Get Into Psych's Best Cases With These 6 Fan-Favorite Episodes

Part crime drama, part comedy, and straight-up campy fun, the USA Network original series Psych follows detective Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a self-proclaimed “psychic” who helps the police solve cases. His special powers, however, come from a fantastic flair for observation and not any psychic wizardry. He and his best friend, pharmaceutical sales rep Gus Guster (Dulé Hill), fumble through murder investigations for eight brilliantly entertaining seasons (and three movies) — earning a near cult following along the way.

As we cross our fingers for another movie, we thought it might be fun for to take a look back at some of Shawn and Gus' greatest adventures. To help new fans engage with the series (streaming on Peacock) or old fans relive the greatest hists, we’ve ranked 6 of the best episodes to watch (or rewatch) right now.

Season 6, Episode 2 – "Last Night Gus"

"Last Night Gus" features some of the funniest one-liners and dialogue of the series. Taking a page from the classic comedy The Hangover, our fearless group of detectives — Shawn, Gus, Lassiter, and Woody — wake up with no memory of the previous night because their drinks were spiked. A fellow reveler turns up dead, and all clues point to them as the murderers. Hopelessly hungover and confused, Shawn urges his team to remember what happened, shouting, “Lassie, I need you to go inward. Take a swim in Lake You.” His rant about temporarily losing his powers of perception is pure comedic gold.  

Season 2, Episode 1 – "American Duos"

The premise is admittedly a little corny, but that is what we’re here for! In a hilarious spoof of American Idol, Shawn and Gus go undercover as contestants in a singing competition to protect a persnickety Simon Cowell–like judge (played by Tim Curry). The many fun details — like Juliet (Maggie Lawson) as their tough-as-nails dance teacher — keep us chuckling all the way to the finale, where the detective duo pulls off a Tears for Fears/Michael Jackson mashup, complete with dry ice, teased hair, and moonwalking.

Season 3, 4, and 5 Finales – Yin Yang Trilogy

"An Evening With Mr. Yang" / "Mr. Yin Presents..." / "Yang 3 in 2D" may be three distinct episodes, but they count as one long story.

We love Psych’s light-hearted treatment of the crime show genre, with two lovable detectives poking fun at the typical tropes. But sometimes, things do get real, and Shawn and Gus have serious psychos to thwart. Taking place across three different season finales, from Season 3 to Season 5, the trilogy features cameos like Ally Sheedy and Peter Weller, not to mention a delightful nod to Alfred Hitchcock Presents in the suspenseful second act.

RELATED: Where To Binge-Watch All Of USA's 'Psych' & Its Fan-Favorite Films

Season 5, Episode 12 – "Dual Spires"

In a series known for its pop culture commentary and TV callbacks, this homage to the ‘90s series Twin Peaks is a highlight precisely because it is so detailed. A big part of the allure lies in the David Lynch references and impressive guest appearances by seven of the original Twin Peaks cast. But when we learned that Rodriguez (who plays Shawn) was a Twin Peaks superfan and co-wrote the episode, it sealed its spot in the top 6.

Season 4, Episode 9 – "Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark"

Psych edges into more dangerous territory as Shawn is shot while investigating a crime. We see how his father’s lessons from childhood help him get through a harrowing experience and ultimately nab the bad guy. The emotional intensity and sense of real urgency are a departure from the series and make for a memorable episode.

Season 7, Episode 11 – "Office Space" 

Hold on, because the gags come fast and furious in this laugh-out-loud episode. The detectives are at their bumbling best when Gus’ mean boss at his pharmaceutical job mysteriously turns up dead after Gus resigns. In an absurdly funny opener, Gus panics, knocking over the dead body, coughing on every piece of furniture, and accidentally destroying the office. The slapstick humor continues as Shawn manages to mess up the crime scene even further.

For more entertaining antics, stream the entire series of Psych on Peacock, where you can also find Psych: The Movie and its two sequels.