Monk

Multiple award winner Tony Shalhoub returns as the dysfunctional detective Adrian Monk in the highest rated original scripted show on basic cable. In the hilarious premier Monk is unwillingly partnered up with his polar opposite. His brother? Special guest stars on the all new season include Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”), Steve Zahn (“That Thing You Do,” “Happy, Texas”), Gena Rowlands (“Hysterical Blindness,” “The Notebook”), Bob Costas (Legendary Sportscaster), Jon Polito (“Raising the Bar,” “Ghost Whisperer”), Steve Valentine (“Crossing Jordan,” “Estate of Panic”), and Noah Emmerich (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Truman Show”). Also returning as guest-stars in their recurring roles are Tim Bagley (“According to Jim,” “The King of Queens”) as Harold Krenshaw and Jarrad Paul (“UC: Undercover,” “The Shaggy Dog”) as Kevin Dorfman.

By himself Shalhoub has proven to be one of the greats, constantly improving on his characters obsessive compulsive behavior, and there really hasn’t been anyone on the show, constant or passing through, that Shalhoub hasn’t been able to create extremely great chemistry with. In the premier episode a stroke of genius occurs when Steve Zahn gets tossed into the mix claiming to be Monk’s brother. I’ve always enjoyed Zahn’s performances. He has a way of playing second fiddle but always stealing the show (see Out of Sight for a prime example of his abilities), no stretch here. Zahn plays Jack Jr., an escaped convict who comes to Monk for his help claiming to be Monk’s brother. Jack Jr. is snobbish, manipulative, and a thief. But is he family and more importantly is he guilty of murder? Find out Friday January 9th at 9/8c only on USA Network.