The beloved crime comedy Psychological has solidified itself as one of the funniest and wackiest TV shows with its witty dialogue and crazy situations, including parodies of other shows, films and genres. With eight seasons under its belt, Psychological had a variety of incredible, high-rated themed episodes, including, but not limited to, episodes set in the Old West or Psychological episodes that paid homage to Alfred Hitchcock's films.
Psychological was packed with metahumor, pop culture references, and clever fourth-wall breaks, but the most notable episodes were those that parodied iconic movies and shows. Ranging from hilarious parodies of horror tropes to shockingly dark and gritty episodes, each Psychological The parody episode is a wild and unique journey into the investigations of Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) and Burton Guster (Dulé Hill) that would help move the show away from its usual formula a bit.
15
A nightmare on state street
A Nightmare on Elm Street Parody
The penultimate episode of Psychological suffers due to its placement in the final season. “A Nightmare on State Street” follows Gus as vivid, recurring nightmares haunt him throughout his sleep and waking life. With the help of a dream therapist played by Bruce Campbell, Gus is able to realize his fear of change and abandonment. Despite being a fun and hilarious episode that delved into Gus's fears and anxieties, the parody of A Nightmare on Elm Street fell flat because it was so close to the end of the series and felt like a filler episode full of complicated storylines.
14
Lassie Jerky
Blair Witch Project Parody
“Lassie Jerky” is a found footage episode that follows Shawn and Gus as they join two students on their mission to film a documentary that proves the existence of Bigfoot. Inspired by found horror Blair Witch Project, the episode was notable for its hysterical moments and illuminated the comical yet moving dynamics of friendship. The bond between detectives Carlson Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) and Juliet O'Hara (Maggie Lawson) was a highlight, and the episode provided much-needed depth to their relationship. Despite the highly hilarious moments, “Lassie Jerky” didn't stand out as Psychological parody episode.
13
The greatest adventure in the history of basic cable
Indiana Jones parody
The aptly named Psychological The episode “The Greatest Adventure in the History of Cape Town” follows Shawn and Gus as they are led into a life of adventure and treasure hunting by Shawn's unreliable but fun uncle, Jack (Steven Weber). The parody of Indiana Jones begins with Shawn, Gus and Henry (Corbin Bernsen) at the police station, narrating how the trio ended up in this bizarre situation. Full of betrayals and plot twists, the parody episode offers more insight into Henry and Shawn's dynamics and is a fun adventure.
12
Let's get hairy
Parody of an American werewolf in London
Psychological takes a supernatural spin on 'Let's Get Hairy', while the werewolf episode follows Shawn and Gus as they deal with their client's unique situation. Stewart Gimbley (Joshua Malina) believes he is a werewolf and is afraid of the chaos and violence that his lycanthrope self can sow. Although Shawn and Gus initially don't believe Stewart, they are forced to take the case seriously after their client goes missing. With a classic intriguing mystery and signature Shawn and Gus antics, “Let's Get Hairy” is a hilarious parody of An American werewolf in London.
11
100 clues
Clue Parody
Psychiatry The 100th episode is a star-studded remake of Tip, the 1985 film based on the board game of the same name. Guests on “100 Clues” are Christopher Llyod, Lesley Ann Warren and Martin Mull, actors who starred in the original film. A party at a large mansion takes a dark turn when one of the guests is murdered and the guests begin hurling accusations at each other. The unique parody has multiple endings based on fan votes and was an experimental episode full of comedy and mystery.
10
Indiana Shawn and the Temple of the Old and Kinda Bad and Rusty Dagger
Indiana Jones parody
The second parody of Indian Jones The franchise sees Shawn and Gus team up with notorious thief Pierre Despereaux (Cary Elwes) to recover stolen artifacts from a museum. The parody episode provides a much-needed continuation of Shawn and Despereaux's bromance and their friend/enemy dynamic, which shines against the backdrop of a Indiana Jones– adventure full of twists and mistakes. “Indiana Shawn and the Temple of Crappy, Rusty Old Dagger” is an action-packed, high-octane thriller, a surprising choice for Psychological.
9
Tuesday, 17
Friday the 13th parody
“Tuesday the 17th” is Psychiatry response to destructive horrors full of blood, murder and mystery. Despite the Halloween episode's comedic moments, “Tuesday The 17th” has a darker, darker tone compared to Psychopathand regular episodes. Set at an isolated summer camp that Shawn and Gus used to attend as kids, the dark cinematography and classic horror tropes make “Tuesday the 17th” a surprisingly compelling episode. The revelation that the original case is a prank planned by Gus before a killer begins hunting the campers solidifies the parody episode as a hilarious horror mystery.
8
We would like to thank the Academy
Police Academy Parody
“We'd Like to Thank the Academy”, a parody of Police Academy filled with the typical Shawn and Gus antics. Although Gus often plays the straight man in Shawn's comedic mayhem, in this episode both Shawn and Gus are involved in back-breaking pranks and antics. Forced to take a three-week crash course in police procedures, Shawn and Gus manage to inspire the fearful but skilled instructor (Ralph Macchio) as they solve a case. With gags like Shawn constantly losing gym equipment and Gus learning how to make realistic sound effects, the gym parody is a comedic highlight of the show.
7
Shawn and the real girl
Bachelorette Parody
Reality TV is a goldmine of comedy and drama, and Psychiatry parody of The Bachelorette encapsulates the chaos and hilarity of reality TV relationship shows. “Shawn and the Real Girl” follows Shawn and Gus as they infiltrate a popular reality TV show after discovering that a contestant's car has been sabotaged, leaving him in a coma. Interspersing the investigation with hilarious clips and confessionals from fake television that paid homage to reality shows made the episode the perfect mix of comedy and crime drama.
6
The devil is in the details… and in the upstairs bedroom
Exorcist Parody
What appears to be a suicide at a Catholic University sparks a supernatural investigation, while Father Peter Westley (Ray Wise) is convinced that demonic possession is causing the students to act out and is behind the young girl's death. Shawn and Gus accept the case and the seemingly supernatural behavior caused by the possession surprises Shawn, despite his skepticism. “The Devil is in the Details… and the Upper Room” excels in having spine-chilling moments that increase the tension of the mystery, making the humorous parody of The Exorcist an incredible episode.
5
American Doubles
American Idol parody
“American Duos” is one of the Psychiatry Most beloved parody episodes due to Jules' exciting dance training for Shawn and Gus and the musical numbers. The pair are hired by Simon Cowell-style singing competition judge Nigel St. Nigel (Tim Curry) after several attempts on his life. Shawn and Gus's truly awful rendition of a-ha's “Take On Me” was a delight to witness, along with their surprisingly talented performance of Tears for Fears' “Shout” as contestants on the talent show played “American Duos “a success.
4
Late night Gus
Hangover Parody
“Late Night Gus” revolves around Shawn, Gus, Lassiter and Woody (Kurt Fuller) after they wake up hungover in the psychology office with no memories of the previous nights. The four work together to piece together the events of the previous nights, using clues from their destructive trail. Shawn tries to remember the conversation he had with Juliet that could alter their relationship, while the four try to solve a murder mystery they may be involved in. “Late Night Gus” shines with its comedy, cementing it as one of the best parody episodes.
3
Heeeere Lassie!
Parody of the Shining
“Heeeeere, Lassie!” is one of the best Psychological episodes, full of homages to Stephen King's horror classic The Shining. Lassiter's new apartment is apparently haunted and he enlists Shawn and Gus to investigate the strange and terrifying goings-on at his new condo. Timothy Omundson's chilling portrayal of an attacker wielding an ax as he attacks Gus, in contrast to Dulé Hill's panic and high-pitched screams, was a hilarious parody of the iconic ax scene in The Shining.
2
Double Spires
Twin Peaks parody
The Small Town Mystery Series Twin Peaks has gained a cult following and inspired countless media with its mysterious nature and psychological horror. THE Psychological The episode “Dual Spires” is a loving homage and tribute to the iconic and groundbreaking TV show. “Dual Spires” guest stars are original series cast members Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, Dana Ashbrook, Robyn Lively, Sherilyn Fenn, Lenny Von Dohlen and Catherine E. Coulson.
Full of references to Twin Peaks, the parody episode was a treat for fans of the original series and newcomers alike. Even excluding the tribute to Twin Peaks, “Dual Spires” quickly became a hit with its intriguing characters, eerie vibe, and compelling mystery, making it one of the best Psychological episodes.
1
Santa Barbaratown
Chinatown parody
“Santabarbaratown” puts Henry's work as a former detective and his bond with his son Shawn at the forefront. The dark and gritty episode paid homage to Chinatown and revolves around an old unsolved case that Henry investigated after two bodies linked to the case were found 20 years later. While Psychological The episodes stand out for their humor and crazy scenarios, “Santabarbaratown” presents a unique look at Henry's disillusionment with his former partners and the police force. Ending with a dark and moving cliffhanger when Henry is betrayed and shot by his friend, “Santabarbaratown” is one of the Psychiatry darker and more incredible episodes.