'Psych' picked up for seventh season

Stars James Roday and Dulé Hill announce pick up of series

USA Network's favorite faux psychic and his best friend, along with Santa Barbara's finest, are back in business as "Psych," starring James Roday and Dulé Hill, has been renewed for a seventh season. Currently USA's longest running series on air, "Psych" will be back with 16 all-new episodes with fun-filled storylines and A-list guest stars later this year.

The announcement was made today by USA Co-Presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel.

Actually, it was the series stars who made the announcement, though, as "Psych" fans first heard the good news Tuesday from Roday and Hill personally through USA's popular "Psych" Facebook page and Twitter feed. To build intrigue and momentum of the special news throughout the day, the network shared multiple pieces of a pineapple puzzle and alluded that, when complete, the puzzle may reveal a special message. The final fourth piece and most delicious slice of pineapple unlocked a special video message from Roday and Hill about the pickup. Roday first told fans in his character Shawn Spencer's typical nonchalant fashion, that he's decided to get a new brown belt and needed their help. He then goes on to casually mention, "Oh, and also, 'Psych' is officially coming back for a seventh season, which is very cool, but I'm kinda working on this belt situation right now." Hill, who plays Shawn's best friend Gus, followed with a shout out to fans thanking them for their support for the show.

"We are always trying to find ways to reward our 'Psych' brand ambassadors for their loyalty and passion and social media plays a critical role in how we connect with the people who matter most - the fans," said McCumber and Wachtel. "It was exciting to deliver this historical news to them first and before traditional media."

In 2011, "Psych" delivered more P18-49 (2.31 million) and P18-34 (1.22 million) Live+7 viewers than ever before in its five year run. The show returns to complete its sixth season on Leap Day, Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 10 p.m.

With 2.1 million Facebook fans, this cult favorite stars Roday as a police consultant who solves crimes with powers of observation so acute the precinct detectives think he's psychic. With help from his best friend and reluctant sidekick (Hill), he continues to solve the mysterious and often bizarre crimes of the Santa Barbara Police Department. "Psych" also stars Corbin Bernsen, Timothy Omundson, Maggie Lawson and Kirsten Nelson.

"Psych" is executive produced by Steve Franks, Kelly Kulchak and Chris Henze, from Universal Cable Productions in association with Tagline Pictures. Mel Damski serves as executive producer/director. Bill Callahan is executive producer. Saladin K. Patterson and Andy Berman are co-executive producers/writers.

To view the announcement by Roday and Hill, or to just follow the show, visit http://www.facebook.com/psych or http://twitter.com/psych_usa.