THIS SEASON ON MONK

All new episodes of MONK return in January, but in the spirit of giving, USA Network will premiere new episodes in both November ("Mr. Monk Meets His Dad") and December ("Mr. Monk and the Leper") to help loyal fans beat the boredom. Here's an episode-by-episode overview of what awaits Adrian Monk and what special guest stars will be joining him:

MR. MONK MEETS HIS DAD
When Monk's truck driving father (played by Dan Hedaya) rolls into town at Christmastime, Monk joins him on the road, where they stumble across a very peculiar mystery. Premieres Friday, November 17 at 10/9C.

MR. MONK AND THE LEPER
A missing millionaire suffering from leprosy comes out of hiding and hires Monk to recover some papers from his estate. Monk takes the job, and soon finds himself in the middle of a shadowy murder plot worthy of a classic Hollywood film noir. A special Black & White version premieres Friday, December 22 at 9/8C, with the normal Color version premiering right after at 10/9C.

MR. MONK MAKES A FRIEND
A fun-loving everyman named Hal (guest star Andy Richter) bumps into Monk, and the two become fast friends. For the first time in his life, Monk appears to have a buddy. But is Hal up to something? Premieres Friday, January 19 at 9/8C.

MR. MONK IS AT YOUR SERVICE
When Natalie suspects foul play in the deaths of her parents' wealthy neighbors, Monk goes undercover as a butler to investigate. Sean Astin and Holland Taylor guest star. Premieres Friday, January 26 at 9/8C.

MR. MONK IS ON THE AIR
Monk suspects a radio shock jock killed his wife, but the DJ was on the air at the time of the murder. Tony Shalhoub's Wings co-star Steven Weber stars as the nefarious DJ. Premieres Friday, February 2 at 9/8C.

MR. MONK VISITS A FARM
When Lt. Disher inherits a farm from an uncle who committed suicide, Disher decides to quit the police force and start a new life in the country. But Disher soon suspects that his uncle was murdered, so Monk joins him on the farm to investigate. Brooke Adams guest stars. Premieres Friday, February 9 at 9/8C.

MR. MONK AND THE REALLY, REALLY DEAD GUY
When the mysterious "Six Way Killer" strikes in San Francisco, Monk's detective skills are pitted against the flashy forensic technology of a federal agent as they both pursue the murderer. Premieres Friday, February 23 at 9/8C.

MR. MONK GOES TO THE HOSPITAL
Monk goes to the emergency room for a bloody nose, but when a doctor in the hospital turns up dead, Monk joins the murder investigation, and soon his own life is in grave danger. Frasier's Dan Butler and Charles Durning guest star. Premieres Friday, March 2 at 9/8C.