It is hard to believe that July 7 marks 14 years since Shawn Spencer said “should I slice this up for the road?” The iconic line in the pilot episode of Psych sparked so many iconic lines, pineapples spotted, impressive guest stars, and a whole lot of delicious flavor. For eight wonderful seasons and a musical, we followed Shawn, Gus, Lassiter, Juliet, Chief Vick, Henry, Woody, and Buzz through a ton of mysteries and hijinks. Cast, crew, and fans alike never stopped wanting more, and now with one movie down and a second on its way, it’s time to take a look at just a few (of so many) hilarious episodes of Psych!
“Scary Sherry: Bianca’s Toast” – Season 1, Episode 15
Scary Sherry will forever be an iconic episode. It was the first of many horror-themed episodes, mixing scary stories with witty comedy. It also included many laugh out loud moments. You’ve got Juliet going undercover as a sorority girl, and taking it hilariously seriously. You’ve also got the first of a running gag – people confusing Gus with Bud from The Cosby Show. Plus, anytime Shawn and Gus get scared – complete with running and high-pitched screams – is comedy gold! In many ways, this episode prepared us for what to expect in future episodes. Also, let’s give major props to young Shawn and Gus for starting an urban legend.
“American Duos” – Season 2, Episode 1
When recommending episodes to watch, “American Duos” always makes the list. It’s a hilarious take on singing competitions, like American Idol, complete with really bad auditions. Tim Curry guest-starred as Nigel St. Nigel, the judge of American Duos whose life is being threatened. Watching Shawn and Gus go undercover as contestants was simply perfection. The final performance was truly memorable as Shawn and Gus dress up as Roland Orzabal and Michael Jackson, respectively, and sing Tears for Fears “Shout.” Bonus: we get the first instance of Gus’ car being called the Blueberry!
“Disco Didn’t Die. It Was Murdered!” – Season 3, Episode 5
When one of Henry’s old cases is being investigated, hilarity ensues. In order to keep a low profile with Henry helping out Shawn and Gus, the trio decides to dress in true 70’s style. That includes buying a car related to the case. Honestly, if the 70’s references weren’t enough, watching Henry and Shawn both try to solve the case is hilarious. Clearly, both are incredible and intuitive detectives!
“Extradition: British Columbia” – Season 4, Episode 1
Anytime Cary Elwes pops up on Psych, we are in for a treat! “Extradition: British Columbia” is the first time we meet Elwes’ character, Pierre Despereaux. Pierre is a suave art thief that has eluded authorities for a long time. Until Shawn and Gus show up in Vancouver, that is. The hijinks that follow as Shawn and Gus try to capture him are some of the best. Ironically, while the show is set in Santa Barbara, it actually films in Vancouver!
“High Top Fade Out” – Season 4, Episode 7
I loved that we saw a part of Gus we didn’t normally get to see. When an old friend of his is murdered, this whole episode becomes a blast from the past for him. Epic in many ways, “High Top Fade Out” guest-starred Kenan Thompson and Jaleel White, and was complete with Boyz II Men singing the theme song. The singing and dancing was absolutely magical, and Tony and Joon were hysterically silly!
“Shawn and Gus in Drag (Racing)” – Season 5, Episode 5
If you’re a fan of the Fast and the Furious franchise, then you will absolutely love this episode. Shawn and Gus go undercover on a case involving drag racing. Gus gets a ton of nicknames, like Road Rash, Miss Widdleberry, and G-Force. Who knew you could add NOS to an old Ford F-150? Turns out, you can’t. Also, I can’t speak for everyone, but I sometimes find myself humming Lassie’s “danger music.” It’s surprisingly catchy!
“Last Night Gus” – Season 6, Episode 2
If you want a non-stop hilarious episode, “Last Night Gus” is the perfect choice. When Shawn, Gus, Lassiter, and Woody wake up in the Psych office with no recollection of the night before, they have to retrace their steps. The wild night included donuts, a missing car, a damaged Blueberry, and Henry with no pants, just to name a few things. Of course, a case is involved, but The Hangover-esque episode always brings the laughs. Even after several rewatches!
“100 Clues” – Season 7, Episode 5
“100 Clues“ goes way beyond just an episode. It feels more like an event, especially during the first airing of it. Fans got to vote who the killer was, leading to alternate endings! Part parody of Clue and part classic Psych, the episode was filled with mystery, Curt Smith, and chocolate dances. You’ll also notice a few familiar faces from 80’s movies: Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull, and Christopher Lloyd. Needless to say, Psych celebrated its 100th episode in the best possible way!
“Office Space” – Season 7, Episode 11
You would think Gus’ job as a pharmaceutical sales rep would be uneventful, but “Office Space” proved us very wrong. Gus’ boss is absolutely horrible, leading to Gus quitting. Unfortunately, he finds his boss murdered. What follows is a hysterical scene watching Gus have an unlucky clumsy moment, getting his prints everywhere. When Shawn tries to help, it only makes matters worse. With motive and evidence, it doesn’t look good for Gus. They get Henry to help, and Juliet and Woody to slow things down on their end while they find the real killer.
“Lock, Stock, Some Smoking Barrels and Burton Guster’s Goblet of Fire” – Season 8, Episode 1
This episode is jam-packed with so many jokes, references, and classic hijinks! Starting off the final season, Pierre Despereaux returns, this time as an Interpol agent. While that seems like a con itself, Shawn is recruited to go undercover as a driver he resembles to infiltrate a heist, and take down the criminal in charge of said heist. Meanwhile, all Gus wants to do is go to a Harry Potter convention. Unfortunately, Shawn needs his help and is recruited into the heist. Accents, spotted dick, and a Nimbus 2000 are just very small parts that make this episode hilarious!
Let’s be real, even the most serious episodes of Psych brought the laughs. It’s hard to narrow down to just the top 10 because each episode had its funny and bright moments to love. It’s a show that brought fans of all kinds together, sharing in kindness, laughter, and all things Psych.
Psych 2: Lassie Come Home will premiere on Peacock July 15. Let us know some of your favorite episodes in the comments!
