to D.C. with Kaya, which leaves open the possibility for their relationship to develop off-screen.

Season 3 Premiere Date and New Changes

Elsbeth Season 3 is set to premiere on Sunday, October 12, at 9:30/8:30c on CBS, following the Matlock Season 2 premiere at 8:30/7:30c. Both shows will air two episodes that week. Following the premiere, Elsbeth will return to its regular Thursday night time slot starting October 16 at 10/9c.

The CBS primetime schedule remains largely unchanged from the previous year, with Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage starting the evening, followed by Ghosts, Matlock, and Elsbeth.

Why Did Carra Patterson Leave?

Showrunner Jonathan Tolins revealed that Kaya’s departure is part of a natural transition, with her character being recruited for a special task force in Washington, D.C. She will return in a guest-star capacity, but Elsbeth will now work with different uniformed officers. Tolins explained that the show plans to rotate new partners for Elsbeth rather than replacing Kaya’s character entirely.

With an exciting new direction in the show, a star-studded cast, and unexpected twists, Elsbeth Season 3 is shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of the series. Keep an eye out for more details as the premiere approaches, and prepare for a season filled with sharp wit, unexpected surprises, and plenty of guest star drama!