USA Network’s longest-running series on air, “Psych,” will end after the current eighth season.
The cable channel announced that the comedic drama will end with the episode Wednesday, March 26 at 9/8c. It has also planned a one-hour special Q&A with the series’ cast and its creator, Steve Franks, to air after the final episode at 10/9c and shoot in front of a studio audience.
“‘Psych’ has made an indelible imprint on the television landscape, with a unique brand of comedy,” said USA Network president Chris McCumber in a statement.
See video: ‘Psych’s’ James Roday Reveals Show Will Re-Make an Episode From Season 1
He continued, “The final season celebrates the iconic characters that have made this show so beloved, and will be an exclamation point on the series’ incredible run. And while the series will wrap in March somehow, I don’t believe we’ve heard the last of Shawn and Gus.”
As McCumber alluded to, the idea of a “Psych” spinoff has been floated at the network, a USA representative told TheWrap. But, it’s very preliminary.
“Psych” has been one of TV’s most inventive shows. In this season alone, it staged a musical episode and remade an earlier episode. Episodes have paid tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, the movies “Clue” and “The Shining,” and the TV series “Twin Peaks.”
Its fandom, aka Psychos, helped it win the People’s Choice Award for Best Television Comedy last month and they are immensely active on social media.
See video: ‘Psych’s’ James Roday Names His Musical Episode Standouts
The show has also been honored with an Emmy nomination and numerous Alma and Image Awards nominations. Star James Roday has received an Imagen Foundation Award and Dule Hill has received seven consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.
In 2013, “Psych” ranked in the Top 5 among the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic and in total viewers on Wednesdays.
“Psych” stars Roday as Shawn Spencer, who has used his superb observational and deduction skills to pass as a psychic consultant to the Santa Barbara police. Hill plays Shawn’s best friend and partner Burton “Gus” Guster. It also stars Timothy Omundson, Maggie Lawson, Kirsten Nelson and Corbin Bernsen.
See video: ‘Psych’s’ James Roday: What Made the Musical Episode ‘Crazy, Challenging, and Mad Fun’
Alongside Franks, Kelly Kulchak and Chris Henze serve as executive producers on the Universal Cable Productions series in association with Tagline Pictures. Mel Damski serves as executive producer/director. Saladin K. Patterson, Andy Berman and Todd Harthan are co-executive producers/writers. Kell Cahoon is consulting producer.
Roday and Hill had a few parting words for fans. Watch the video above.
