Carrie Preston dishes about 'Elsbeth' guest stars, teases Season 4 plans and more

The Envelope kicks off Emmy season with Carrie Preston, tracing Elsbeth Tascioni’s 15-year journey from quirky “Good Wife” guest to leading CBS’ “Columbo”-style procedural — and what it means to helm a broadcast hit. Preston breaks down Elsbeth’s off-kilter physicality — the leaning entrances, overstuffed totes and circus-bright wardrobe — and how theatrical training, empathy and on-set collaboration shape a character balancing slapstick comedy with genuine vulnerability. From sending a “stalker-level” fan email to Dianne Wiest to fielding dream guest wishes like Meryl Streep, Preston revels in Elsbeth’s murderer-of-the-week playground and teases deeper origin-story possibilities in Season 4.