A fourth made-for-tv film from the Psych series could happen, according to star Jazmyn Simon, who joined the cast in the first film. Psych ran for eight seasons on the USA Network, with 120 episodes. The series' long-running success eventually led to the premiere of three tv films, with the latest, Psych 3: This Is Gus premiering on Peacock on November 18, 2021.
Psych follows Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill,) two lifelong best friends who start a freelance psychic detective agency after the former uses his acute powers of observation to fake psychic abilities, leading to comedic situations and the solving of crimes. Psych has developed a loyal cult following since its premiere, with fans citing the chemistry between the two leads and the numerous running gags as highlights. The show's loyal following is what inspired the making of the three tv movies since the main show's conclusion.
When asked by Variety, Simon says that USA and NBCUniversal will make a fourth Psych movie as long as the fans are still on board. She says that as long as there's continuing interest, creator Steve Franks will continue to write more films. Not much else is known about a fourth Psych movie, given that Psych 3 is still fresh in viewers' minds. Read Simon's quote below:
As long as the fans want them, we will do them. I’ll just drop that little tidbit right there. As long as the fans are engaged, there will be more ‘Psych’ movies.
After the first Psych movie release, Franks has previously said that he wants to make a total of six films, with Psych 3 bringing him halfway to that goal. Even though it's been less than six months since Psych 3, it wouldn't be a stretch to say Franks has already started considering plot lines for a potential fourth film. Even with the franchise's move to Peacock, the success of Psych 2 and Psych 3 show there's still enough interest in the franchise.
Fan support can carry a franchise a long way, to the point where a cult following can be more powerful than high ratings or critical success. Though mainstream critics have mainly ignored Psych throughout its lengthy lifespan, the people who like it and want to support it have kept it going longer than most franchises can ever dream. Psych's ability to maintain such a loyal fanbase speaks to the consistency of its writing, performances, and a refusal to betray its tone or jump any sharks. In the end, Simon could be correct, and Psych 4 could very well happen, but the loyal fans will have to wait and see.
Source: Variety