New episodes of Monk and Psych air Friday night

When it comes to program scheduling the cable networks don't need no stinkin' badges to do what they normally do. That's why there are Law & Order marathons on TNT during every federal holiday and episodes of Dog, The Bounty Hunter on A&E. It is also the reason why we see new holiday episodes from shows like The Closer in December when their seasons end in September.

So, it should be no surprise that new holiday-themed episodes of Monk and Psych are airing this Friday on the USA Network. Actually, it should be no surprise that Monk is offering a holiday tale since it has done so for the last three years. This is Psych's first entry into the holiday episode universe. And, regardless if it is their first or third holiday entry, both shows look like interesting viewing.

On Monk, the OCD detective shoots a man dressed as Santa, then needs to clear his name while foiling a larger criminal plot. Sounds like an alternate universe episode of Life. On Psych we finally get to meet Gus' parents, played by Ernie Hudson and Phylicia Rashad. Unfortunately, Gus' Dad is implicated in a murder. Of course, it's up to Shawn and Gus to learn who the real murderer is.

Extras, such as episode clips, can be found at the shows' respective pages at http://www.usanetwork.com/index.html