I really like the TV show Monk and I liked the character of Sharona.
My question is does anyone here know why the actress who played Sharona left the show?
It isn't the same without her.
Is there anyone else out there who likes this show?
PF

Sharona left? She was cast perfectly in that role.

Just did some hunting, and it looks like Bitty Schram (the actress) was asking for too much money. She will be missed- I thought she was cute

Just waiting for the season return of the show, down here.

I love Monk and loved Sharona. When I heard Sharona was leaving, I was disappointed, and thought I would hate anyone else in that role. But I was pleasantly surprised by the new character of Natalie. She and Monk have a slightly different relationship than the one between he and Sharona, but I really like her.

I adored Sharona. She was perfect for Monk. When I saw the first show with Natalie, I knew she was going to be the new "nurse" and thought I would wait to see how their relationship worked. Not sure I like it as much. I'm also disappointed that they had Sharona leave to go back to her ex-husband. I never thought that would happen.

She left over pay differences. She and the other actors (minus Tony Shalhoud) wanted more money - she's the onyl one who made good on her promise to walk off if they didn't get it.

The new character is good, though. but I do miss Sharona!

The new girl, Natalie, is okay, though... she's kind of cute in a not so Sharona kind of way... she's also a whole lot less patient with Monk than Sharona was, still, that's probably due to her newness. I wonder, though why Bitty Schram would leave over something like a money dispute, I mean, she had a good thing going for her on "Monk", it's not like she's a big name actress who could get roles on anything.

Oh that old evil Money. I think she should have gotten a raise as the show has won a number of Emmy's and she was apart of that show that helped make it a winner.
SilverMoonSong I too was disappointed that they said she had remarried the ex hubby.
This new nurse Natalie is ok but she is harsher than Sharona was and a little less understanding I think.
Oh well the writing and plots are still funny so I shall watch and maybe this new Nurse will grow on me.
I wonder if Monk will ever find out who killed his wife?
PF

PF,

I agree that she should have gotten a raise. And I wonder if it is still funny because of Tony Shaloub? I will try to keep an open mind about Traylor Howard (Natalie), but when she has done such drivel as Son of the Mask, "Two Guys, a girl and a Pizza Place", Me, Myself & Irene, and Boston Common, I don't hold much hope for her. We'll see.

Wow, SilverMoonSong, Traylor Howard has been around that long? To me she was a completely new face and I watch a whole lot of TV ... but then again, like you said, I don't like "drivel" either which explains why I hadn't watched those, ahem, 'gems' that you mentioned.

Yeah, she's been around that long. I mostly remember her from "Two Guys..." and I really didn't like that show. I tried to watch Boston Common once, but couldn't stomach it.

Natalie is growing on me. Monk is one of the two television shows I watch (apart from sports). It surprises me that many people I speak with about the show don't realize all the movies he has made. The one I actually recognized him from was Men In Black II. I checked the IMDB and found he has been around in movies since 1988. Now that surprised me.

I look forward to new episodes. Too bad they aren't really regular.

A new season just started in mid-January and there is a new episode every Friday night at 10PM EST on USA network. It's replayed at 10 PM on the following Sunday night, too. I watch like clockwork!

I recognized Tony Shalub from "Galaxy Quest", and something else that I don't remember now, maybe it was "Men in Black".

It was "Galaxy Quest."

I thought Boston Common was a great show, but it wasn't given much of a chance. The others, I agree, were drivel...lol. Carry on....

Tony Shaloub was also a regular on the early 90's sitcom Wings, with Tim Daly and Steven Weber. That's where I remembered him from.

Haldo! I liked Sharona also,but i also like Natalie. She and Monk just click. Tony Shaloub also starred in "Thirteen Ghosts"

I've recently become hooked on Monk. They are now advertising the lead actor as "Emmy winner Tony Shaloub who fits his character like a glove.

I guess I'm too new...I don't remember a Sharona. Just Natalie.

You will laugh yourself to tears.
Sharona was his first"Nurse/Companion and they had a certain chemistry.

As the show has won Numerous awards I guess she figured she was worth more than they were paying her and when they refused she left the show. They sometimes run the old ones and they are just as funny.

Natalie is growing on me now and they have a slight chemistry which is good.

Some of the episodes have had me in tears of laughter.

I hope you will continue to watch Vendome. I think you will enjoy it.

Oh some of the situations he is in are just too funny to describe. You have to watch the physical comedy to understand.

PF

Tony's delivery is classic. The repeated lines still make me laugh.
It's a blessing..and a curse. (also said by his brother)
I just solved the case (also said by the captain)
Here's the thing - my favorite. The interaction among the characters is great. The character of Sharona grew as the series progressed, so will natalie. Monk is having to become more independent. I'm 43 and can watch the shows over and over (i have all the dvd's) and still giggle like a kid. This show is a class act. And I loved Galaxy Quest and Wings. His co-star, tim daly, was in gthe episode Mr. monk and the airplane. Probably my favorite episode.

When Daly was there, Sharona commented that he was on a show. Monk asked if it was good, and she replied, "Well, HE was!"
And lest we forget,
He's the guy - whether it was a woman or comma patient
and
Here's what happend...
January needs to hurry, I need my Monk!

And how does Monk get into his house?
He uses a monk-key.