American police drama Monk first aired in 2002, running for eight seasons until 2009.
It stars Tony Shalhoub in the leading role of Adrian Monk, a private detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and suffering from several phobias.
While investigating his wife’s unsolved murder, Monk works with the San Francisco Police Department to solve a series of unconventional cases, including joining a cult to find the truth behind the death of a teenage girl, and working to help a rapper clear his name after being accused of murder.
The series also stars Bitty Schram and Traylor Howard as Monk’s assistants Sharona Fleming and Natalie Teeger.
Monk has won eight Emmy awards, a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild awards.
The final ever episode even broke records when it aired with 9.4million viewers tuning in, making it the most-watched episode scripted drama episode in cable TV history. (The record was later broken by The Walking Dead.)
The synopsis reads: ‘After the unsolved murder of his wife, Adrian Monk develops obsessive-compulsive disorder, which includes his terror of germs and contamination.
‘His condition costs him his job as a prominent homicide detective in the San Francisco Police Department, but he continues to solve crimes with the help of his assistant and his former boss.’
For fans of Tom Selleck’s Magnum PI and Blue Bloods, we couldn’t think of anything better for your weekend watchlists, before it leaves the streaming service on March 14.
When Monk first aired, critics and fans alike hailed it as perfect, with the first two seasons scoring a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the show overall has an impressive 89%.
‘If you’re a fan of a crime procedural with a twist, you can’t get much better than Monk,’ Charlotte Harrison wrote.
‘This show is a unique gem and, even better, it has a real heart,’ Andrew Ryan added.
Robert Bianco said: ‘This series is more than just the best show USA has done in years (which is such faint praise, it’s barely audible). No, Monk is a summer delight – a sure-handed blend of mystery and humor.’
Lucy Maher added: ‘Monk is a thinking-person’s television show thanks to fresh, intelligent writing and well-nuanced characters.’
Meanwhile, viewer Kate wrote on X: ‘Greatest show ever! It’s silly, doesn’t take effort to follow and at times, relatable. Also, I can’t forget the mention the brilliant opening song! It’s perfect.’
Jamila added: ‘I finally finished Monk like a mad woman before its Netflix departure and I am glad. I gave closure to my teenage self’s favorite show.’
Monk returned for a TV movie in 2023, Mr Monk’s Last Case: AMonk Movie.
At the time, Shalhoub hinted the TV series could also return, saying: ‘You know, it’s not in my control. Really it’s up to the network, it’s up to Andy [Breckman]. It’s possible that we would revisit it.’
Speaking of the movie, he added to The Hollywood Reporter: ‘We’re hoping this one lands. I just don’t know how many times you can go to the well.’
‘On the other hand, I would never say never.’
Monk is available to watch on Netflix.
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