Remember the defective detective? Recently, Monk star Tony Shalhoub spoke with the AV Club about his experience on the USA Network series.
Created by Andy Breckman, the comic-drama starred Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, a private detective with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The cast also included Bitty Schram, Jason Gray-Stanford, and Ted Levine. The series ran for eight seasons before ending in 2009.
In the interview, Shalhoub said Monk was originally set at ABC:
That was at a time, when we first started that, when there were some big changes going on at USA. Kind of a changing of the guard, if you will, but they were in the process of rebranding their network, and the show happened to be a part of that rebranding. The script and the pilot had originally been at ABC. I think that’s kind of common knowledge. But it started at ABC, and they couldn’t quite get the right people involved there, so it kind of languished there for a number of years. And then one executive leaving ABC and going over to USA asked to take it over there and see if they could make it work. And then it came to me, and—well, again, it was a life-changing opportunity, and I feel so grateful that I had it, because it was an enormous amount of fun.”
He added that he didn’t know about the series finale twist until a few weeks before:
I honestly didn’t know ’til a few weeks before I got that final two-parter. I didn’t honestly know if they were going to maybe kill me off. That idea was always floating there in the ether. Again, it was one of those situations where I didn’t press them to tell me. I was willing to go with whatever they felt was best. But I’m glad it came out the way it did.”
Shalhoub also said he wouldn’t turn down a Monk movie in the future:
That does get bandied about now and then. It’s not really up to me, but, yeah, I never say never. It was a fun character to work on.”
What do you think? Did you watch Monk? Would you watch a Monk movie?
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48 Comments on "Monk: Tony Shalhoub Recalls the USA Detective Series"
We loved Tony Shaloub as Monk! We miss the series and would love to see another season or 3.
I have on DVR all the reruns of MONK & watch over & over. I also bought the first couple of seasons on DVD. I was really upset that it was cancelled because it was funny & also suspenseful on how Monk would figure out the killer. I would love to see a movie with the same characters. I hated to see Sharona leave, but Natalie was the best choice in replacing her. Absolutely the best series!! Please keep a Monk movie on the table.
I loved the Monk show. I was very angry when they cancelled it. It still makes me mad when I think about it.
A feature film for television or the theatres would be great. Even once a year special with the MONK cast, perhaps featuring some of the special guests that were so delightful. It was an amazing show, well written, character development was excellent…I’m glad we have it on DISH. Tony Shaloub nailed the character (and who isn’t a little OCD?)
I would love to see a Monk movie. Have every episode on my DVR. My 20 yr old loves it as much as I do. We miss Mr. Monk!
They have to do a movie if not more then one. Miss monk would love to have him back on the TV
I record Monk all the time. Watch the reruns all the time. You bet I would watch a Monk movie. Tony Shaloub & Traylor and Ted Levine & everyone were just great characters. I liked the way Natalie handled Monk better than Sherona. She was more understanding about his problems. Sherona acted like he was a pain in the a–.
Just watched all eight seasons of Monk. Didn’t see it when it first came out. I loved it! It was so unique and pure, like the tv shows from the 1950’s. I was so bummed when I watched the final episode. Wish they would start making new episodes again!
i’ve seen every episode and watch reruns when i get home in time. monk is the only tv show that i made time to watch , so yes it would be great to have a reunion of any kind. got to get the old writers back too
I really loved Monk when it aired on USA . Recently I been re watching the entire series one show at a time. Please make a movie or two! I would love a Monk comeback! Tony Shalhoub was amazing as Monk. Actually The whole cast was amazing. Truly a good show!
Absolutely! !!!! It is the one series that I will watch, no matter how many times I’ve seen it!
I watch it ever since it came to Hallmark. I would love it to come back on with same characters. It is amazing. love it
Please bring Monk back to TV! It was good therapy for me!
I’m always interested in anything Tony Shaloub does because he is such a talented actor. Everyone thinks he can’t escape the role of Monk, but the problem he has is that he just isn’t getting good scripts. The best actors will only be as good as the scripts they work from. I would love to see him in a new show that doesn’t include bowel movements from people’s ears. What appeals to a 12 year old boy will not give Shaloub any acting awards.
OH MY GOSH! A MONK MOVIE????? YAAAAAAASSSSSSS!!!! PLEASE! Do it NOW! We need a Monk movie with his daughter, maybe more info about Trudy, Natalie (who I loved in this role more than Sharona) some new info about Randy and Sharona and his job as Captain, Leland and Trudy… This would be amazing!!! I liked Natalie more because she was more respectful towards Monk. Sharona was always too hard on him. BEING MONK BACK!!!!!!