If you’ve spent the last decade watching Elsbeth Tascioni pop up in Chicago courtrooms or New York crime scenes, you know she talks about her son. A lot. For years, Teddy Tascioni was basically a ghost—a name dropped during a frantic search for a tote bag or a quirky anecdote about his love life. But the wait is over. Ben Levi Ross is the actor who plays Elsbeth son, finally bringing the character to life in Season 2 of the CBS hit series.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. We first heard about Teddy way back in The Good Wife. Then came The Good Fight. He was this permanent "off-screen" fixture, the kind of character you assume will never actually show up. When Elsbeth finally debuted him in the episode "Gold, Frankincense, and Murder," it felt like a massive payoff for long-term fans.
Why Ben Levi Ross is the Perfect Teddy Tascioni
Finding someone to play the child of a whirlwind like Elsbeth Tascioni couldn't have been easy. You need someone who can handle the "Tascioni energy" without being swallowed by it. Ben Levi Ross stepped into the role with a mix of grounded realism and subtle quirk that makes the family connection totally believable.
Before landing this role, Ross was making a massive name for himself in the theater world. If his face looks familiar, you might be a Broadway fan. He’s a Dear Evan Hansen alum, having played the title role both on Broadway and in the national tour.
Honestly, that stage background is probably why he has such great chemistry with Carrie Preston. They both have that theater-trained precision. In interviews, Ross has mentioned that he actually had a chemistry read with Preston, and it clicked immediately. He’s noted that while Elsbeth is eccentric and loud, Teddy is a bit more subdued—the classic case of a child reacting to a "big" parent by becoming the calm one in the room.
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What We Know About Teddy So Far
In the show, Teddy isn't just a background prop. He lives in Washington, D.C., and as established in the lore of the "Good-verse," he’s gay and has had his share of relationship drama—which Elsbeth is always happy to discuss with anyone who will listen.
His arrival in New York for the holidays in Season 2 wasn't just a cameo. The writers are actually using him to peel back the layers of Elsbeth’s history.
- The Christmas Reveal: His first appearance was a surprise arranged by Officer Kaya Blanke and Captain Wagner.
- The Family Dynamic: Teddy is surprisingly protective of his mom, even if her methods drive him a little crazy.
- A Growing Role: Moving into 2025 and 2026 episodes, Teddy has started taking an interest in Elsbeth’s investigations. He’s got that same analytical brain, even if he wears it differently.
The Broderick Connection: A Common Confusion
There’s been a bit of a mix-up online lately about who plays Elsbeth son because of another famous face. James Wilkie Broderick, the son of Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, also appeared on the show.
However, James Wilkie Broderick did not play Teddy.
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He guest-starred alongside his real-life father, Matthew Broderick, in a Season 2 episode involving a college admissions scandal. It was a cool moment for TV fans, but don't let the headlines confuse you. Ben Levi Ross is the permanent Teddy Tascioni.
Breaking Down the Cast Chemistry
The producers didn't just pick a random actor for this. They needed someone who felt like they belonged in the Tascioni-New York universe. Ross has mentioned in various press spots that he was actually a fan of the show before he got the part. He’d watched Season 1 because his friend, Micaela Diamond (who plays Detective Edwards), was on it.
When he finally got on set, he described the vibe as "we've been waiting for the Teddy reveal!" The cast and crew were just as hyped as the audience to finally see what this kid looked like.
Why Teddy Matters to the Story
For a long time, Elsbeth was a caricature. A brilliant, lovable, high-speed caricature, but a caricature nonetheless. By introducing Ben Levi Ross as her son, the showrunners have grounded her.
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We see her as a mother who worries, who wants to be involved, and who maybe tries a little too hard. It adds a level of vulnerability to her character that we didn't always see when she was just a guest star on The Good Wife.
Plus, seeing Teddy interact with people like Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) is comedy gold. Watching a "normal" version of a Tascioni navigate the NYPD precinct gives the show a fresh perspective.
What to Expect Next for Ben Levi Ross
As of early 2026, it looks like Teddy is going to be a recurring presence. There’s been plenty of chatter about him potentially helping out on more cases, using his own unique skills to trigger Elsbeth’s "Aha!" moments.
If you want to keep up with the character, you’ll want to watch for:
- Episodes where Elsbeth’s ex-husband, Mike Tascioni, is mentioned, as Teddy often acts as the bridge between them.
- More "fish out of water" moments where Teddy has to explain his mother's behavior to his D.C. friends.
- The evolving friendship between Teddy and Kaya, who was the one who helped bring him to NYC in the first place.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of the actor who plays Elsbeth son, check out Ben Levi Ross’s work in the film Tick, Tick... Boom! or look for clips of his Dear Evan Hansen performances. He’s a powerhouse talent who’s clearly going to be a staple on our screens for a long time.
Keep an eye on the latest Season 2 and 3 credits, as the "Tascioni family tree" might just keep growing. For now, we finally have a face for the name we've been hearing for over a decade.