When USA Network canceled two series last month, it was an indication that the cable network has found its niche, and was simply shedding the programs that no longer fit.

By committing to Psych and Burn Notice, USA has decided to stick with the modern day comedy dramas that began with Monk, also from USA.

All three shows are mysteries, but while the cases that the cops/private detectives/covert spies are serious, the shows themselves are light, breezy comedies that center on the eccentric characters. All three shows owe their success to excellent cast chemistry.

Monk and Psych, which return to air with new episodes on Friday, January 11, are both about characters who have incredible powers of observation that make them invaluable consultants to police departments. Tony Shalhoub's Adrian Monk is an obsessive compulsive who relies on the stability of his assistant to conduct investigations. James Roday and Dule Hill, as Shawn Spencer and Gus Guster, have a running gag in which Spencer's observational prowess is passed of as psychic ability.

Burn Notice eschews the buddy trope, opting instead for a trio of characters including a former IRA operative (Gabrielle Anwar), a retired Navy SEAL (Bruce Campbell), and a covert agent who has been discredited (Jeffrey Donovan). I'll be writing more about this brilliant show in an upcoming column. For now, suffice to say I'm looking forward to season two.

So in the same way that TNT is carving a spot for itself with alternative police procedurals (The Closer and Saving Grace), FX has dibs on more serious adult dramas (Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, Damages, The Riches, The Shield), and SCI FI have a lock on, well, science fiction (Battlestar Galactica, Eureka, Stargate Atlantis), USA is going with comedic mysteries.

Which is why they let go of The 4400 and The Dead Zone. They just don't fit. And, to be honest, they were ready for retirement anyway.

For me, The 4400 had incredible potential, but despite a good first season, the show derailed the next year and was never able to get back on track. Too much melodrama and not enough aliens, I guess.

As for The Dead Zone, it was a nice surprise. It gave Anthony Michael Hall an opportunity to reinvent his career, and provided some good twists on the concept that was created by Stephen King and refined by David Cronenberg. But it had a six year run, and it seems to me that's pretty good.

USA Network is following the promise of its slogan, "Characters welcome." I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.


COMMERCIAL BREAK: USA Network came to air as Madison Square Garden Network, and was one of the first channels to opt for satellite delivery. Its sister network is SCI FI Channel. Both channels are owned by NBC Universal.