Now That Vince Vaughn’s ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 1 Is Over, Here’s What Should You Stream Next
Bye-bye, “Bad Monkey.” The comedic mystery series starring Vince Vaughn and based on the 2013 Carl Hiaasen novel of the same name is wrapping its first season on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, Oct. 9 as it prepares to go on hiatus until a new batch of episodes is ready. The Streamable expert Tyler Hayes thought “Bad Monkey” was one of the newest hidden gems on TV when it first came out.
Until then, however, The Streamable’s experts are here to tide you over and let you now what other titles you should try in the meantime if you thought “Bad Monkey” was more fun than a barrel of…um…monkeys.
Which Other Shows Will ‘Bad Monkey’ Fans Love?
Psych
If crime-solving and jokes attracted you to “Bad Monkey,” that’s two big reasons to give the 2006 series “Psych” a try. The series follows Shawn Spencer, who learned how to pick up minute details that other observers frequently miss as a small child. He leverages this gift into occasionally helping the police solve crimes.
But when the cops suspect Shawn of committing a crime himself thanks to his seemingly inexplicable knowledge of the details, he’s forced to convince them that his knowledge of the case comes from being psychic. He keeps the gag going, pulling his best friend Gus into the fray to keep himself on the trail, and out of jail. “Psych” is available to stream now on Prime Video.
Shrinking
At first glance, there may not be much connecting “Bad Monkey” and “Shrinking” other than the fact that they’re both found on Apple TV+. But the two do share one very important piece of connective tissue: Bill Lawrence, who co-created and assumed showrunner responsibilities for both series. If you liked the comedic style and pacing of “Bad Monkey,” you’ll find plenty more of the same in “Shrinking.”
“Shrinking” centers on Jimmy, a therapist who is having trouble connecting with his patients following the death of his wife. He comes up with a radical new approach: telling patients exactly what he thinks with no varnishing, obfuscation or “therapist speak” — to the shock and horror of his colleagues.
Burn Notice
“Burn Notice” may seem like more of a dramatic series on its face, but the presence of Bruce Campbell in the cast should serve as ample notification that there are plenty of laughs ahead. Lovers of “Bad Monkey” will especially appreciate the show’s balmy setting in Miami, Florida.
“Burn Notice” follows Michael Westen, a former CIA operative who is burned in the middle of an operation. Forced to solve problems for locals around Miami to make ends meet, his true goal is to determine who gave the order that caused him to be burned in the first place.
The Afterparty
Yet another original from Apple TV+, “The Afterparty” leans into the comedic and mystery elements that drew so many viewers to “Bad Monkey.” Each season of “The Afterparty” is a true whodunnit, following the same case from start to finish and peeling back a new layer with every episode.
Each episode of the show tells the story of the case from a different perspective of one who was there. The first season takes place at the after-party of a high school reunion, while the second focuses on the day after a large and opulent wedding. Detective Danner is on the case…even if she’d really rather not be.
Poker Face
“Poker Face” might be the closest show on this list to “Bad Monkey” in terms of style and feel. The series is centered on Charlie Cale, who is chased out of Vegas after her employers learn of a very special gift Charlie has with the power to seriously hurt their business.
You see, Charlie has an innate gift of always knowing when someone is telling a lie. She soon finds it’s more of a hinderance than a help, but nevertheless she hits the road in her trusty Plymouth Barracuda, keeping one eye over her shoulder but helping those she meets along the way work out their own dilemmas.
Sugar
One last entry from Apple TV+ here, “Sugar” is what at first appears to be a very high-quality noir detective show. John Sugar is a private investigator, tasked with finding the well-loved granddaughter of a famed Hollywood producer as he quietly faces his own demons.
But as the season progresses and viewers get to know John a little more closely, they realize something very odd is going on. The clues and hints about his real identity add up to a shocking twist ending that no one saw coming, and every episode along the way is compelling TV in its own right.
True Detective Season 2
If Vince Vaughn was what ultimately drew you to “Bad Monkey,” then make sure you go back and stream the second season of “True Detective” on Max. The series sees Vaughn flip allegiances, assuming the guise of criminal in a chilling performance as the season’s big bad.
“True Detective” is an anthology series, with each season focusing on a different storyline. Season 2 sees Vaughn assume the role of Frank Semyon, a career criminal who wants to go legit, but ends up losing all of his money when his business partner is mysteriously killed. He launches his own investigation, but has to keep away from the prying eyes of the police until a dirty cop stumbles into his path.
