Psych Explained

Location:White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Runtime:42 minutes
Creator:Steve Franks
Genre:
Executive Producer:
Starring:
Country:United States
Producer:
  • Andy Berman
  • Gordon Mark
  • James Roday
  • Dulé Hill
  • Tim Meltreger
  • Tracey Jeffrey
Language:English
Network:USA Network
Camera:Single-camera
Company:
Num Seasons:8
Num Episodes:120
List Episodes:List of Psych episodes
Related:
  • (2017)
  • (2020)
  • (2021)

Psych is an American detective comedy-drama television series created by Steve Franks for USA Network.[1] The series stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, a young crime consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department whose "heightened observational skills"[2] and impressive eidetic memory allow him to convince people that he solves cases with psychic abilities. The program also stars Dulé Hill as Shawn's intelligent best friend and reluctant partner Burton "Gus" Guster, as well as Corbin Bernsen as Shawn's father Henry, a former detective with the Santa Barbara Police Department.[3]

Psych premiered on July 7, 2006, following the fifth-season premiere of Monk, and continued to be paired with the series until Monk's conclusion on December 4, 2009. During the second season, an animated segment titled "The Big Adventures of Little Shawn and Gus" was added to the series. Psych was the highest-rated US basic cable television premiere of 2006.[4] USA Network renewed the series for an eighth season on December 19, 2012, to include eight episodes, and ordered two more episodes on June 25, 2013, bringing the episode order to ten.[5] [6] On February 5, 2014, USA Network confirmed that the eighth season of Psych would be its last, with the series finale airing on March 26, 2014.[7]

, a two-hour television film, aired on USA Network on December 7, 2017, launching the Psych film series,[8] with Franks' hope being to make five more Psych movies following Psych: The Movie.[9] On February 14, 2019, it was announced Psych: The Movie 2 was greenlit and set to premiere in late 2019, for which the main cast would return, but the premiere thereof was subsequently delayed to 2020, with the film renamed , and released on NBCUniversal's streaming service, Peacock, July 15, 2020, the day the service officially launched.[10] [11] [12] On May 13, 2021, Peacock announced a third film, , which premiered on November 18, 2021.[13] [14] Three further Psych films are in development.

Overview

Most episodes begin with a cold open in the form of a flashback to Shawn and Gus' childhoods. The flashbacks usually involve Shawn and Gus being taught a lesson by a young Henry Spencer (Shawn's father) (Corbin Bernsen), who wishes that his son would follow in his footsteps and become a law enforcement officer. These lessons often play a role for the climax of the episode. As a child, Shawn was taught by Henry to hone his powers of observation and deduction, often using games and challenges to test him. Each flashback also sets the theme for the episode.

Shawn originally becomes known as a psychic when, after calling in tips on dozens of crimes covered on the news which help the police to close the case, the police become suspicious of his knowledge, theorizing that such knowledge could only come from the "inside" and unwilling to believe that it is merely Shawn having honed his observational skills. To avoid being sent to jail, Shawn uses those skills to convince the police that he is psychic; though the interim police chief warns Shawn that if his "powers" are fake, he will be prosecuted. With no choice but to keep up the act, and having proven himself an effective aid to the police in solving crimes, he establishes a psychic detective agency, Psych, and becomes an outside consultant to the police. Pretending to have psychic powers allows him to engage in strange and comic behavior as he turns real clues into hunches and otherworldly visitations. He enjoys teasing lifelong friend Burton Guster (Gus), a pharmaceutical sales representative, about Gus' eclectic interests as they drive around in a blue Toyota Echo nicknamed "The Blueberry"[15] solving crimes.

Head detective Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), playfully nicknamed "Lassie" by Shawn and Gus, quietly comes to respect Shawn's crime-solving skills despite doubting his psychic abilities; Lassiter is constantly exasperated by Shawn keeping investigations ongoing and/or infuriated by Shawn's antics. However, junior detective Juliet "Jules" O'Hara (Maggie Lawson) and Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson) are far less antagonistic – with O'Hara expressing belief in Shawn's abilities while Vick is mum on the subject – and usually willing to give Shawn the leeway he needs to solve cases. Henry and Shawn have a difficult relationship, but despite this, Henry reluctantly helps Shawn on various occasions.

Characters

See main article: List of Psych characters.

Main

Recurring

Episodes

See main article: List of Psych episodes.

Production

The show uses White Rock, British Columbia, Canada for its Santa Barbara, California setting.[16]

Casting

Anne Dudek's character was written out of the series after the character generated a negative test audience reaction with Lassiter due to their relationship. Maggie Lawson was cast as Juliet O'Hara to serve as a replacement.[17] [18]

Theme song

The theme song for Psych is "I Know You Know" by The Friendly Indians, series creator Steve Franks's band. Some episodes in seasons three through eight use an extended version of "I Know You Know" consisting of the first verse and the chorus,[19] but most episodes use a shortened version consisting of mostly the chorus. In some episodes, the theme song is changed, usually as a tie-in to the theme of the episode to come.

Variations of the theme song include:

Pineapple

In the "pilot", Roday improvised by picking up a pineapple and saying, "Should I slice this up for the road?" Since then, pineapples have appeared in every episode as a running gag, whether just one in the background or the actual mention of it. It is Shawn's go-to housewarming gift. The pineapple is a major marketing point for items related to the show on the USA website.[20] Fan movements, such as fan-made websites, have also been dedicated to finding a pineapple or pineapple-related object in each episode.[21]

Series finale aftershow

Following the series finale on March 26, 2014, USA Network aired a live aftershow entitled "Psych After Pshow." The hour-long special was hosted by Kevin Pereira and featured series stars and creator/executive producer Steve Franks.[22]

Release

Syndication

In July 2011, Ion Television announced that Psych would become part of its 2012 broadcast in syndication.[23] During 2012, reruns of the show mostly ran on Saturdays as a marathon. In 2013, Ion Television announced the acquisition option pick-up of season seven of Psych. It no longer airs on Ion Television. The deal with NBC Universal Cable & New Media Distribution adds all 16 new episodes of season seven to Ion's existing library of seasons one–six of Psych and includes rights to future seasons.[24] As of January 2023, Psych started airing on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

Home media

TitleEp #Region 1Region 2Region 4
The Complete First Season15June 26, 2007April 24, 2008April 30, 2008
The Complete Second Season16July 8, 2008June 7, 2010March 3, 2010
The Complete Third Season16July 21, 2009February 21, 2011March 2, 2011
The Complete Fourth Season16July 13, 2010July 18, 2011August 22, 2012
The Complete Fifth Season16May 31, 2011May 21, 2012September 5, 2013
The Psych-O-Ween Collection4September 11, 2012[25] TBATBA
The Complete Sixth Season16October 16, 2012July 26, 2013August 14, 2014
The Complete Seventh Season14October 8, 2013July 11, 2016TBA
4December 17, 2013[26] TBATBA
The Eighth and Final Season10April 1, 2014[27] TBATBA
The Complete Series120October 7, 2014[28] TBATBA
The Complete Collection120, 1 MovieJuly 3, 2018[29] TBATBA
The Complete Collection (Blu-ray version)120, 3 MoviesOctober 17, 2023[30] TBATBA

Reception

Ratings

Psych scored a 4.51 rating and an average of 6.1 million total viewers at its premiere, which made it the highest-rated scripted series premiere on basic cable in 2006 in all key demographics (households, P18-49, P25-54, and total viewers), according to a USA Network press release, quoted from the Futon Critic.[4]

SeasonTimeslot (ET)EpisodesPremieredEndedTV season
Datespan style="width:7%; font-size:smaller; line-height:100%;"Premiere
Viewers
(in millions)		Datespan style="width:10%; font-size:smaller; line-height:100%;"Finale
Viewers
(in millions)
1Friday 10:00 pm (July 7, 2006 – February 20, 2009)156.06[31] 4.48[32] 2006–2007
2164.33[33] 4.70[34] 2007–2008
3164.89[35] 4.83[36] 2008–2009
4163.98[37] 2.95[38] 2009–2010
5163.69[39] 2.90[40] 2010
6163.00[41] 2.71[42] 2011–2012
7142.94[43] 2.18[44] 2013
8102.28[45] 1.93[46] 2014

Rotten Tomatoes gave the first three seasons of the series an overall 89% "fresh" rating.[47]

Nominations and awards

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by Psych. Psych was the winner of the Independent Investigations Group Annual Award for "Excellence in Entertainment" for advancing the cause of science and exposing superstition. Accepting for Psych was staff writer Daniel Hsia.[48] [49] James Roday Rodriguez was nominated for the 2006 Satellite Award for Best Actor – TV Series Musical or Comedy.[50] Rodriguez was also nominated for the 2009 Ewwy Award for Best Actor in a Comedy. Psych was nominated for its first Emmy Award in 2010 in the category Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for the episode "Mr. Yin Presents...".[51] Adam Cohen and John Robert Wood were the composers for this episode. Psych was nominated for its second Emmy Award in 2012 in the category "Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media" for their interactive game "HashTag Killer". In 2012 and 2013, Psych was nominated for the People's Choice Award for "Best Cable TV Comedy". In 2014, Psych won the People's Choice Award for "Best Cable TV Comedy" in its last nomination.

Other media

Novels

William Rabkin has written and published five novels based on the series. The novels are written in third-person narrative style. Additionally, Chad Gervich (Small Screen, Big Picture) has published a crime-fighting guide based on methods presented in the show.

AuthorTitleISBNPublication date
William RabkinA Mind Is a Terrible Thing to ReadJanuary 6, 2009
Mind Over MagicJuly 7, 2009
The Call of the MildJanuary 5, 2010
A Fatal Frame of MindAugust 3, 2010
Mind-Altering MurderFebruary 1, 2011
Chad GervichPsych's Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally UnqualifiedMay 7, 2013

Film series

See main article: Psych (film series). Once production on the original series wrapped, series creator Steve Franks had the idea to bring the Psych universe back in film form later on. On May 8, 2017, USA Network announced , a two-hour TV film to air December 7, 2017.[52] All the original main cast would return for the film, directed by series creator Steve Franks and co-written by Franks and series star, James Roday Rodriguez. The first sequel, , was released on NBCUniversal's new streaming service, Peacock, on July 15, 2020.[53] A third film, , followed on November 18, 2021. Three further Psych films are in development with the script for Psych 4 reportedly complete.[54]

Podcast

The Psychologists Are In: A Psych Rewatch

Launched in November 2021, Maggie Lawson and Timothy Omundson have hosted a weekly rewatch podcast of the series and films. Episodes include plot recaps and behind-the-scenes memories from the two hosts. The series also features interviews with cast members, guest stars, and crew members, including writers, directors, and series creator Steve Franks.[55]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: About | Psych . ION Television . 2014-02-06.
  2. [Psych (season 1)|Season 1]
  3. Web site: Atkin. Hillary. 'Psych's' James Roday, Dule Hill Savor Series' Creative Freedom. March 26, 2013 . Variety. 2013-05-06.
  4. Web site: Psych Debuts As This Year's Most-watched New Show in Basic Cable. The Futon Critic.
  5. Web site: 'Psych' Renewed for an 8th Season by USA. https://web.archive.org/web/20121222013408/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/12/19/psych-renewed-for-an-8th-season-by-usa/162532/. dead. December 22, 2012. TV by the Numbers. Robert. Seidman. December 19, 2012. 2012-12-19.
  6. Web site: 'Psych' Gets Order For Two More Episodes, One To Be Determined By Fans . Deadline . June 26, 2013 . 2013-06-26.
  7. Web site: 'Psych' Canceled by USA After 8 Seasons; Series Finale to Air March 26. https://web.archive.org/web/20140222204956/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/02/05/psych-canceled-by-usa-after-8-seasons-series-finale-to-air-march-26/234908/. dead. February 22, 2014. Sara. Bibel. Zap2it. February 5, 2014. 2014-02-05.
  8. 916766804822896640. Grab your pineapple and mark your calendars! #PsychTheMovie is coming to @USA_Network on DECEMBER 7!. Psych_USA. Psych_USA. September 18, 2019. 7 October 2017.
  9. Web site: Yes, the Psych Movie Sequel Will Be All About John Cena. MacDonald. Lindsay. TV Guide. December 7, 2017. December 8, 2017.
  10. Web site: Psych: The Movie 2 Is Coming to USA Network Later This Year!. USA Network. USA Network. February 14, 2019.
  11. Web site: Psych Movie Sequel Gets a Doggone Cute New Title, Later Premiere Date Now on Peacock Streaming Service. TVLine. Andy Swift. September 17, 2019.
  12. Web site: Psych 2 to Premiere in July, Among First Wave of Peacock Streaming Originals . TVLine . May 14, 2020 . 2020-05-14.
  13. Web site: Psych 3: This Is Gus a Go at Peacock; Threequel to Feature Wedding, Birth of 'Baby Guster,' Random Pineapple(s). Ausiello. Michael. May 13, 2021. TVLine. en-US. May 13, 2021.
  14. Web site: Psych 3 Movie Threequel Gets Premiere Date, Trailer That Questions Existence of a 'Peacock' Streaming Service. Webb Mitovich. Matt. October 9, 2021. TVLine. en-US. October 9, 2021.
  15. Barrett . Annie . 'Psych': Dulé Hill answers your questions, Part 1. Entertainment Weekly. July 21, 2010 . 2020-02-28.
  16. Web site: Filming locations for "Psych" (2006). imdb.com. 2010-07-05.
  17. Web site: Raymond . Nicholas . Psych: Why Anne Dudek's Character Was Replaced After The Pilot . . December 14, 2021 . April 8, 2020.
  18. Agard . Chancellor . Psych 10th anniversary: Creator, stars share memories from pilot . . December 14, 2021 . July 7, 2016.
  19. A later version of the song performed by The Friendly Indians revealed a second verse that was not used at any point during the course of the show.
  20. Web site: Comedy Television Series and Mystery TV Show – Psych TV Series – USA Network – What's with the Pineapple? – USA Network. 2011-10-24.
  21. Web site: Psych Pineapple | where is the pineapple in every episode of Psych?.
  22. https://web.archive.org/web/20140322053314/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/21/psych-series-finale-airs-next-week-on-usa/246920/ 'Psych' Series Finale Airs Next Week on USA
  23. Web site: ION Media Networks | Press Releases . Ionmedianetworks.com . July 27, 2011 . 2014-02-06.
  24. Web site: ION Media Networks | Press Releases . Ionmedianetworks.com . July 1, 2013 . 2014-02-06.
  25. Web site: Psych – A Spook-Tackular DVD is Announced in the Form of 'The Psych-O-Ween Collection'. Lambert. David. June 27, 2012. TVShowsOnDVD. 2012-06-27. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120629101736/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Psych-Psych-o-Ween-Collection/17158. June 29, 2012. mdy-all.
  26. Web site: Psych – DVD Announcement for 'Psych – The Musical': Date, Cost, Box Cover. Lambert. David. October 8, 2013. TVShowsOnDVD. 2013-10-11. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131013164636/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Psych-The-Musical/19052. October 13, 2013. mdy-all.
  27. Web site: Psych – 'The Complete 8th Season' Announced: Date, Correct Price, Extras, Package . Lambert, David . . January 14, 2014 . 2014-01-20 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140118033816/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Psych-Season-8/19351 . January 18, 2014 . mdy-all .
  28. Web site: Psych – We Predict 'The Complete Series' DVD Set to Arrive This Fall . Lambert, David . . July 15, 2014 . 2014-08-05 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140723083937/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Psych-The-Complete-Series/20057 . July 23, 2014 . mdy-all .
  29. Web site: Psych: The Complete Collection. www.amazon.com. 2019-02-12.
  30. Web site: Psych: The Complete Collection. www.amazon.com. 2024-05-19.
  31. News: Kissel . Rick . Talent skeins boost nets . https://web.archive.org/web/20131013170000/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-149558076.html . dead . October 13, 2013 . 2013-06-05 . . . July 12, 2006 . 60626272.
  32. News: Associated Press . March 9, 2007 . Wrestling in Top Spot in Cable Ratings . https://web.archive.org/web/20131111044645/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1Y1-104070455.html . dead . November 11, 2013 . 464378787 . 2013-07-30.
  33. News: Kissel . Rick . 'Bee' sings for NBC: but Fox keeps up streak . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104171920/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-167029723.html . dead . November 4, 2013 . 2013-09-02 . July 18, 2007 . 60626272.
  34. News: Seidman . Robert . February 20, 2008 . Top Cable Shows Through Feb 11–17: SpongeBob vs. Lebron? . . . 2013-11-02 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131019064900/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/02/20/top-cable-shows-feb-11-17-sponge-bob-vs-lebron/2705/ . October 19, 2013 . mdy-all .
  35. News: Seidman . Robert . July 22, 2008 . Nielsen Ratings Cable TV Top 20: Home Run Hit for ESPN . https://web.archive.org/web/20120826123038/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/07/22/nielsen-ratings-cable-tv-top-20-home-run-for-espn/4507/ . dead . August 26, 2012 . TV by the Numbers . Zap2it . 2013-11-02.
  36. News: Seidman . Robert . February 24, 2009 . WWE RAW, The Closer and Monk lead weekly cable viewing . https://web.archive.org/web/20110303193203/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/02/24/wwe-raw-the-closer-and-monk-lead-weekly-cable-viewing/13386 . dead . March 3, 2011 . TV by the Numbers . Zap2it . 2013-11-02.
  37. News: Seidman . Robert . August 11, 2009 . iCarly, Burn Notice, The Closer, Royal Pains, WWE RAW and Monk top week's cable shows . https://web.archive.org/web/20101222173449/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/08/11/icarly-burn-notice-the-closer-royal-pains-wwe-raw-and-monk-top-weeks-cable-shows/24562 . dead . December 22, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . Zap2it . 2013-11-02.
  38. Web site: Seidman. Robert. Psych Ends Season on a So-So Note. https://web.archive.org/web/20110401133822/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/03/11/psych-ends-season-on-a-so-so-note/44699. dead. April 1, 2011. March 11, 2010. TV by the Numbers. 2011-11-17.
  39. Web site: Gorman. Bill. Wednesday Cable: Hot In Cleveland Steady; Tosh.0, Top Chef, ESPY Awards, Psych Premiere Ratings & More. TV by the Numbers. July 15, 2010. 2010-07-15. September 29, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120929010451/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/15/wednesday-cable-hot-in-cleveland-steady-tosh-0-top-chef-espy-awards-psych-premiere-ratings-more/57256/. dead.
  40. Web site: Gorman. Bill. Wednesday Cable Ratings: Mythbusters, Top Chef, Psych, Meet the Browns, WWE Tribute To The Troops & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20101231091625/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/26/wednesday-1222-cable-ratings-mythbusters-top-chef-psych-meet-the-browns-wwe-tribute-to-the-troops-more/76569. dead. December 31, 2010. TV by the Numbers. December 26, 2010. 2010-12-26.
  41. Web site: Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'South Park' Rises; 'American Horror Story' Falls; + Brewers/Cards NLCS, 'Psych' Premiere, 'Ghost Hunters' & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20111015180706/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/13/wednesday-cable-ratings-south-park-rises-american-horror-story-falls-brewerscards-nlcs-ghost-hunters-nick-swardson-more/107148/. dead. October 15, 2011. TV by the Numbers. Gorman. Bill. October 13, 2011. 2011-10-14.
  42. Web site: Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'South Park' Wins Night, 'Psych', 'America's Best Dance Crew', 'House Hunters', 'Restaurant Stakeout', 'Duck Dynasty' & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20120415010900/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/12/wednesday-cable-ratings-south-park-wins-night-psych-americas-best-dance-crew-house-hunters-restaurant-stakeout-duck-dynasty-more/128755/. dead. April 15, 2012. TV by the Numbers. Bibel. Sara. April 12, 2012. 2012-04-13.
  43. Web site: Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Dominates Night + 'Psych', 'Top Chef', 'The Daily Show', NBA Basketball & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20130303005414/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/28/wednesday-cable-ratings-duck-dynasty-dominates-night-psych-top-chef-the-daily-show-nba-basketball-more/171199/. dead. March 3, 2013. TV by the Numbers. Amanda. Kondolojy. February 28, 2013. 2013-03-01.
  44. Web site: Bibel. Sara. Wednesday Cable Ratings: NHL Playoffs Win Night, 'Psych', 'The Real World', 'Love Thy Neighbor', 'Mythbusters', 'Melissa & Joey' & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20130607112841/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/30/wednesday-cable-ratings-nhl-playoffs-win-night-psych-the-real-world-love-thy-neighbormythbusters-melissa-joey-more/185066/. dead. June 7, 2013. May 30, 2013. 2013-05-30.
  45. Web site: Bibel. Sara. Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'American Horror Story' Wins Night, 'My Strange Addiction', 'Psych', 'Real World Ex-Plosion' & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20140110001838/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/09/wednesday-cable-ratings-american-horror-story-wins-night-my-strange-addiction-psych-real-world-ex-plosion-more/227773/. dead. January 10, 2014. January 9, 2014. 2013-01-09.
  46. Web site: Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Finale Tops Night + NBA Basketball, 'Psych', 'Workaholics' & More. https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234806/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/03/27/wednesday-cable-ratings-duck-dynasty-finale-tops-night-nba-basketball-psych-workaholics-more/248441/. dead. March 27, 2014. Kondolojy. Amanda. TV by the Numbers. March 27, 2014. 2014-03-27.
  47. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/psych Psych
  48. Web site: IIG – 08/09/2007 Press Release . Iigwest.com . 2011-08-07.
  49. Web site: The IIG Awards . Iigwest.com . August 21, 2010 . 2011-08-07.
  50. http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/forms/pdf/2006-IPA-Nom-Announce.pdf
  51. Web site: 1 by Corinne Heller . Emmy Awards 2010 . OnTheRedCarpet.com . November 11, 2010 . 2011-08-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100709221505/http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/2010/07/emmy-awards-2010-get-the-full-list-of-nominations.html . July 9, 2010 . dead .
  52. News: Not a Drill: 'Psych: The Movie' Is Coming to USA Network This December . 2017-05-08.
  53. Web site: w Network . February 14, 2019 . Psych: The Movie 2 Is Coming to USA Network Later This Year! . USA Network.
  54. https://www.tvinsider.com/1118094/psych-4-movie-timothy-omundson-carlton-lassiter/
  55. Web site: Ivie . Devon . 2023-08-09 . Maggie Lawson, Psych’s Visionary Rewatcher . 2023-09-06 . Vulture . en-us.

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