“Mr. Monk’s Last Case” and An Inside Look at MONK Fandom

In the summer of 2002, a new detective dramedy called MONK premiered on USA Network and quickly redefined the strength of basic cable. The show had a feel reminiscent of Columbo, but its titular character was a bit more unique. Tony Shalhoub played Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective who was able to solve any murder — except that of his beloved late wife Trudy. Since her tragic passing, Monk’s mental health had spiraled into a debilitating case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, bringing a nuance to the storyline not seen in typical detective shows.

I was in grad school studying psychopathology when MONK premiered, so I was drawn to its mental health subject matter. I had no idea, though, how invested I would become in the series as a whole. Like millions of other fans, I became hooked on the brilliant writing, Adrian’s heart-wrenching state, and the clever how-done-it rather than who-done-it mysteries. I loved the evolution of Monk’s relationships, especially with the Captain (played by Ted Levine,) Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford,) Sharona (Bitty Schram,) and Natalie (Traylor Howard.) I followed MONK for eight award-winning seasons and still consider it my all-time favorite series.

Years later, the pandemic made MONK one of the most-streamed shows in the world, attracting a whole new generation of fans. Its resurgence prompted Jason Gray-Stanford and I to start discussing plans for a MONK-themed podcast. The timing was perfect: Jason was able to record from home as he quietly recovered from a life-saving heart transplant, and the quarantined world was the ideal audience for a nostalgic pod that gave MONK-hungry fans another taste of the show since it wrapped in 2009. To the delight of “Monkaholics” everywhere, in March of 2021 we launched The Randy Disher Podcast, a nod to the band Jason’s character had in the series.

The podcast hit the ground running, and brought together an ardent following of devoted MONK fans across the globe who had been begging for more MONK. Jason and I began receiving heartfelt messages every day from fans of all ages, some of whom we’ve brought on the podcast to talk about their fandom first-hand. We’ve met the kindest, most interesting folks from every corner of the Earth… people who still watch MONK every single night, people who have binged all eight seasons in a weekend, and even people who named their pets — and kids — after MONK characters. Time and time again, we hear how profoundly MONK has impacted people’s lives. From families strengthened by watching the show together, to viewers who felt comforted in their own grief, it quickly became clear that MONK was more than just a TV show.

Perhaps most poignant are the messages we receive from fans who relate to and are inspired by Adrian. “It’s such a privilege to me to be part of a show that is not only enjoyable to fans, but actually honors the experience of people dealing with mental health,” Jason said about his eight years on MONK. The impact of the series has only increased over time, and the significance of its longevity is not lost on Jason and his cast-mates. “We are all so grateful that MONK has had such a lasting effect and has touched a new generation of fans,” he said. “It’s a timeless show, and the fact that people can watch it with their kids and their grandkids is something we’re really proud of.”

The launch of The Randy Disher Podcast was a walk down memory lane that shined a spotlight on the continuous growth of the MONK fan base. Several months after its premiere, a meeting of the MONK cast and creators was held in New Jersey. Fans were about to get their wish for a long-awaited MONK reunion.

To say that fans were excited when the movie was announced is an understatement. Countless emails poured in, and fan groups on social media were on fire. But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill TV revival enthusiasm. These reactions were emotional. To die-hard MONK fans, the idea of the gang reuniting was more like “a family reunion,” they told us. The story and characters that helped so many people through tough times were returning for one more visit, and it was just the balm the weary world needed.

Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie premiered on Peacock on December 8, 2023, fourteen years after the series’ record-breaking finale. With MONK creator/head writer Andy Breckman and director Randy Zisk back at the helm, the film catches up with the gang post-pandemic, giving us a sense of how Monk fared through Covid-era challenges. His “last case” involves helping his distraught stepdaughter Molly whose fiancé was murdered, a pain he knows all too well.

For a show of MONK’s success, the inside fear was whether a return could spoil the accomplishment of “going out on top.” But it didn’t take long to see that the MONK movie had little to worry about. It received two Critics Choice Award nominations, one for Best Movie Made for Television and one for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (Tony Shalhoub.) It also instantly hit the top-streaming list on Peacock, and the emotional fan response took social media by storm. The MONK movie was a hit.

Of course, no movie is above a few naysayers or mixed reviews. Some felt the billionaire-bad-guy plot was formulaic (which I understand.) A few balked at the absence of certain characters in the film. Some griped that not enough comedic attention was paid to Monk’s pandemic fears. And most complaints were that the movie’s level of drama was too intense compared to the series.

The movie pokes fun at on our globally-shared germophobia during the pandemic. “Look at us, it’s a whole new world, right,” Stottlemeyer jokes as the whole gang asks Natalie for a wipe. “Not to me,” Monk quips.

Here’s the thing: Monk is all of us, and he always has been. He embodies the private quirks and fears that to some extent everyone has, as well as the universal experience of loss. Monk’s candid acceptance of his own weaknesses are humbling, and without them the show wouldn’t have been as moving or impactful as it was. By normalizing the conversation around mental health years before social campaigns encouraged us to do so, MONK was truly a groundbreaking series. That relatable rawness is what I believe made it so meaningful to viewers.

But Adrian’s emotional state in Mr. Monk’s Last Case was controversial to audiences. While some were uneasy about the darkness of this film, I’d argue that it was important to explore the reality of Monk’s depression beyond just quirky comedy. All people, especially those with mental health struggles, have periods of growth and regression. In the fourteen years since we’ve seen Adrian, he’s become well enough to live without an assistant, sit in the backseat of a car, and ride an elevator — even if he pushes the button with his knuckle (full disclosure: I use my knuckle too.) But in more than a decade, Monk has also lost familiar routines, work, and friendships, which set his progress back.

Monk’s current state is certainly different than his usual melancholy we’re used to, and I admit his level of depression startled me when I first saw the film. Although he reached similar lows in the series, the severity of his condition wasn’t focused on as much as it is in this film. He carries a subtle George Bailey vibe throughout the movie as he questions his life’s value, particularly in the moving scene where he and Dr. Bell slide a box of tissues back and forth between them. The most significant part of evaluating someone’s suicidality is whether they have a plan, and in Mr. Monk’s Last Case, Adrian’s plan is a big part of the story. (So much so that I thought sharing the suicide hotline on-screen was wise.) For those worried about triggers, perhaps this is a film to avoid. But to those who simply want more goofy Monk, I’d say authentic Monk was quite necessary.

One thing everyone does agree on is how effortlessly the original cast slipped back into character for this film. “It’s funny, it’s like riding a bike,” Jason said. “A very, very, old, wobbly bike,” he adds laughing.

“But in all honesty, it was a pleasure. I know for certain there was some fear if we were all going to be able to slip back into these beloved characters’ skins, but once we got going it was like no time had passed and it was just the four of us back to doing what we do best. It was truly a pleasure being back together with Tony, Traylor, and Ted.”

Seeing the team’s familiar dynamic again gave devoted MONK fans the very comfort they’ve been missing since 2009. Equally nostalgic was the return of classic running jokes of the series, like fan-favorite Disher theories and a snippet of The Randy Disher Project’s “I Don’t Need a Badge” (which also happens to be our podcast intro.) The great physical comedy in the dog poop scene was so symbolic of Natalie’s relationship with Mr. Monk, a trademark mixture of equal parts love and frustration. And Stottlemeyer seamlessly steps back into his role as the ever-patient best friend.  
“Where’s your shoes?”
“I buried them.”
“Of course you did.”

Above all else, the original cast carried this film with exemplary acting. Tony Shalhoub once again made Adrian so real that you could feel his painful deterioration. From simple hand gestures and expressions, to the way he repeated “I know” to Molly as he comforted her through a loss he deeply understood, it’s no surprise this performance is nomination-worthy.

And while some were uneasy about Adrian’s mental health in this film, his evolution was perfect. Mr. Monk’s Last Case depicted the highs and lows of depression, and the hope that is always there but sometimes hard for people to see. “Not a perfect day, but, good enough,” Monk realized at the end.  

Mr. Monk’s Last Case is of course a teaser of a title, since the door is left open for more to be solved. While fans consistently ask for a series revival, the likelihood of that seems slim. However, an occasional return to the MONK universe in the way Psych has done may not be as far-fetched. Whether it’s an East Coast reunion with Molly and Monk in New York, or an update on Adrian’s new cases, fans can’t help but wonder if they’ll have more opportunities to periodically check in on the MONK family. “Hey, who knows in the entertainment business,” Jason says. “You never say never.”

Since the release of the film, one thing is certain: after all these years, MONK continues to give so much to so many. It’s a gift… just a gift.