Final Results of Summer TV Poll

Pictured from l-r: Jason Gray-Stanford, Traylor Howard, Tony Shalhoub, and Ted Levine

Receiving just over 40% of the vote, "Monk" was voted as the cable series you are most looking forward to seeing once it returns with new episodes this summer. In case you aren't familiar with it, "Monk" stars Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective who serves as a special consultant for the San Francisco Police Department. Because Monk suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and a multitude of phobias, the series has been described as a cross between "Columbo" and "As Good As It Gets". The cast also includes Traylor Howard as Natalie (Monk's personal assistant), Ted Levine as Capt. Leland Stottlemeyer, and Jason Gray-Stanford as Lt. Randy Disher.

There were more than a few of you who mentioned that you weren't able to take part in the poll because you don't watch any of the series that were included. Of the poll entries, I can personally say that "Monk", "The Closer", "Weeds", "Army Wives", and "Mad Men" are all worth a look. Because made-for-cable series generally have longer lapses between seasons than programs that air on the broadcast networks, it's easier to catch up if you are late to the party. The cable networks also often air series marathons, which provide another opportunity to catch episodes you may have missed. The longer than normal lapse between seasons that I mentioned earlier can sometimes test a viewer's loyalty. However, I think it's worth the wait because the quality of made-for-cable episodic programming is generally better than that on the broadcast networks.

Here are the final poll results:

Monk- 42%
The Closer- 31%
Psych and Weeds- 15% each
Army Wives, Mad Men, and Saving Grace- 10% each
Burn Notice- 5%

Below is a clip from an episode of "Monk" with guest-star Sarah Silverman. In it, she plays Marci Maven (Monk's biggest fan). The new season of "Monk" premieres Friday July 18th on the USA Network.