Remember the Time Psych Was Actually Good? Here Are 5 Shows Just Like It

Remember how good Psych was? The eight-season detective dramedy about a fake psychic solving crimes for the Santa Barbra PD, with the best 80s references ever, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It seems impossible to find a show that is as entertaining and stress-free, with such amazing storytelling. But we can still try.

Here are five shows that will satisfy your need for gripping detective stories and help you recharge too.

Monk (2002–2009, 8 seasons)

The most obvious recommendation is, of course, Monk, which is widely considered to exist in the same universe as Psych. The police procedural revolves around a former homicide detective who has OCD and numerous phobias that don't stop him from being a valuable consultant to the San Francisco Police Department.

These 15 Movies Will Make Even Adults Cry Like a BabyThough less lighthearted than Psych, the show builds on their shared style of comedy. There are plenty of scenes that will have you in stitches with laughter.

Chuck (2007–2012, 5 seasons)

Zachary Levi's Chuck is a hilarious and unique character, just like Shawn Spencer in Psych. His special abilities, however, do not come from his upbringing, but from a sci-fi worthy event: a software program containing the greatest spy secrets of the US is implanted in his brain, so he becomes a skilled agent assigned to some top-secret missions. Chuck is easily one of the best slapstick comedies out there.

So Help Me Todd (2022–present, 1 season)

A more recent series with strong Psych vibes is CBS' So Help Me Todd. It follows a talented but directionless private investigator who must help his overbearing mother with her criminal defense cases in order to get his license back. The show is a perfect comfort comedy where the protagonists are always two steps ahead of the antagonists.

Leverage (2008–2012, 5 seasons)

Leverage features a group of characters who are on the other side of the law, which may feel unusual for fans of crime shows. But as the protagonists, all professionals in their own right, pull off Robin Hood-style heists, you can't help but root for them. And they never disappoint.

Like Psych, this is the kind of show you can simply enjoy without any dark thoughts.

Fringe (2008–2013, 5 seasons)

The Fringe Division is a task force within the FBI that uses fringe science and traditional methods to investigate bizarre cases involving alternate universes. The protagonists include a mad scientist, an FBI agent, and a jack-of-all-trades, each with their own quirks and twists.

Though more serious than Psych, Fringe is guaranteed to be a delightful rollercoaster ride laced with scientific lunacy and feel-good vibes.