My Favorite Satirical Crime Show
There was never a sadder day, for me, than when Netflix removed Psych from their platform. It’s one of my favorite crime shows because it’s one of the few in the genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In fact, it doesn’t take itself seriously at all.
“Psychic” detective Shawn Spencer and loyal bestie Burton Guster (aka Gus, aka Gus T.T. Showbiz, aka MC ClapYoHandz, and too many other nicknames to count) take down Santa Barbara crime one blunder at a time, slipping in 80’s pop culture references every chance they get.
The show shamelessly spoofs other TV shows and movies, from Friday the 13th (“Tuesday the 17th”) to American Idol (“American Duos”). My favorite episode is “Not Even Close…Encounters,” where Freddie Prinze Jr. plays a closeted nerd (literally).
If you’re looking for laughs and some astute cultural observations with your crime show, then Psych is for you.
Start watching Psych or discover more great TV and movie recommendations.
Elizabeth Venere is a marketing manager at Hachette Book Group. You can usually find her reading (a mystery novel, obviously) or at yoga, trying to re-center after reading about too many murders.
By clicking 'Sign Up,' I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use