While the idea forMatlockandElsbethto crossover seems odd initially, it’s not impossible. It’s common for TV networks to create crossover events, and CBS has certainly offered that with the likes ofFBIandNCIS. Over the years, we’ve seen new shows established thanks to backdoor pilots and opening crossover events. Then, new eyes have been pulled to teams through major moments, such as the three-way NCIS crossover event withNCIS: Hawai’iandNCIS: Los Angeles.
MatlockandElsbethare two excellent shows that could usher in a new era of crossover events. Sure, the two are standalone shows, but there is a lot that works in their favor as a way to crossover duringMatlockseason 2andElsbethseason 3. The scheduling decision by CBS isone of the biggest reasons this type of crossover would work.
4CBS' Crossovers Are Typically For Established Procedural Franchises
NCIS & FBI Regularly Crossover On CBS
CBS is no stranger to crossover events, although usually, we see that with the procedural franchises that are already established. The shows don’t even need to be on the air anymore for these crossover events to happen.NCISseason 22 brought back LL Cool J’s Sam Hana, which offered an important update forNCIS: Los Angeles’Hetty Lange. Even before all this,NCIS: Los Angelesmanaged tobring in theJAGcharacters after that show had been off the air for decades.
The crossover events are also a way to start off new shows or to remind us that they are all set in the same universe.Jubal Valentine regularly showed up inFBI: Internationalto talk with Scott Forrester and Wes Mitchell, while Isobel would routinely appear inFBI: Most Wantedto give the team a new job or to talk with bosses Jess LaCroix and Remy Scott.
Elsbeth and Matlock cover all the bases, and they have the schedule that works in their favor.
It’s rare that a crossover event happens with another type of series, but it doesn’t rule the possibility out. However, for something like this to work, the two shows would need to have asimilar style while also having an arc that makes sense.ElsbethandMatlockcover all the bases, and they have the schedule that works in their favor.
3Why Elsbeth & Matlock’s Crossover Is Both Fresh & Interesting
Matlock & Elsbeth May Be Standalone Shows, But They Work Together
The two Thursday night dramedies on CBS are standalone shows. In fact,Elsbethis fromThe Good Wifeuniverse, and there have beenThe Good Wifecameosin the past, whileMatlockis a “reboot” set in a world where the originalMatlockis just a TV series. Just because they are currently standalone shows doesn’t mean that they can’t end up being set in the same world. For one,the two shows are set in New York, and that’s a big city that would explain why the two main characters haven’t crossed paths before.
Their schedules work extremely well, asMatlockleads intoElsbethon a Thursday night. During the 2024–2025 TV season,Matlockeven helpedElsbethgain a new follower base, and that’s partially due to the two shows being spearheaded by older, quirky women. They have found a similar follower base, and they will want to continue benefiting from that with a crossover event.
There’s no doubt that seeing two older women together in one show is also a powerful move for TV. Older women are often forgotten about, as Matty reminds us on a weekly basis, and putting the two characters together on our screens will continue the story of not being fooled by them.Seeing these quirky women team up and get up to mischief would add a layer of humorand entertainment to whatever the arc would end up being.
2Tying Elsbeth & Matlock To Each Other Opens Up More Narrative Opportunities
Abbott Elementary & It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Show How To Do It
This wouldn’t be the first time two shows that are in their own standalone universes have crossed over.Abbott ElementaryandIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiacrossed over, despite the latter being off the air for some time. This opened up new narrative opportunities, bringing in new characters for established ones to meet, andit allowedAbbott Elementarycharacters to learn more about themselves and how they react under certain situations.
Doctor Odysseyand911also crossed over, despite originally seemingly being in standalone universes. This opened the door for Athena to face her fears of being trapped on a cruise ship again, while also offering Avery time to figure out what she wanted to go about her pregnancy and her future. There wereinsights that only Athena and Avery could offer one another.
By joining the two worlds together, our titular leads could notice flaws in their personalities, or they could learn something about the way they view the world.
This is something a crossover betweenElsbethandMatlockcould do. By joining the two worlds together,our titular leads could notice flaws in their personalities, or they could learn something about the way they view the world. These findings will then continue in their respective shows, even potentially creating a lifelong friendship between the two.
1What Elsbeth & Matlock’s Crossover Might Be About
Matty Could Need Elsbeth’s Help In A Murder Case
To make a crossover work in two worlds that are supposed to be separate, a storyline is needed to bring the two characters together. The great thing aboutElsbethandMatlockis that the two shows share a similar genre. Elsbeth helps to work out murder investigations, while Matty works at a law firm that could defend criminals, and this couldopen up a storyline that sees Matty turn to Elsbeth for help. Maybe she has a client she knows is innocent, and she needs Elsbeth to work her magic to prove who the real killer is.
After all, Elsbeth is skilled at telling when someone is lying, and she would quickly sniff Matty out.
If theMatlockwriters needed to find a way for someone else to learn that Matty is a liar, a crossover withElsbethwould be a quick way to do that. After all,Elsbeth is skilled at telling when someone is lying,and she would quickly sniff Matty out. At the same time, she would work out why Matty was lying, and then she would likely be on Matty’s side, wanting to work with her to get justice for Ellie considering that’s not over with the way theMatlockseason 1 finale ended.
We could even find out that Elsbeth knows Matty from the past, so she already knows Matty’s true identity. This would allow for the two to quickly establish a relationship, and it means Elsbeth can quickly understand why Matty has created this persona and history. It would allow for the focus to stay on the arc that joinsElsbethandMatlocktogether for a two-hour event.
Elsbeth
Cast
Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute attorney with a unique perspective, as she collaborates with the NYPD to tackle elusive criminals after a successful career in Chicago. Released in 2024, this series explores her unconventional methods in solving intricate cases.
Matlock
Matlock (2024) follows the return of Madeline Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian, to a prestigious law firm. Utilizing her unassuming demeanor and astute strategies, she navigates the legal world to win cases and uncover corruption. The series draws inspiration from the classic television series of the same name.
