Elsbeth Breaks Good Wife Actor Rule

Elsbeth is set to premiere its winter season on February 26, 2026, with a notable guest star and a shift in casting policy. Actor Hamish Linklater will join the cast as Archer Kopunek, marking his return to the universe of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" but in an entirely new capacity. This decision by the show's producers intentionally breaks a rule that the preceding series adhered to, which prevented the reuse of actors.

Carrie Preston, the star of "Elsbeth," discussed the show's unique approach to casting. Unlike its predecessors, "Elsbeth" has welcomed back actors who previously appeared in "The Good Wife" or "The Good Fight," including Sarah Steele and Christian Borle reprising roles. Other actors, like Nathan Lane and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, have joined the series playing entirely new characters. Preston highlighted that while the original rule ensured a wider actor search, breaking it provides access to a broader talent pool and adds unique dynamics to the show.