Psych Renewed!

"Psych" will be sleuthing for another year.

USA Network has renewed the crime comedy for a fifth season with a 16-episode order.

"Psych," starring James Roday as a fake psychic with great observational skills and Dule Hill as his best friend and partner in their police consulting business, was a breakout hit for the network when it launched in July 2006 as the highest-rated USA series debut.

The series, from Universal Cable Prods. and creator Steve Franks, has consistently delivered solid ratings, especially in the younger demographics.

" 'Psych' just keeps getting better and better," said USA president of original programming Jeff Wachtel. "Steve, James, Dule and the entire team keep us laughing and keep the audience coming back for more."

"Psych" will face a challenge in January when the second half of its fourth season will run for the first time without its formidable lead-in, "Monk," which is wrapping its eight-season run in December.

USA is still finalizing its scheduling plans for January, but "Psych" is rumored to return with original episodes Jan. 29 and remain in its Friday 10 p.m. slot.

Franks is executive producing "Psych," whose fifth season is expected to premiere next summer, with director Mel Damski and Tagline's Kelly Kulchak and Chris Henze.

The cast of the show also include Corbin Bernsen, Timothy Omundson and Maggie Lawson.