Monk is a classic. Tony Shalhoub is incredible as a former detective with obsessive compulsive disorder. It's such an original show that will keep you laughing and entertained throughout its entire run. I didn't start watching it until it was almost off the air but heard such good things about it that I finally thought I'd gave it a chance. So glad I did because it quickly became one of my favorite comedy/detective shows I've ever seen! It is the perfect blend of comedy and mystery. Even though Tony Shalhoub won a ton of awards for his work as Monk, including numerous Emmy & Golden Globe awards, he still is such an underrated actor who was just perfect in this as Monk! I miss this great show so much and still try to watch it whenever I see it's on.
271 Reviews
Miss Monk So Much!
Supermanfan-137 May 2020
I absolutely loved Monk and still miss it. The series is about Monk, who develops obsessive-compulsive disorder after his wife is murdered. He ends up losing his job as detective with the San Francisco Police Department but still works with them as a consultant with the help of his assistant. He is the best detective alive but his condition always gets in the way. This show will make you laugh, smile and feel every other emotion a good show makes you feel. Tony Shalhoub deserved every single award he won (and he won a lot) for his role as Adrian Monk. I binged the entire series as fast as I could. I actually binged it a second time during Covid and enjoyed it just as much as when I watched it the first time. This is must watch!
Brilliant
loevw8 June 2021
Ah Mr. Monk, how I miss this show, there's nothing quite like it. It caught my interest right from the beginning even though I was slightly annoyed by Monk. Sharona made up for it though, she was pretty and fun and I loved the friendly chemistry between them. I remember thinking, if she leaves the show I will stop watching it. Then came Natalie and guess what, love at first appearance! Not only is she incredibly cute and adorable, the character she played was perfect and the relationship with Monk even better! Whoever did that is a genius.
There were times when Monk did things that I thought were just mean, rude and unacceptable regardless of his condition. But you can't stay mad at him because he's kind and a crime solving machine. Unlike some crime series where I feel like I have to over work my brain to keep up with the convoluted plot, when all I want is to switch off all the thinking, this is a refreshing series that is smart and yet natural and easy to follow. And there are plenty of funny moments, captivating drama, and characters that grow on you like the captain and the detective. The series ended properly, which I always find comforting. So glad I managed to watch it all on Prime. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this masterpiece.
There were times when Monk did things that I thought were just mean, rude and unacceptable regardless of his condition. But you can't stay mad at him because he's kind and a crime solving machine. Unlike some crime series where I feel like I have to over work my brain to keep up with the convoluted plot, when all I want is to switch off all the thinking, this is a refreshing series that is smart and yet natural and easy to follow. And there are plenty of funny moments, captivating drama, and characters that grow on you like the captain and the detective. The series ended properly, which I always find comforting. So glad I managed to watch it all on Prime. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this masterpiece.
It's time to say goodbye
benjamitesandwich5 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I have been watching Monk ever since the beginning 8 seasons ago. I have been a major fan. I have been holding this review until the very last episode had aired. Well, it has, and this is what I have to say.
After 8 seasons and over 125 cases solved (including Trudy's) Monk had been the funniest, most engaging, and absolutely the BEST show on television (in my opinion). I had stuck with this show until the end; until I had to say goodbye to Mr. Monk. Well, that is what I am going to say now. Goodbye to my favorite show, a true television treasure. Goodbye to the most remarkable show ever aired on television.
Here's to you, Monk :)
After 8 seasons and over 125 cases solved (including Trudy's) Monk had been the funniest, most engaging, and absolutely the BEST show on television (in my opinion). I had stuck with this show until the end; until I had to say goodbye to Mr. Monk. Well, that is what I am going to say now. Goodbye to my favorite show, a true television treasure. Goodbye to the most remarkable show ever aired on television.
Here's to you, Monk :)
Absolutely AMAZING
ncm2155 June 2004
Tony Shalhoub is a genius in inhabiting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of this character. I myself am an obsessive-compulsive, and he gets the experience of suffering from this disease exactly. I watch this show regularly. It's therapeutic (partly because I get all the OCD jokes and get to laugh at myself) - and HILARIOUS, even if you don't know anything about OCD! Shalhoub completely deserves the Best Actor Emmy and SAG Awards he's won for this role. Shalhoub's sweet, anxious genius, Adrian Monk, is dead-on. And Bitty Schram as his nurse is also hilarious and so marvelous! I highly recommend you watch this show!
Thank you Tony Shalhoub, Bitty Schram, and everyone else involved in this show!
Thank you Tony Shalhoub, Bitty Schram, and everyone else involved in this show!
A Television Classic
atlasmb10 October 2022
Many sleuths of literature, film or television have idiosyncrasies or handicaps to overcome. It's a common theme that many of them use their personal foibles as an occupational aid. Adrian Monk (Tony Shaloub) is one such character. As a P. I. he has a reputation as a wunderkind, super sleuth, savant, and deductive virtuoso. Despite his OCD, his panoply of phobias, and a lingering emotional wound from the loss of his wife, Trudy, Monk is called in when the police can't solve a murder. He uses his debilitating attention to details to view a crime scene or piece together clues as no one else can. And it is all done in humor.
"Monk" is one of the best comedies of all time. The main character is enchantingly lovable and humorously quirky. Tony Shaloub's performance is perfection. Because Monk has difficulties interfacing with the world, he has an assistant to act as a liaison/aide. That role is occupied by Traylor Howard (as Natalie) or Bitty Schram (as Sharona), depending upon the season you are watching. Both actresses are delightful.
Monk assists the SFPD via Captain Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and his main aide Randall (Jason Gray-Stanford). These characters become part of the Monk "family" and fan club as the series progresses.
Fans of whodunits will appreciate the solutions which Monk unveils. The writing does not sacrifice worthwhile sleuthing for comedy.
On a personal note, "Monk" was one of my sister's favorite shows. We lost her to MS a few years back, but whenever I watch an episode of "Monk", it reminds me of our shared appreciation for a series that has such a kind and gentle core.
If you are a fan of Tony Shaloub, be sure to view the film "Big Night" (1996).
"Monk" is one of the best comedies of all time. The main character is enchantingly lovable and humorously quirky. Tony Shaloub's performance is perfection. Because Monk has difficulties interfacing with the world, he has an assistant to act as a liaison/aide. That role is occupied by Traylor Howard (as Natalie) or Bitty Schram (as Sharona), depending upon the season you are watching. Both actresses are delightful.
Monk assists the SFPD via Captain Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and his main aide Randall (Jason Gray-Stanford). These characters become part of the Monk "family" and fan club as the series progresses.
Fans of whodunits will appreciate the solutions which Monk unveils. The writing does not sacrifice worthwhile sleuthing for comedy.
On a personal note, "Monk" was one of my sister's favorite shows. We lost her to MS a few years back, but whenever I watch an episode of "Monk", it reminds me of our shared appreciation for a series that has such a kind and gentle core.
If you are a fan of Tony Shaloub, be sure to view the film "Big Night" (1996).
Fantastic!!!!
dbarr12316 January 2022
I almost never give shows 10 stars. Every single episode in Monk is uniquely entertaining to watch. I am never dissatisfied with any of the cast. Each episode has it's own crime so you get to see one solved every time as you learn about how the characters relate to one another. It's so much fun to watch Monk!
I never understood what this show is about-until now
contact-0177026 January 2022
Due to the lack of good TV shows coming out (or so it seems) I started to rewatch older shows...like all of them. King of queens, Seinfeld you name it. One show I could never get my head around was Monk, until now. Once I started with episode 1, it just felt right. It's easy, funny and if not careful you will start to reminisce and go back to times when SFO was on your bucket list to either visit or live. I don't know what it means to operate under those medical conditions but Tony plays it brilliantly and it's fun to watch. What makes it unique (I think) is putting his conditioning to solve crime in a fun and easy but also heart warming way. Almost every episode has one laugh out loud scene like him being surrounded by sniffing and sneezing kids...enough said. You will enjoy it and feel good.
Good, but gets a bit predictable
Freddy_Boy24 May 2007
Monk is by far one of the best detective shows I've seen. It uses a pretty standard template for each episode where we as viewers are handed parts of the puzzle early on and for the remainder of the show watch Adrian Monk investigate the murder. In the end you'll probably have the solution right before Monk does and you can feel as clever about yourself as he does.
It's really brilliant in fact and the wonderful acting of Tony Shalhoub on top of that is just frosting on this wonderful cake.
Tony Shalhoub's character Adrian Monk is a former cop who has turned private investigator after his wife's death. He's also suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and believes cleanliness to be more than a virtue. Those little quirks plays out altogether coherently. In other show the characters are pushed around by explosions or threatened by gunshots. Monk gets intimidated by a messy room or are scared half to death having climb through a dusty window. It's really extremely fun to see Monk in action, how is a very different sort of anti-hero.
However as the show progressed things started getting predictable. I don't believe they got sloppy writing it. But as Monk is suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder his behavior and reactions does tend to repeat itself. And some episodes left so many obvious clues that we had solved the riddle during the first 15 minutes.
Still, Monk is something different. It's refreshing and it's fun. Definitely worth viewing.
It's really brilliant in fact and the wonderful acting of Tony Shalhoub on top of that is just frosting on this wonderful cake.
Tony Shalhoub's character Adrian Monk is a former cop who has turned private investigator after his wife's death. He's also suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and believes cleanliness to be more than a virtue. Those little quirks plays out altogether coherently. In other show the characters are pushed around by explosions or threatened by gunshots. Monk gets intimidated by a messy room or are scared half to death having climb through a dusty window. It's really extremely fun to see Monk in action, how is a very different sort of anti-hero.
However as the show progressed things started getting predictable. I don't believe they got sloppy writing it. But as Monk is suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder his behavior and reactions does tend to repeat itself. And some episodes left so many obvious clues that we had solved the riddle during the first 15 minutes.
Still, Monk is something different. It's refreshing and it's fun. Definitely worth viewing.
Gimmicky but entertaining in small doses
grantss29 July 2022
Adrian Monk was a police detective but his world fell apart when his wife was murdered. He is now extremely obsessive compulsive and paranoid to the point that it has cost him his job on the police force. However, he still has a great knack for solving crimes and serves as a consultant to the San Francisco Police Department.
A mildly entertaining detective series. Rather than concentrating on good old-fashioned intrigue and figuring out who did it relies heavily on the antics and weirdnesses of its central character, Monk. These things are meant to lighten the mood but are sometimes more annoying than entertaining. Moreover, they're a sleight of hand trick, meant to distract you from the fact that the murder plot is generally quite thin.
Viewed in small doses though, maybe one episode a week like it originally was broadcast, it's okay. The weirdnesses are bearable and it can be quite funny.
However, watching the episodes back-to-back highlights how reliant on the OCD schtick the series is and how formulaic it is in that regard. Also, one should only be exposed to Sharona saying "Adrian!" so many times a day, the most annoying use of "Adrian" since Rocky.
A mildly entertaining detective series. Rather than concentrating on good old-fashioned intrigue and figuring out who did it relies heavily on the antics and weirdnesses of its central character, Monk. These things are meant to lighten the mood but are sometimes more annoying than entertaining. Moreover, they're a sleight of hand trick, meant to distract you from the fact that the murder plot is generally quite thin.
Viewed in small doses though, maybe one episode a week like it originally was broadcast, it's okay. The weirdnesses are bearable and it can be quite funny.
However, watching the episodes back-to-back highlights how reliant on the OCD schtick the series is and how formulaic it is in that regard. Also, one should only be exposed to Sharona saying "Adrian!" so many times a day, the most annoying use of "Adrian" since Rocky.
The most accurate representation of OCD and comforting
UniqueParticle21 December 2020
Tony Shaloub is legendary! I've seen all of Monk twice this will be the 3rd time maybe 4th I love it all so much! The quirkiness is magnificent especially to me since I have ASD. Music in it is perfection so is the acting throughout. All the crime cases consistently stay interesting at least for the bulk of it. I'm glad I got back into this show and would definitely recommend it.
Slowly Sliding Into Unwatchable...
fearfulofspiders5 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I love the first 3 seasons of Monk, back when the episodes had intriguing plots and unpredictable murders/how-de-do-dats.
Sharona had a personality that Natalie lacks (who is a bigger pain in the arse than Monk himself). I'm on the Sharona bandwagon, crucify me if you must, but when she left, the show dissolved into a more sit-com-like detective show (like Psych) than the actual suspense the first 3 engaged its viewers in.
The acting is all nicely done. Tony Shaloub IS Adrian Monk, and Ted Levine IS Captain Stottlemyer. The guest stars are hilarious -- cloaking the sheet that is Traylor Howard.
The stories -- from time to time -- vary from lame to great. Some of the "how-de-do-dats" are predictable (aka, bad) yet others are extremely well-crafted (aka, good).
Overall, Monk is a good show. While I would argue with anyone that Natalie has "fit in" as his new assistant, I would defend its integrity. It's harmless for children to watch, and great for the family. Though sliding into unwatchable for the past few seasons, and making a once loyal fan into a seldom viewer, Monk is well-worth the watch for all.
Sharona had a personality that Natalie lacks (who is a bigger pain in the arse than Monk himself). I'm on the Sharona bandwagon, crucify me if you must, but when she left, the show dissolved into a more sit-com-like detective show (like Psych) than the actual suspense the first 3 engaged its viewers in.
The acting is all nicely done. Tony Shaloub IS Adrian Monk, and Ted Levine IS Captain Stottlemyer. The guest stars are hilarious -- cloaking the sheet that is Traylor Howard.
The stories -- from time to time -- vary from lame to great. Some of the "how-de-do-dats" are predictable (aka, bad) yet others are extremely well-crafted (aka, good).
Overall, Monk is a good show. While I would argue with anyone that Natalie has "fit in" as his new assistant, I would defend its integrity. It's harmless for children to watch, and great for the family. Though sliding into unwatchable for the past few seasons, and making a once loyal fan into a seldom viewer, Monk is well-worth the watch for all.
please, please, please - stop!!!
adam-100915 January 2007
I have to admit, that first season of Monk was really amazing - original, interesting, entertaining and I was always looking forward to the next episode. Second season was very good, not as good as first one, but still kept the high level.
Unfortunately since third season everything started to go bad - the cases are less and less interesting, the Monk's dead wife became the most important character, the plot really weak... I was hoping that Traylor Howard will bring something new to this show, but after few episodes she became just a simple replacement.
When I see Monk now I really feel sorry for the creators - they are literally killing their own brilliant idea for the show - everything about Monk became pretty predictable and since usually there are 1-2 people outside the regular cast in each episode it isn't much challenge for the viewers to point the murderer without Monk's help, and constant repeating of "I solved the case" started to remind me of Scooby-doo mysteries...
So, all I can say to the creators is - Monk was brilliant idea for the show, but move back to that idea or let him end with dignity, don't wait until it is too late (like "Scooby-doo meets Vincent Price" level).
Unfortunately since third season everything started to go bad - the cases are less and less interesting, the Monk's dead wife became the most important character, the plot really weak... I was hoping that Traylor Howard will bring something new to this show, but after few episodes she became just a simple replacement.
When I see Monk now I really feel sorry for the creators - they are literally killing their own brilliant idea for the show - everything about Monk became pretty predictable and since usually there are 1-2 people outside the regular cast in each episode it isn't much challenge for the viewers to point the murderer without Monk's help, and constant repeating of "I solved the case" started to remind me of Scooby-doo mysteries...
So, all I can say to the creators is - Monk was brilliant idea for the show, but move back to that idea or let him end with dignity, don't wait until it is too late (like "Scooby-doo meets Vincent Price" level).
Charming, intelligent and hilarious
Bondorf396 July 2004
This is written in direct protest of a user comment on this site which called this remarkable series "drivel," "awful," and other things that made me think the jerk was accidentally watching "Law and Order."
This is one of the best shows on TV. I say that because it shares one common trait with every show I have ever loved: Heart. Behind the ominous tinge of death, the cynical barkings of Captain Stottlemeyer, the Barney Fife-esque antics of Randy Disher, the equal parts maternal nagging and New Jersey attitude of Charona Flemming and the fact that it's basically a show about poking fun at one guy's mental problems is love. We LOVE Adrien Monk. We join him in mourning his wife's death, and we live and die with each step he takes toward being reinstated.
This is more than a cop show. This is more than a detective show. This is more than a comedy. This is more than a drama. Given the slightest amount of cosmic justice, this show will go down in history alongside "Sports Night," "Freaks and Geeks," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (I apologize for nothing) as a show that did not give in to the horrors of professional television, but rose above them to produce pure art.
As for the last guy's comment that Monk should've been reinstated a long time ago...you want to give Adrien a gun and set him loose in your neighborhood? Fine by me, and sleep tight.
This is one of the best shows on TV. I say that because it shares one common trait with every show I have ever loved: Heart. Behind the ominous tinge of death, the cynical barkings of Captain Stottlemeyer, the Barney Fife-esque antics of Randy Disher, the equal parts maternal nagging and New Jersey attitude of Charona Flemming and the fact that it's basically a show about poking fun at one guy's mental problems is love. We LOVE Adrien Monk. We join him in mourning his wife's death, and we live and die with each step he takes toward being reinstated.
This is more than a cop show. This is more than a detective show. This is more than a comedy. This is more than a drama. Given the slightest amount of cosmic justice, this show will go down in history alongside "Sports Night," "Freaks and Geeks," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (I apologize for nothing) as a show that did not give in to the horrors of professional television, but rose above them to produce pure art.
As for the last guy's comment that Monk should've been reinstated a long time ago...you want to give Adrien a gun and set him loose in your neighborhood? Fine by me, and sleep tight.
Brilliant feel-good detective show
hassanm-3044928 December 2021
After revisiting Monk after 10 years, safe to say it is a family favourite. I love how Monk is able to pick up on seemingly trivial details to solve murder mysteries. Although there is an overarching storyline of Monk solving his wife's murder, each episode can be watched as a standalone which means you can pick and choose your favourite episodes whenever you want without having to recall previous episodes. Also, they perfectly casted Monk's assistants - I love the relationship between Monk with Sharona and Natalie - they don't judge him but support him and believe him when others may doubt him.
Shalhoubs portrayal is remarkable and his humour is perfectly timed.
I'm finding that this is one of those shows where I wished that I forgot most of the episodes so that I can watch them again.
Overall, deffo worth a way with the family.
Shalhoubs portrayal is remarkable and his humour is perfectly timed.
I'm finding that this is one of those shows where I wished that I forgot most of the episodes so that I can watch them again.
Overall, deffo worth a way with the family.
One of the best series in the past 20 years
mts4327 April 2021
Three things made this a "must watch" series": The concept, the writing, and Tony Shalhoub as the title character. The writing in later years was not consistently as good as the early years, but still well above the norm when compared to just about any other series.
A rare gem😊
sfugarica18 January 2021
This show was ( still is ) absolutely amazing. Funny, sad, intelligent. Every supporting character is charming in his/hers own way. Essential. Perfect in their roles . And Monk..The only thing i can say is that Tony Shalhoub is a genius. Monk made me laugh , weep and cheer for him so many times I lost a count. I am sceptic to the bone but his love for Trudy made me believe that emotions so pure exist after all. At least on TV. Thank God for Amazon Prime cause im not ready to say good bye to this gem yet🙈
I really like this show!
TheLittleSongbird14 July 2009
Monk is a very entertaining detective series, that is excellent if you want some chuckles for 45 minutes. Tony Shalhoub is fantastic in the lead, giving the character a sense of charm and humour. Monk suffers from OCD. However, because of this, Monk's actions are priceless, as he is obsessed with everything. There was even one episode, when he was at a school, and he wrote his name very neatly on the blackboard, and rubbed it off again, after he was unsatisfied with how it looked. Bitty Schram is lovely as Sharona, and Traylor Howard was a very worthy replacement in the later series as Natalie. Ted Levine is amusing as Stottlemeyer,(I loved the episode with the chimpanzee and Levine jumping up and down in the interview room) there was one episode, when he was exasperated when Monk was convinced that a man who is "conveniently" in a coma sent bombs to two people, Levine's reactions were priceless. Jason Gray-Stanford has his moments as Lieutenant Randall Disher. There have also been some great guest stars, one of my many favourites was Tim Curry as Dale "the Whale" Biederbeck in the episode Mr Monk Goes To Jail, as well as John Tuturro as Monk's estranged brother Ambrose. I am not hugely keen on Randy Newman, so I don't know what to think of the title song. Other than that, I really like Monk. 9/10 Bethany Cox.
It's A Blessing...And A Curse
BigBadaBruce21 October 2008
A lot of TV Shows have become popular with the main character having disability. Look at the old-fashioned Ironside, wheelchair-bound. The new Psych, with Shaun Spencer a fraudulent Psychic . Just two examples of this genre. A third is the extremely popular Monk. A Police Officer, who had a nervous breakdown after his wives murder, is also a sufferer of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), which helps him solve his cases, as he obsess over every element and goes over every crime scene excessively. He notices unimportant details because of it and uses that to solve his case. The show does have an element of believability in that it would be more believable that someone obsessed about everything would solve difficult crimes, not an average joe. Humour is also a main point, as it's very tongue-in-cheek, and it's the character interactions between Monk and his "co-workers" that make you interested. A very good show, and worth watching.
Great family friendly show
Coldspringscreations16 September 2021
This show was great. The murders are sometimes quirky but that's the way I like it....keeps it family friendly. Characters are very loveable.
The ending to the series was just perfect and I was sad it was over.
Monk deserves a 10 and that's just the way he'd like it...his favorite number.
The ending to the series was just perfect and I was sad it was over.
Monk deserves a 10 and that's just the way he'd like it...his favorite number.
Entertaining who-dunnit with quirky spin
mntaylor-6123312 May 2020
After all these years, it's taken the COVID19 lockdown to provide time to watch this entertaining series. Classic Agatha Christie-esque detective comedy drama with believable characters and funny lines. Bitty who plays Sharona is the heroine of the show and she becomes more interesting with each episode. Monk (Tony Shalhoub) has Aspergic tendencies compounded with OCD that is endearing at 1st but, eventually irritating. I imagine that is the intention of the writers which is why the season survived for 7 years.
Overall, an entertaining gem that has earned it's star in the TV walk of fame and conversational references. 'Everyone' familiar with Western World pop culture over the age of 25 knows what you mean if someone is described as 'Monk'.
Overall, an entertaining gem that has earned it's star in the TV walk of fame and conversational references. 'Everyone' familiar with Western World pop culture over the age of 25 knows what you mean if someone is described as 'Monk'.
Mr. Monk and The Great Show
divithr29 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the best shows I have ever watched. All of the cast and characters are great. Tony Shalhoub is amazing as the main character, the legendary obsessive compulsive detective Adrian Monk. All the other four regulars play their characters really well too and their characters are awesome (Traylor Howard- Natalie, Bitty Schram- Sharona, Ted Levine- Stottlemeyer, and Jason-Gray Stanford -Randy . The writing for majority of the episodes are great. One beauty of this show is that it worked around one of the biggest cast changes from Sharona (Seasons 1-3.5) to Natalie (Seasons 3.5-8), due to contract disputes, and Natalie not only filled the shoes of Sharona in her own way, but she complemented the approach of Sharona when it came to how they assisted Monk. I loved both the Sharona and Natalie era, but I did slightly prefer the Natalie era.
Overall, fantastic!
Bitty Schram
ZinQ30 July 2019
Has Become a Poor Caricature of Itself
cheesy109 December 2006
While entertaining and interesting in the beginning, this show is now aiming squarely for the nursing home demographic. The first few shows did contain some element of mystery-solving as the central aspect of the show, with Monk's idiosyncrasies providing an occasional chuckle.
However, this shift has changed. The show is now clearly focused on these antics and is written for an audience who will shake their heads and smile at "that crazy monk"... anticipating when he'll next put his hands in front of his face like a mime and do an exaggerated look around the room. It's become a caricature of itself, much like the later Columbo shows, but with even less of a plot.
However, this shift has changed. The show is now clearly focused on these antics and is written for an audience who will shake their heads and smile at "that crazy monk"... anticipating when he'll next put his hands in front of his face like a mime and do an exaggerated look around the room. It's become a caricature of itself, much like the later Columbo shows, but with even less of a plot.
See also
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