Creator Steve Franks brought to life an endearing buddy comedy about two friends using Shawn's extraordinary observation skills and the pair's comic tension to crack cases. Though the show premiered over 15 years ago, it remains a favorite due to its highly quotable moments. While procedurals often focus intensely on gruesome crimes, Psych stood apart for its uplifting tone that allowed viewers to laugh at the eccentric characters' hijinks as they unpacked the clever mysteries presented each week. Even years after its finale, Psych devotees continue to laugh at the show's amusing writing and memorable quotes.

20 “Well, The Plot, Unlike Your Hair, Continues To Thicken.” - Shawn Spencer

“Santabarbaratown” (Season 6, Episode 16)

The Psych episode "Santabarbaratown" centers around Shawn and Gus returning to Santa Barbara to help Chief Vick solve a personal case involving her estranged father's murder. Throughout the series, Shawn often makes pop culture references, puns, and jokes, and this particular quote is in line with his playful and irreverent character. Psych is known for its mix of crime-solving and comedic elements, and this quote reflects the show's unique blend of mystery and humor.

Related

Psych: Each Main Character's First & Last Line

USA Network's Psych has some of the most memorable main characters in recent TV history. Their first and last lines show why they're so beloved.

Posts

19 “I Don’t Lose Things. I Place Things In Locations Which Later Elude Me.” - Shawn Spencer

“Shawn Gets The Yips” (Season 4, Episode 5)

This quote comes from the episode “Shaw Get The Yips,” where Shawn Spencer has temporarily lost his photographic memory and observational skills that allow him to solve cases. When Gus questions Shawn about not ing details to the investigation, Shawn responds with the hilarious line. This quote exemplifies Shawn’s signature humor and avoidance of responsibility. Rather than it that he is actually losing important details about cases, he insists that he simply misplaces the information in his mind. It is a very typical response of Spencer aimed more at amusing himself than excusing his oversight.

18 “This Is My Life Partner, Burton Guster Black Spencer.” - Shawn Spencer

"A Nightmare on State Street" (Season 8, Episode 9)

Throughout Psych’s eight seasons, Shawn has introduced Gus with hilarious nicknames throughout the series. This quote includes one of those playful moments, where Shawn changes Gus's full name for comedic effect. The absurdity of the extended name and the casual manner in which Shawn presents it extends the trope of overly complex and unconventional titles. The witty banter and amusing wordplay is what makes this quote great and adds to the overall lighthearted tone of the series.

17 “He's A Grown Man. I Think He Will Land On His Feet.” - Juliet O’Hara

"The Santa Barbarian Candidate" (Season 7, Episode 10)

In the tenth episode of season 7, Shawn and Gus must retrieve Lassiter's stolen campaign sign in order to win the er's votes in the election for Interim Police Chief. Juliet O'Hara utters this sarcastic quote with humor that stems from the understated confidence in her tone. Juliet's dry, yet pragmatic character is displayed here, providing a moment of levity amid the episode's unfolding events.

16 “I Love You More Than Sid Loved Nancy.” - Shawn Spencer

"Right Turn or Left for Dead" (Season 7, Episode 8)

In "Right Turn or Left for Dead", flashbacks show how Shawn and Juliet's relationship might have progressed. Shawn, known for his pop culture references, compares his affection to the tumultuous love story of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Shawn's unconventional choice of romantic analogy, as Sid and Nancy's relationship was infamous for its chaos and tragic end, is a perfect representation of Shawn’s off-kilter humor. The quote adds a touch of wit and eccentricity to the emotional context, showcasing Shawn's unique and often quirky way of expressing sentiments.

15 “Man, I’m Nobody’s Charity Case. I Demand I Dig My Own Grave!” - Burton “Gus” Guster

“No Country for Two Old Men” (Season 7, Episode 4)

Psych’s eight seasons and three sequel movies have provided an abundance of great quotes, and this episode is no different. In “No Country For Old Men,” a case is interrupted by untimely occurrences and bickering that happen between Henry and his brother-in-law, forcing Shawn and Gus to solve it themselves while the two older men bond. The quote is humorous in its absurdity, as Gus insists on taking responsibility for his own circumstances in an exaggerated way. This showcases Gus's tendency to respond to adversity with a blend of seriousness and comedic flair.

14 “Just because you put syrup on something doesn’t make it a pancake.” - Shawn Spencer

“True Grits” (Season 6, Episode 16)

In "True Grits", Shawn and Gus must work a case under an interim chief while facing resistance from their regular SBPD colleagues. A fun running gag of Psych is Shawn making random metaphors on authenticity in order to make a point. This quote is a perfect example of those moments. Shawn's quip suggests a deeper skepticism about the legitimacy of a situation, emphasizing the importance of substance over superficial appearances. Shawn has a penchant for using unconventional and food-related metaphors to convey his keen observational skills, and that is what makes Psych great.

13 I'm Good At What I Do And What I Do Is Good. Isn't It? - Shawn Spencer

"Deez Nups" (Season 7, Episode 7)

One thing Shawn Spencer is known for is his overconfidence, and this quote is the perfect example of his trademark personality trait. Shawn's characteristic blend of self-assuredness and playfulness is displayed as he rhetorically questions the excellence of his unconventional investigative methods, adding a touch of irony and self-awareness. This quote encapsulates Shawn's persona, emphasizing his unwavering confidence and notion for using humor as a shield, even when facing serious situations.

Related

Psych 4: Will It Happen? Everything We Know

Psych 4 could bring Shawn and Gus back for another feature-length adventure on Peacock, but the movie hasn't been confirmed yet.

Posts

12 “I’m Nobody’s Pawn, Shawn. I’m A Queen.” - Burton “Gus” Guster

“There Might Be Blood” (Season 3, Episode 6)

Shawn and Gus find themselves investigating a possible murder at an energy drink company, where the new wealthy owner's bitter wife and brother seem suspicious amid office politics and a rivalry with a similar beverage company. This quote has Gus asserting that he’s, "nobody's pawn,” but “the queen." The scene has Gus reacting to a situation where he feels undervalued. This quote is great because it stems from Gus using the unexpected metaphor of a queen in a chess game to assert his independence and importance.

11 “How Can You Tell That Someone's A Compulsive Liar? I Mean, Assuming That Their Pants Aren’t On Fire.” - Shawn Spencer

“Truer Lies” (Season 3, Episode 14)

In the "Truer Lies" episode, Shawn Spencer poses the question of how to tell when someone is lying. The quote lies in Shawn's play on the classic idiom "liar, liar, pants on fire," which humorously suggests that a compulsive liar might not exhibit the literal sign of flaming pants. Shawn's ability to inject brief moments of lightheartedness into serious matters through clever wordplay contributes to the show's skill at blending crime-solving and laugh-out-loud humor.