The TV Zone

Robbing Peter to pay Paul, or “borrowing” from cable to help the broadcast network -- NBC now says it will add USA Network’s “Monk” and “Psych” to its affiliates’ lineups on Sunday nights in March.

NBC execs wax enthusiastic in a press release about this “great fit,” “terrific synergies” and “a win-win situation.”

Translation: We are so bleepin’ desperate during this writers’ strike! And since the shows are produced by the NBC-owned Universal studio, they don’t hardly cost nothin’!

At least they’ll prevent more reality debris accumulating to stink up the joint. And lest we forget our brethren (and sistren) without cable, here's their chance to watch a couple of audience-pleasing mystery faves.

“Monk” and “Psych” launch new Friday night episodes on USA Jan. 11, when Howie Mandel lures Tony Shalhoub's Monk into a cult [NBC photo above].