Criminal Minds‘ Matthew Gray Gubler’s comedic crime drama procedural Einstein gets a first-look image as the network’s head addresses the show’s delay. Developed by CBS, the show sees Gubler as the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, Lewis Einstein, a tenured professor at Princeton who turns to crime-solving with a local detective after getting in trouble with the law. The show was originally scheduled for the 2025-2026 season before it was announced that it had been pushed to the 2026-2027 season.
Per Deadline, the network’s Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach addressed the delay during CBS’s 25-26 schedule unveiling presentation and shared a first look at Gubler’s titular crime-solving professor. Reisenbach explained that the show has a “high mix of comedy and procedure” that could “benefit from more writing time,” and with the network having a history of receiving “great results with long-term development,” they didn’t want to miss the opportunity with the show. Read her comments and check out the first-look image below:
At one point, Einstein was on the schedule. But then it just occurred to us that we had an opportunity with this show. We’ve had such great results with longterm development. [At last year’s upfront press event], we announced that we were picking up Sheriff Country to series [for 2025-26]. They start production next week, we have been promoting the show for months, we have 12 scripts banked, and we have a ton of efficiencies for production, scheduling, etc.
We felt like Einstein could really benefit from this path, even if it means changing course. We are not afraid to do that when it means that we are setting the show up for its best chances of success. This show has a really high mix of comedy and procedure and we really felt that they could benefit from more writing time. They are currently staffing and the writers room will be opening shortly.
What This Means For Einstein
Einstein’s Delay Was Made To Benefit The Show
Based on the German series of the same name, Einstein was developed by the creative duo behind Monk, the series’ creator Andy Breckman and director Randy Zisk. In the same presentation, the network’s Entertainment head clarified that the delay did have something to do with CBS’ packed 2025-26 schedule, which includes Sheriff Country, CIA, DMV, The Neighborhood, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, Matlock, Elsbeth, a Yellowstone spinoff, and many more, but the main reason was more show-specific.
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Einstein‘s delay was made to benefit the show, a procedural like Monk. Following the delay, Rosa Salazar, who was originally scheduled to play the detective working with Lew, has exited the show. The writing staff hiring process was also reportedly paused. However, Reisenbach’s comment suggests that they are currently recruiting writers to open the writers’ room.
Our Take On Einstein’s Delay
It May Be A Good Thing
Even though Einstein has lost its female lead due to the delay, it may be the best thing that has happened to the series that stars the Criminal Minds alum as Albert Einstein’s grandson. The series has its lead star and a strong premise, paired with the creative team of Monk, which says a lot about its potential. Taking another year to ensure quality sounds like a smart move.
It is slightly disappointing that fans will have to wait another year, and hopefully not any longer, to watch the new Gubler-headlined show, Einstein. However, it also creates a possible window for the star to reprise his role as Spencer Reid after being confirmed to appear in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, arriving on May 8.
Source: Deadline