A   We haven't been asked so often about a show's return since "The Sopranos" was on a 16-month hiatus. The dramedy about an obsessive-compulsive detective will be back June 20 after nearly a nine-month break. That's not a moment too soon for the USA network.

"It's completely redefined the network," said Jackie Lyons, USA's senior vice president of original series. "What 'The Shield' has done for FX, 'Monk' has done for us."

It's unclear whether ABC will air reruns, as it did last year. It probably depends on whether it decides to give network viewers some quality programming this summer or just jam-pack the airwaves with reality shows. ("The World's Smartest Farm Animals," anyone?)

When "Monk" does return, our hero, played by Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub, will be trying to deduce whether a woman's fall from a clock tower was a murder or suicide. Andrew McCarthy guest stars.  Also this season: Monk goes to the circus and to Mexico. There's little chance that he'll drink the water.