It’s been over a decade since Psych wrapped up its eight-season run, but let’s be real—fans are still craving that perfect blend of mystery, humor, and quirky bromance. You’ve rewatched every episode (probably twice), quoted Shawn and Gus more times than you can count, and maybe even hunted for a pineapple or two in your kitchen.
So now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. If you’re looking for that same goofy charm, clever mystery-solving, and unforgettable friendships, I’ve rounded up 7 incredible shows that fill the Psych void—and in some ways, even surpass it.
Let’s jump in.
💡 What Made Psych So Addictive?
Before we get to the replacements, let’s break down what made Psych such a cult favorite:
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Hilarious, fast-paced banter
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Shawn and Gus’s iconic chemistry
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Lighthearted mysteries with emotional depth
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Running jokes (pineapples, anyone?)
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That satisfying balance of comedy and crime-solving
So if you’re going to find a new show to love, it has to check a lot of boxes.
🎯 The Criteria for a Great Psych Replacement
Not just any crime show makes the cut. Here’s what I looked for:
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Strong buddy dynamics
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Comedy-driven storytelling
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Mystery/crime-solving elements
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Rewatchability factor
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Heartfelt moments beneath the humor
Ready for your next binge-worthy obsession? Let’s dive into the 7 best Psych replacements.
#1 – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Ultimate Comedy-Crime Fix
If Psych and The Office had a baby, it’d be Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This cop comedy is full of sharp wit, goofy antics, and a lovable ensemble cast. Detective Jake Peralta is basically Shawn Spencer with a badge—and a badge he actually earned.
Why It Works:
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Hilarious without losing the crime angle
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Jake and Boyle give major Shawn/Gus energy
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Witty writing with emotional punches
Episodes to Start With:
S1E22 “Charges and Specs” or S3E5 “Halloween III”
#2 – The Mentalist
The Serious Twin of Psych
Ever wondered what Psych would be like if Shawn were actually serious about his “psychic” gig? That’s The Mentalist. Patrick Jane helps solve crimes using keen observation and manipulation—minus the silly antics.
Why It Works:
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Same “fake psychic helps police” premise
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More dramatic but still engaging
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Slow-burn character development
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Pilot” or S2E8 “His Red Right Hand”
#3 – Chuck
Spy Gadgets, Nerds, and Unexpected Heroes
Chuck is the action-packed underdog story you didn’t know you needed. When a computer geek accidentally downloads government secrets into his brain, chaos—and comedy—ensues.
Why It Works:
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Quirky humor mixed with real stakes
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Chuck and Morgan = Shawn and Gus in spy form
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Great blend of bromance and action
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Pilot” or S2E11 “Chuck Versus Santa Claus”
#4 – Monk
Where Quirky Detectives Reign
You probably know this one already—Adrian Monk is a germophobic genius with a tragic past. It’s heavier than Psych in tone but offers that same unique-talent-meets-police format.
Why It Works:
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Created by the same team as Psych
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Mystery-of-the-week structure
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Dark humor and heartwarming moments
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Mr. Monk and the Candidate” or S3E10 “Mr. Monk and the Red Herring”
#5 – Castle
A Novelist, a Cop, and Tons of Chemistry
Imagine if Shawn had a flair for drama and a bit more maturity, and you’ve got Richard Castle. He tags along with NYPD detective Kate Beckett to solve crimes with a mix of charm, wit, and occasional danger.
Why It Works:
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Writer + cop duo with sizzling chemistry
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Murder mysteries with a side of fun
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Great mix of procedural and romantic comedy
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Flowers for Your Grave” or S2E24 “A Deadly Game”
#6 – Veronica Mars
Teen Noir with Sass and Smarts
She’s a high school student, a private eye, and smarter than most adults in the room. Veronica Mars nails that snarky humor, emotional depth, and twisty mysteries.
Why It Works:
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Sharp dialogue and punchy sarcasm
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Darker tone, but still addictive
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Quirky characters and emotional storytelling
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Pilot” or S2E22 “Not Pictured”
#7 – White Collar
Classy Crimes and a Charming Conman
Meet Neal Caffrey: a con artist who helps the FBI catch white-collar criminals. It’s stylish, clever, and features one of the best bromances in TV history.
Why It Works:
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Suave lead with brilliant mind
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Neal and Peter = elite version of Shawn and Lassie
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Lighthearted but clever
Episodes to Start With:
S1E1 “Pilot” or S2E9 “Point Blank”
🏆 Honorable Mentions
These didn’t make the main list but are still worth a shoutout:
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Bones – forensic fun with quirky leads
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Leverage – Robin Hood meets Ocean’s Eleven
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Burn Notice – DIY spy with a sarcastic edge
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Grimm – supernatural detective drama with cult vibes
🧠 Final Thoughts
There’s no replacing Psych—that show was lightning in a bottle. But the good news? These 7 series offer fresh, funny, and heartfelt takes on the buddy-mystery genre we all love. So pop some popcorn, kick back, and let the binging begin. Trust me, you won’t even miss the pineapples… well, maybe a little.
