Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun mystery series sequel has some melancholy moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie
What's the Story?
Fifteen years after the popular series Monk (2002-2009) ends, MR. MONK'S LAST CASE: A MONK MOVIE stars Tony Shalhoub reprising the role of Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective with obsessive compulsive disorder. The retired Monk spent the COVID-19 pandemic in lockdown and being taken care of by his stepdaughter, journalist Molly Evans (Caitlin McGee), and has now re-entered a more germaphobic world. However, thanks to a lack of a job to go to, the collapse of a book deal, and the distance between him and his former colleagues, Monk finds himself in a state of quiet despair. The only thing keeping him going is Molly's pending nuptials. But when her fiancé (played by Austin Scott) dies in a terrible accident before the wedding, Monk embarks on a mission to solve this very personal case.
Is It Any Good?
Monk fans will feel nostalgic as an older Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) finds himself using his smarts to solve a case while doing his best to function in a world he isn't completely comfortable navigating. Mr. Monk's Last Case features the return of some of the original cast members, including Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine), and, of course, his therapist, Dr. Bell (Hector Elizondo). Their presence helps create a comfortable sense of the familiar while delivering the franchise's trademark humor. It's fun, but Mr. Monk's Last Case also contains a fair share of sad moments thanks to Molly's horrific loss and Monk's inability to cope with his own grief and loneliness, the latter which motivates him to plan to end his own life and join his late wife Trudy (Melora Hardin). Ultimately, the sequel manages to deliver a strong message of hope, and those who enjoy the original series will find it entertaining (if not as upbeat).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to support people facing mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help.
How does Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie try to balance sadness with humor? Does it do so effectively?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 8, 2023
- Cast : Tony Shalhoub , Melora Hardin , Caitlin McGee
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Humility , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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