More TV Marathons Need to Be Like USA Network’s Recent PSYCH Binge

Television marathons are nothing new on cable networks—turn on Comedy Central, FXX, ION, WGN America, etc. and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a day you can’t binge a show. Each channel approaches things in their own way: some with designated days per show, others with frequently themed blocks, and, of course, there’s still the more straight-forward approach with consecutive episodes.

But even with the variety, nothing has been handled as well as the recent PSYCH “Psychtacular” marathon on USA Network.

To promote the upcoming PSYCH film sequel LASSIE COME HOME, USA Network (which was the home of the series, plus the first film) hosted four weeks of mega-marathons, running two complete seasons straight through. But rather than just rely on the episodes, the channel made the experience immersive, combining new material with vintage content to make the marathons feel like true love letters to fans.

The first bit was something a few networks have done: USA Network reunited the cast and crew for a Zoom discussion, where they talked about favorite moments, guest stars, unused story ideas, and shared behind-the-scenes tidbits. While some running bits reaired throughout the entire marathon (like stars James Roday and Dulé Hill discussing what they had been doing during quarantine), episode-based ones were saved for their place in the marathon. The result? Viewers never knew when they’d be surprised by a new interview/exchange.

However, arguably the most delightful touch was the idea to bring in old PSYCH promos to run throughout the marathon. With eight seasons—and previous marathons—at their disposal, USA Network unearthed show-specific ones (promoting new seasons), overall network spots (where the characters interacted with characters from other USA Network shows, like WHITE COLLAR), and other rarely seen gems.

When you have an archive of material at your disposal, why not go all in? Show TV-only spots that may not have been seen in a decade, let fans remember how the show was promoted, etc. It’s an advantage that streaming services currently aren’t utilizing, so make it worth fans’ time to watch the marathon that’s been curated. It was such a lovely touch to make the experience feel, truly, unique, and has been something I’ve missed while watching other marathons since then.

RELATED:

• PSYCH: Shawn and Gus Are Up to their Old Tricks in LASSIE COME HOME Trailer
• Watch the First 4 Minutes of PSYCH 2: LASSIE COME HOME
• PSYCH Team Teases LASSIE COME HOME
• Peacock Sets Launch Lineup, Including PSYCH Sequel
• PSYCH 2: LASSIE COME HOME Gets New Teaser
• USA Network Sets Full Series PSYCH Marathon
• Daily Dose of Joy: The Best of (Early) PSYCH’s Shawn and Gus
• NBCUniversal Names Streaming Site, Officially Adds BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Reboot, SAVED BY THE BELL and PUNKY BREWSTER Revivals

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