There have been plenty psychic and detective shows over the years but Psych is absolutely one of the best of them. It's just a flat out fun show! Shawn (James Roday Rodriguez) and Gus (Dule Hill) have such great chemistry that keeps the show fresh every episode and the supporting cast are all perfect! As great as the cast is the writing is just as good. It's a smart and quick witted written show. Even though I loved every episode of every season I have to say that the first season is the weakest and the show really hits its stride in season two. There are so many laugh out loud moments and a good murder mystery every episode. By reading through most of these reviews it looks like most people agree that they had a good time watching this show and really like it!
280 Reviews
Such a fun show!
Supermanfan-1315 October 2021
Psych is just a flat out fun show! Shawn (James Roday Rodriguez) and Gus (Dule Hill) have such great chemistry that keeps the show fresh every episode and the supporting cast are all perfect! We've seen plenty of psychic and detective shows over the years but this is absolutely one of the best of them! The writing is clever and the acting really good. By reading most of these reviews it looks like most people agree that they had a good time watching this show and really like it!
Ahhh!
AnnaPagrati27 August 2021
Great Comedy-Mystery Writing
Enrique-Sanchez-567 July 2006
Great comedy-writing characters continue on USA! What a wonderful first episode! I am hooked. Shawn Spencer is my new hero-sleuth! The first episode managed to mix the introduction of all the characters into a deftly woven plot full of fun.
I enjoyed James Roday's timing. He's got a character down pat on the first try. Dulé Hill is wonderful as Roday's partner in crimes. The rest of the cast is very good. The dating cops and the female interim Chief of Police round out a good cast that will welcome Corbin Bernsen as Spencer's ex-cop dad.
Once again, there is a reason to stay home on Friday nights!
I enjoyed James Roday's timing. He's got a character down pat on the first try. Dulé Hill is wonderful as Roday's partner in crimes. The rest of the cast is very good. The dating cops and the female interim Chief of Police round out a good cast that will welcome Corbin Bernsen as Spencer's ex-cop dad.
Once again, there is a reason to stay home on Friday nights!
Actually very funny
doomedmac14 February 2021
Clever and absolute fun to watch!
Merang08 July 2006
The first episode was a delight and so much fun to watch. They have managed to pick a fantastic buddy team that has perfect timing. Plenty of hearty laughs with this one.
It's unusual for a pilot to have well developed characters, but Psych does dispose of this stereotype.
The series does give us (the audience) a chance to think for ourselves and allows us to figure out "who dun it?" before Sean does. There are even little kinks here and there to throw us off. I like that.
I can't wait to see more episodes, and I'm setting up a season pass on the DVR.
Good job USA!
It's unusual for a pilot to have well developed characters, but Psych does dispose of this stereotype.
The series does give us (the audience) a chance to think for ourselves and allows us to figure out "who dun it?" before Sean does. There are even little kinks here and there to throw us off. I like that.
I can't wait to see more episodes, and I'm setting up a season pass on the DVR.
Good job USA!
I love this show!
dbarr12316 July 2022
I almost never rate shows with 10 stars! There are several LoL moments in every episode. Every episode has a unique crime scene with with different ways to solve each one. I am retired law enforcement, and while I know this show isn't exactly true to law practices, I still find it exceedingly enjoyable to watch. I am never dissatisfied while watching this show. One of the fantastic things about the show is that it's pure comedy. You don't have worry much about the plot.
Underrated comedy
mgicnick16 September 2022
The two main protagonists, James Rodday and Dule Hill that operate a psychic detective agency, "Psych", are a match made in heaven.
They are one of those unique comedy duos that appear once or twice in a decade and even though they didn't find the same amount of fame other comedy duos did, their show successfully run for eight seasons based on their amazing comedic chemistry that was perfectly complimented by the rest of the cast and the excellent writing. A very funny, feel good show from beginning to end, it is guaranteed to lift anyone's spirits up. It's only been eight years since the show ended and it already feels like an eternity. Thank you for a great, very funny show!
They are one of those unique comedy duos that appear once or twice in a decade and even though they didn't find the same amount of fame other comedy duos did, their show successfully run for eight seasons based on their amazing comedic chemistry that was perfectly complimented by the rest of the cast and the excellent writing. A very funny, feel good show from beginning to end, it is guaranteed to lift anyone's spirits up. It's only been eight years since the show ended and it already feels like an eternity. Thank you for a great, very funny show!
An Honest Review
generationofswine1 April 2017
Believe it or not, Rachael Leigh Cook's minor involvement in this is NOT the reason I gave it 10 out of 10.
The simple fact is every episode had a laugh out loud joke. Not a chuckle that's funny joke like most funny sitcoms, but a joke that was honestly so funny that one actually laughs out loud when they see it.
That is so rare in sitcoms. That is so rare in life.
So why does Psych do that? Well a good reason is that fact that James Roday and Dulé Hill are mindbogglingly brilliant together. Literally they are possibly one of the best comedy duos that television has ever seen. They work so well together it is uncanny.
And then the ensemble cast. Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Kirsten Nelson, and Kurt Fuller are all at the top of their games.
In fact the only one dangling is poor Maggie Lawson who was unfortunately stuck with playing the straight man...the one straight person in a cast of hysterical. And she did it well, she was the level, sane voice in that we could relate to.
So Maggie didn't have a chance to shine while Roday and Hill played off one another in a manner that is best described as magic.
It is not the best sitcom on television...but it is one of the few that has a moment, in nearly EVERY episode, that makes you laugh out loud.
The simple fact is every episode had a laugh out loud joke. Not a chuckle that's funny joke like most funny sitcoms, but a joke that was honestly so funny that one actually laughs out loud when they see it.
That is so rare in sitcoms. That is so rare in life.
So why does Psych do that? Well a good reason is that fact that James Roday and Dulé Hill are mindbogglingly brilliant together. Literally they are possibly one of the best comedy duos that television has ever seen. They work so well together it is uncanny.
And then the ensemble cast. Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Kirsten Nelson, and Kurt Fuller are all at the top of their games.
In fact the only one dangling is poor Maggie Lawson who was unfortunately stuck with playing the straight man...the one straight person in a cast of hysterical. And she did it well, she was the level, sane voice in that we could relate to.
So Maggie didn't have a chance to shine while Roday and Hill played off one another in a manner that is best described as magic.
It is not the best sitcom on television...but it is one of the few that has a moment, in nearly EVERY episode, that makes you laugh out loud.
funny, witty, smart and kind
hacks-5663523 June 2021
I don't give tens often... in fact, there are maybe a handful of shows that qualify. This here is one of them. It's got it all. Great actors, great writing, great sets, character progression.
I often laugh out loud, usually at/with Gus. Lassider is perfect and required, and a great actor to boot. Shawn and Juliette interacting is cute and believable. The dad is a great actor and spot on in his role. Shawn can get a little "much" sometimes, but that's kinda the point...
I don't know, if you're some kind of freak of nature that doesn't like pineapples, maybe this show isn't for you. For anyone else, worth a quick check. You will know if you are hooked fast enough.
I often laugh out loud, usually at/with Gus. Lassider is perfect and required, and a great actor to boot. Shawn and Juliette interacting is cute and believable. The dad is a great actor and spot on in his role. Shawn can get a little "much" sometimes, but that's kinda the point...
I don't know, if you're some kind of freak of nature that doesn't like pineapples, maybe this show isn't for you. For anyone else, worth a quick check. You will know if you are hooked fast enough.
Psyched about Psyched
SkidMcCormick21 August 2006
What can I say about Psych? A great, great TV series that has class written all over it! I've been a big fan of Dule Hill's since She's All That and he compliments James Roday's equally fine comedic talents.
The series doesn't depend on punch-ups and curse words to get its point across (sorry HBO!)Instead you have top-notch people like Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Maggie Lawson (the ever so hot Juliet O'Hara!) and Corbin Bernsen that make up such a wonderful ensemble. Plus, the stories are inventive & fresh.
I love the banter between Shawn Spencer (Roday) & Burton "Gus" Guster (Hill) and then Shawn vs Lassiter! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time and one can only hope this will get a much deserved DVD release in the future (with blooper reels guys!) The only gripe I have is that they could make the opening theme tune longer, have more of Corbin Bernsen as Henry Spencer and get Shawn a decent girlfriend who's not connected to the crime he's investigating! Love this show and it gets 10/10 from me! PS: Why is the color green associated with the show?
The series doesn't depend on punch-ups and curse words to get its point across (sorry HBO!)Instead you have top-notch people like Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Maggie Lawson (the ever so hot Juliet O'Hara!) and Corbin Bernsen that make up such a wonderful ensemble. Plus, the stories are inventive & fresh.
I love the banter between Shawn Spencer (Roday) & Burton "Gus" Guster (Hill) and then Shawn vs Lassiter! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time and one can only hope this will get a much deserved DVD release in the future (with blooper reels guys!) The only gripe I have is that they could make the opening theme tune longer, have more of Corbin Bernsen as Henry Spencer and get Shawn a decent girlfriend who's not connected to the crime he's investigating! Love this show and it gets 10/10 from me! PS: Why is the color green associated with the show?
One of the best!
gbrezina201519 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
One of the best shows ever...esp if you grew up in the 80's. Great characters, great lines, great guest appearances from the 80's. Love, love this show and have watched every episode at least 3 times. It can be heartwarming but is mostly funny. So funny and goofy, which I love. I am forever and always a Psych-o. :)
perfectly balanced
angelorwez13 August 2022
I remember psych!!
It was the good kind of lethal weapon...the 21st century version of Damon wayans...
it had comedy...natural funny comedy that landed well...it had mystery intrigue and suspense...a detective show with a brilliant mind in the mix...
the formula for this just couldn't fail...perfect execution...good writing for the mystery...and well-timed wrll executed comedy...
definitely a benchmark...
It was the good kind of lethal weapon...the 21st century version of Damon wayans...
it had comedy...natural funny comedy that landed well...it had mystery intrigue and suspense...a detective show with a brilliant mind in the mix...
the formula for this just couldn't fail...perfect execution...good writing for the mystery...and well-timed wrll executed comedy...
definitely a benchmark...
Thumbs up!
WinBear8 July 2006
I thought this was a pretty good pilot. I was laughing pretty consistently throughout. I also enjoyed his observational skills and the way the special effects team highlighted them. The buddy relationship between Shawn and Gus was fun and I liked the dramatic tension between Shawn and his Dad, especially considering dad's feelings on psychics and private investigators. The supporting cast at the police station was adequate with the chief really shining compared to the two detectives having an affair.
I also liked how they used Gus' very focused vocation-based observation skills to give Shawn a hand at solving the crime at the end. The whole conversation about Shawn needing Gus to take notes because Shawn zones out really rang true for me, plus Shawn occasionally needs the 'everyman view' for something he hadn't considered.
I give this a thumbs up. It's one of the few summer shows I've picked up and so far, it is clearly the winner.
I also liked how they used Gus' very focused vocation-based observation skills to give Shawn a hand at solving the crime at the end. The whole conversation about Shawn needing Gus to take notes because Shawn zones out really rang true for me, plus Shawn occasionally needs the 'everyman view' for something he hadn't considered.
I give this a thumbs up. It's one of the few summer shows I've picked up and so far, it is clearly the winner.
Unrivaled.
gergodxs19 August 2021
It's a mix of a comedy with Sherlock Holmes. The friendship between Shawn and Gus is elite, and the quality of episode remain throughout. Movies are also available after the show comes to its end. And the best part is the ending isn't appalling - for SPN & GOT fans :)
The best comedic timing of any show in TV
xhidden994 February 2015
Psych is fantastic. The timing and chemistry of Gus and Shawn are off the meter. The tightest most brilliant comedy you will see. Not only never a bad episode but never a sour note in an episode. Light and breezy, smooth, never annoying and thank god never chatty. The supporting is fantastic. Sure it's goofy but it's the sweetest funniest good natured goofy. But the thing that holds it together is the phenomenal flawless timing. The only that comes close is the Marx Brothers or Abbott and Costello. Everything worked and reworked to perfection replete with densely packed pop references that are perfect and obvious. Bravo Psych, Bravo.
ONE OF THE 5 BEST EVER!!
beauleaumail1 June 2022
Very, very entertaining!
TheLittleSongbird31 August 2009
Psych is a great show, it is very funny and quite silly, and at the end of the day, it is a gem of a show. James Roday and Dule Hill are great as Shawn and Gus, who delight in every episode. Corbin Benson and Maggie Lawson were solid too. The scripts are nearly always hilarious, and the story lines original, versatile and intriguing. I also loved the theme song, quite funky and melodious. Many great actors and actresses have made truly memorable appearances on the show, and which one's my favourite? Hard to say, but probably Tim Curry in American Duos, that episode was hilarious, and Tim was priceless as a Simon Cowell-like figure, in the name of Nigel-St-Nigel, withering put downs and all. All in all, a very entertaining show, look out for it! 10/10 Bethany Cox.
Comedic Genius
acedj29 October 2019
This show is absolutely great. The pilot episode is not the best in the series, so don't let that stop you. This show is full of jokes, puns, whit and nostalgia for anyone in their 30s to 50s to enjoy. James and Dule play very well off each other and the entire cast has great chemistry. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is a fan of sitcoms as well as crime dramas.
This show centers around Shawn Spencer, a man in his mid to late twenties that has issues holding down a job. His dad, a retired detective for the Santa Barbara police department had trained Shawn as a kid to be hyper observant. Shawn had been using this ability to help police solve crimes by phoning in tips. In the pilot episode this ends up having Shawn pulled in for questioning. In a panic, he tells the police he is psychic. They test this claim out and he uses his powers of observation to solve a crime, and he opens a detective agency with his childhood friend Burton "Gus" Guster. Unfortunately the show only lasted 8 seasons. It is definitely in my top ten favorite shows. Be sure to check out Psych the musical!!!
Nearly flawless bit of organized chaos, funnier than most comedies and more thrilling than most mysteries
liquidcelluloid-117 February 2008
Network: USA; Genre: Comedy, Crime/Mystery; Content Rating: TV-PG (occasional mild language and violence); Available: DVD; Perspective: Contemporary (star range: 1 - 4);
Seasons Reviewed: 2 seasons
Friends since childhood, Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) quite literally get a chance to play detectives when Shawn's keen eye for details (taught by his cop father Corbin Bernsen) and a colossal lie in which he masquerades as a psychic detective gets them in the inner circle of the Santa Barbra police. This gets him close to beautiful detective Juliet (Maggie Lawson) and raises the ire of her by-the-books partner Lassiter (Timothy Omudson).
If you're asking you're self the question "if he's got such a keen eye for details then why does he have to pose as a psychic detective?" with confusion, snarky skepticism and anger, abandon this review now and surf over to the closest "CSI" rerun. Steve Frank's "Psych" is not for you. But if you asked that same question with a knowing laugh at how much fun a show can be when it is so loony from the get-go that it doesn't care that the fundamental premise about collapses on itself, sit back and enjoy.
"Psych" is a loony funhouse ride through the crime series, a perfect compliment to USA's other irreverent crime comedy "Monk". A live-action cartoon with a perfectly manic performance from Roday and a perfectly straight-laced foil in Hill. There are a lot of odd elements that work for "Psych" - the clever mysteries, a buried unrequited crush story for Shawn and Juliet, the endless obscure pop culture references (random name dropping hasn't been this much fun since the second season of "Family Guy"), a complete lack of any self importance - but the blood that courses through the show's veins is the Shawn and Gus relationship.
Roday and Hill play off each other beautifully. If these two don't have real chemistry then they are brilliant at faking it. Roday and Hill don't miss a beat. Shawn and Gus's banter is a tennis match of whip-fast sibling-like short-hand that nobody in the room gets but them. Roday chews the scenery like a rabid dog. He's got the one-liners, Shawn's breathless rants and physical comedy nailed. His psychically-induced spastic summations play like a much less annoying Jim Carrey - back when Jim Carrey was the big thing. Dule Hill, however, is a comic revelation. Hill bursts out of the wallflower he played for years on "The West Wing", and uses all that bent up comic energy to give the thankless, uptight, side-kick role an unparalleled enthusiasm with a firecracker delivery that makes the tiniest reaction shots hilarious. Gus' horrified reactions to Shawn's behavior make for some of the show's biggest laughs.
Another great strength to "Psych" is that it feels so fresh and free-wheeling, but at the same time is backed by a solid and cohesive story. Shawn and Gus "Columbo" their way through the crime scenes, seemingly more concerned with making 80s movie references or bickering over fashion than solving the case, and yet, in true TV style are always able to beat the cops to the arrest. Consciously trying to one-up the cop series wrap-ups of his childhood, Shawn can't just tell everyone who did it. "Psych's" episode formula ends with TV's freshest and most invigorating wrap-up scenes as Roday can't unmask the killer without an elaborate bit of theatrics or in front of a huge group of people. It is a nearly flawless piece of organized chaos - and one of th most purely entertaining shows on TV.
Tired of the self-contained, self-important crime dramas that chronicle interviewing witnesses, making legal deals and pouring over microscopic evidence? No? Really? Seriously, Not yet? My God. Well, I am and even with "Monk" slowly loosing interest in itself, "Psych" is just the breezy, colorful, thirst-quenching antidote I've been looking for. Much like Shawn and Gus, "Psych" is quickly laughing it's care-free way right past all the TV mystery-solving competition. Beating them fair and square with wit, charm, character and an infectious puppy dog desire to entertain. Funnier than most comedies, more thrilling than most crime mysteries.
* * * ½ /4
Seasons Reviewed: 2 seasons
Friends since childhood, Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) quite literally get a chance to play detectives when Shawn's keen eye for details (taught by his cop father Corbin Bernsen) and a colossal lie in which he masquerades as a psychic detective gets them in the inner circle of the Santa Barbra police. This gets him close to beautiful detective Juliet (Maggie Lawson) and raises the ire of her by-the-books partner Lassiter (Timothy Omudson).
If you're asking you're self the question "if he's got such a keen eye for details then why does he have to pose as a psychic detective?" with confusion, snarky skepticism and anger, abandon this review now and surf over to the closest "CSI" rerun. Steve Frank's "Psych" is not for you. But if you asked that same question with a knowing laugh at how much fun a show can be when it is so loony from the get-go that it doesn't care that the fundamental premise about collapses on itself, sit back and enjoy.
"Psych" is a loony funhouse ride through the crime series, a perfect compliment to USA's other irreverent crime comedy "Monk". A live-action cartoon with a perfectly manic performance from Roday and a perfectly straight-laced foil in Hill. There are a lot of odd elements that work for "Psych" - the clever mysteries, a buried unrequited crush story for Shawn and Juliet, the endless obscure pop culture references (random name dropping hasn't been this much fun since the second season of "Family Guy"), a complete lack of any self importance - but the blood that courses through the show's veins is the Shawn and Gus relationship.
Roday and Hill play off each other beautifully. If these two don't have real chemistry then they are brilliant at faking it. Roday and Hill don't miss a beat. Shawn and Gus's banter is a tennis match of whip-fast sibling-like short-hand that nobody in the room gets but them. Roday chews the scenery like a rabid dog. He's got the one-liners, Shawn's breathless rants and physical comedy nailed. His psychically-induced spastic summations play like a much less annoying Jim Carrey - back when Jim Carrey was the big thing. Dule Hill, however, is a comic revelation. Hill bursts out of the wallflower he played for years on "The West Wing", and uses all that bent up comic energy to give the thankless, uptight, side-kick role an unparalleled enthusiasm with a firecracker delivery that makes the tiniest reaction shots hilarious. Gus' horrified reactions to Shawn's behavior make for some of the show's biggest laughs.
Another great strength to "Psych" is that it feels so fresh and free-wheeling, but at the same time is backed by a solid and cohesive story. Shawn and Gus "Columbo" their way through the crime scenes, seemingly more concerned with making 80s movie references or bickering over fashion than solving the case, and yet, in true TV style are always able to beat the cops to the arrest. Consciously trying to one-up the cop series wrap-ups of his childhood, Shawn can't just tell everyone who did it. "Psych's" episode formula ends with TV's freshest and most invigorating wrap-up scenes as Roday can't unmask the killer without an elaborate bit of theatrics or in front of a huge group of people. It is a nearly flawless piece of organized chaos - and one of th most purely entertaining shows on TV.
Tired of the self-contained, self-important crime dramas that chronicle interviewing witnesses, making legal deals and pouring over microscopic evidence? No? Really? Seriously, Not yet? My God. Well, I am and even with "Monk" slowly loosing interest in itself, "Psych" is just the breezy, colorful, thirst-quenching antidote I've been looking for. Much like Shawn and Gus, "Psych" is quickly laughing it's care-free way right past all the TV mystery-solving competition. Beating them fair and square with wit, charm, character and an infectious puppy dog desire to entertain. Funnier than most comedies, more thrilling than most crime mysteries.
* * * ½ /4
Very fun and enjoyable to watch
jaketorv2 January 2022
I gave this show a try and was instantly hooked! It got better with each season and the characters evolved very nicely. In my opinion the final season took a little bit of a step back, but that has not stopped this show from being my favorite to watch!!!
Great show
scoopdog-3348328 August 2021
Best Detective Comedy Since Monk
mikeridges8 August 2006
Psych is one of the most interesting and comedic series to come out this year. After watching the pilot episodes with one of my friends we were both hooked. James Roday brings his character, Shawn Spencer, a laid back cynical sleuth to life. The witty dialogue is enough to keep anyone entertained for the duration of every episode so far. The character of Gus played by Dule Hill is a brilliant contrast to Raday's character, creating excellent chemistry showcasing how opposites make great television. Over all Psych is a clever, interesting, and hilarious show. Although its not completely original and some concepts are a little far fetched, I think it will entertain anyone who takes the time to tune in Friday evenings.
A fun show
hannahroseimagery2 August 2022
A Star is Born
robert-head-123 December 2006
Where did James Roday come from? Wow. I haven't seen anyone with this much star potential since Tom Cruise came onto the scene.
The show's premise is refreshingly plausible, despite the seemingly dozens of shows in recent years in which detectives with 'special powers' solve crimes. The twist is that he *doesn't* have special powers beyond excellent training by a dad with burdensome expectations.
Somehow it manages to combine youthful thirty-ish banter between buddies (Friends-style) with Monk-ish sleuthing and to charm our pants off at the same time.
The only weakness may be the cartoonish antagonism of officer Carlton Lassiter, who hates Shawn Spencer and denies his results beyond all reason. Hopefully, the writers will find a more comfortable space for the character to occupy.
Can't wait for the next season.
The show's premise is refreshingly plausible, despite the seemingly dozens of shows in recent years in which detectives with 'special powers' solve crimes. The twist is that he *doesn't* have special powers beyond excellent training by a dad with burdensome expectations.
Somehow it manages to combine youthful thirty-ish banter between buddies (Friends-style) with Monk-ish sleuthing and to charm our pants off at the same time.
The only weakness may be the cartoonish antagonism of officer Carlton Lassiter, who hates Shawn Spencer and denies his results beyond all reason. Hopefully, the writers will find a more comfortable space for the character to occupy.
Can't wait for the next season.
See also
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