CBS Shifts Elsbeth to Comedy Categories for Upcoming Awards Season
CBS is making a bold move with its hit series Elsbeth, officially steering it from the drama lane into the comedy categories for the upcoming fall awards cycle and future Emmy consideration.
The network has confirmed that starting with the show’s third season, the series will be submitted as a comedy — a change driven by its increasingly lighthearted style, quirky storytelling, and offbeat tone.
Led by Carrie Preston, an Emmy winner known for her charmingly unconventional portrayal of Elsbeth Tascioni, the series is a spinoff of The Good Wife and The Good Fight. While originally rooted in procedural mystery, Elsbeth has developed a reputation for its playful energy and character-rich humor, making the category switch feel like a natural evolution rather than an abrupt pivot.
According to the network, the shift has already been accepted for several major awards bodies, including the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Critics Choice Awards. The Directors Guild of America is currently reviewing CBS’s petition. However, the Writers Guild of America does not permit shows to request a category change, meaning Elsbeth will remain in the drama category for all WGA Awards moving forward. CBS still plans to pursue comedy-category submissions for all other organizations, including the Television Academy, once Emmy submissions open in 2026.
The decision isn’t random — the show’s recent episodes clearly showcase the tonal flexibility that pushed CBS toward this reclassification. One standout episode, Doll Day Afternoon, features David Cross as a hapless ex-con whose toy store robbery spirals into a chaotic hostage situation, blending tension with humor in the show’s signature style. Another notable episode, Ick, a Bod, stars Annaleigh Ashford as a suburban neighbor whose Halloween rivalry takes an unexpectedly deadly turn in a quirky Sleepy Hollow setting.
Even more excitement is building for the upcoming episode And There Were Nuns, airing November 20, with two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest guest starring as a conflicted Reverend Mother caught in a murder investigation after a famous pop star buys her failing convent. Episodes like these highlight why CBS believes the series fits more comfortably in comedy categories moving forward.
With this shift, Elsbeth will now compete alongside high-profile comedies such as Wednesday on Netflix (link) and Abbott Elementary on ABC (link). While it’s uncommon for a procedural to jump categories, it’s not unprecedented — and the move positions the show strategically within a competitive awards landscape that increasingly embraces genre-blending series.
Produced by CBS Studios, the show has been a steady ratings performer since its debut in February 2024, drawing consistent praise for its clever cases, whimsical tone, and Preston’s standout performance. Alongside Preston, the series also features Wendell Pierce, whose presence adds grounded charm to the show’s eccentric atmosphere.
Elsbeth will also be featured in A Night in the Writers’ Room, an annual awards-season event hosted by Variety on November 12 in Los Angeles, highlighting the show’s growing industry visibility.
For viewers who enjoy crime-solving served with a generous dose of charm, unpredictability, and humor, this category shift simply makes official what fans already knew — Elsbeth has always had a comedic heart, and now the awards world will see it that way too.
