‘Einstein’: Upcoming Matthew Gray Gubler Series Finds New Co-Star in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Star Melissa Fumero!!

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Matthew Gray Gubler’s return to CBS following his departure from Criminal Minds. The network had initially slated his new series, Einstein, for the 2025–2026 TV season, but the project was later pushed to the 2026–2027 season. Although a pilot had already been filmed, the change triggered a minor setback. Now, it appears CBS is determined to avoid any further delays, as a new report indicates the network is making steady progress toward getting the series back on track and ready for its revised premiere window.

Einstein was first announced in October 2024, with Gubler set to headline the project while also serving as a producer. Much like his fan-favorite role on Criminal Minds, the new series will lean into Gubler’s knack for portraying brilliantly eccentric characters. This time, he plays Lewis Einstein, the great-grandson of legendary physicist Albert Einstein, whose famous surname casts a long shadow over his life. A gifted but unmotivated university professor, Lewis finds academia dull and rarely bothers to show up for lectures. His world takes a turn, however, when his reckless antics land him in legal trouble, forcing him to assist a local police detective in solving her most baffling cases.

Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel) was originally set to play the detective opposite Gubler in Einstein, but she exited the project amicably after the network pushed the show back by a full TV season, freeing her schedule to pursue other opportunities. Now, a new report reveals that CBS has found her replacement in Melissa Fumero, known for Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Grosse Pointe Garden Society. Fumero will star opposite Gubler as Detective Inspector Teri of the New Jersey State Police, a character described as sharp and disciplined, someone who expects excellence from her colleagues and even more from herself, though she remains conflicted about partnering with the eccentric Professor Einstein. Production on the series is reportedly set to begin this month ahead of its planned premiere next TV season.

Why Did CBS Delay ‘Einstein’?

Production delays can sometimes hurt a show’s prospects, but in other cases, they provide the breathing room needed to ensure a show lives up to its potential. According to Amy Reisenbach, that was precisely the thinking behind CBS’ decision to push back Einstein. Speaking about the delay, the network executive explained that the move was intentional, allowing more time for a project the network believes has strong long-term prospects to fully take shape. “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 long-term development,” she said. Citing the extended production timeline behind Sheriff Country as an example, Reisenbach further explained:

“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.”

Einstein, described as “a really high mix of comedy and procedure”, is created and written by Andy Breckman, best known for developing the beloved detective series Monk. The pilot is also set to be directed by fellow Monk alum Randy Zisk. Behind the scenes, the project boasts a sizable producing team, with Breckman and Zisk joined by executive producers Michael Rauch, Tariq Jalil, Rose Hughes, Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, and Laura Beetz.