Tony Shalhoub has joined the cast of CBS’s upcoming crime drama Einstein, reuniting the actor with key members of the creative team behind Monk. The casting adds another familiar name to the network’s new procedural series and brings together several figures associated with the acclaimed detective show.
The series centers on Lewis Einstein, a “brilliant but directionless professor.” As he becomes involved in criminal investigations, his analytical skills and unconventional outlook prove useful to law enforcement. The show follows his efforts to help solve difficult cases while navigating the challenges in his personal and professional life.
Shalhoub will appear in a recurring role as Jack Einstein, the father of Lewis .
The addition of Tony Shalhoub to Einstein continues a professional relationship that began with Monk. Series creator Andy Breckman developed the CBS adaptation and wrote the pilot episode. Randy Zisk directed the pilot and serves as an executive producer. Both men worked closely with Shalhoub during Monk’s eight-season run on USA Network.
A New CBS Adaptation of an International Series
The CBS series is based on the German drama Einstein, which was created by Martin Ritzenhoff and Matthias Dinter. The original production ran for three seasons and centered on a highly intelligent descendant of Albert Einstein who becomes involved in criminal investigations.
Behind CBS’ Decision To Take ‘Einstein’ Off 2025-26 Schedule & Push It To 26-27; First Look At Matthew Gray Gubler As Title Character https://t.co/wbJclg0EoZ
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) May 7, 2025
READ: Joy Behar Warns ‘The View’ Audience That Her Upcoming Departure Was Pre-Planned
CBS ordered its own adaptation after earlier efforts to bring the concept to American television. The network’s version combines crime-solving stories with character-driven drama and humor.
Matthew Gray Gubler stars as Lewis Einstein. Gubler is best known for playing FBI profiler Dr. Spencer Reid on the long-running CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.
Melissa Fumero stars opposite the title character and plays the detective who works alongside Lewis Einstein. The partnership forms the foundation of the series as the pair investigate difficult cases.
Tony Shalhoub’s Role in ‘Einstein’
Details about Jack Einstein remain limited. However, the character expands the family dynamic at the center of the show. His relationship with Lewis is expected to play a role in the ongoing story.
Tony Shalhoub as Monk – YouTube, Monk
READ: Disney Cruise Line Updates Alcohol, Selfie Stick, and Room Decoration Policies
The casting gives Einstein an actor with extensive experience in television drama and comedy. Shalhoub remains best known for portraying Adrian Monk, the obsessive-compulsive detective whose unconventional methods helped solve crimes. His performance earned multiple Emmy Awards during the series’ run.
For CBS, bringing Tony Shalhoub into Einstein adds a recognizable television veteran to a new franchise. It also reunites him with Breckman and Zisk, whose previous collaboration resulted in one of cable television’s most successful detective series.
Production Continues Ahead of CBS Debut
Production on Einstein is underway as CBS prepares the series for the 2026-27 television season. Additional story details and casting announcements are expected as the premiere approaches.
Tony Shalhoub as Monk – YouTube, Monk
The arrival of Tony Shalhoub on Einstein connects the new CBS drama to a creative team with a proven history in the procedural genre. While the series introduces a different premise and characters, the reunion behind the scenes is likely to draw attention as the show’s debut nears.
What do you think of this reunion and the upcoming Einstein show on CBS? Let us know your thoughts of Tony Shalhoub on this project in the comments below.
UP NEXT: Kimmel Admits Disney’s Only Guidance After ‘Expectant Widow’ Joke Was To ‘Respond and Move On’
