Shrinking (2023) is a heartfelt and comedic TV series created by Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel. It blends humor and emotion to explore themes of grief, healing, and personal growth. The series is available on Apple TV+.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Jimmy Laird (played by Jason Segel), a therapist struggling with the recent loss of his wife. Overwhelmed by grief and frustrated with the traditional rules of therapy, he begins to adopt an unconventional approach, directly intervening in his clients' lives. This unorthodox method, while effective in some cases, creates chaos for both his clients and himself.
Jimmy's personal journey intertwines with those of his eccentric colleagues, including the brilliant yet blunt therapist Dr. Paul Rhodes (Harrison Ford) and his compassionate, sharp-witted co-worker Gaby (Jessica Williams). Together, they navigate the complexities of helping others while dealing with their own struggles and flaws.
Key Themes:
- Grief and Loss: The series delves into the challenges of coping with the death of a loved one.
- Human Connection: It highlights the power of relationships in overcoming pain.
- Humor in Healing: Despite its heavy themes, Shrinking balances comedy with heartfelt moments.
Reception:
The series has been praised for its witty writing, nuanced performances (especially Harrison Ford's comedic turn), and its ability to balance humor with emotional depth. It resonates with audiences due to its relatable portrayal of life’s struggles and the messy, unpredictable nature of healing.
With two seasons, Shrinking offers a mix of laughter, tears, and thoughtful storytelling, making it a standout among contemporary dramedies.
Honest Review:
Shrinking is a refreshing and heartfelt dramedy that successfully balances humor and emotional depth. The show’s creators, Brett Goldstein (known for Ted Lasso), Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel, bring a unique charm to the series, crafting characters that are flawed yet deeply relatable.
Jason Segel delivers a nuanced performance as Jimmy, capturing the complexities of grief with authenticity while injecting humor into his character’s struggles. Harrison Ford, stepping into a rare comedic role, is a standout as the curmudgeonly yet endearing Dr. Paul Rhodes. His dry wit and unexpected emotional depth bring a delightful dynamic to the series. Jessica Williams shines as Gaby, offering a perfect mix of humor and warmth.
The series does an excellent job of exploring the messiness of human emotions, making its characters feel real and their struggles relatable. The unconventional therapy approach adds a unique twist, creating moments of hilarity and poignancy. However, the show doesn’t shy away from addressing serious themes like loss, forgiveness, and personal growth, giving it a well-rounded emotional weight.
That said, Shrinking isn’t without its flaws. At times, the show leans a bit too heavily on its comedic elements, occasionally undermining the gravity of certain situations. Some subplots feel underdeveloped or rushed, and a few characters could benefit from deeper exploration. Additionally, while the series’ blend of humor and sadness is largely effective, it may occasionally feel tonally inconsistent for some viewers.
Overall, Shrinking is a standout in the dramedy genre, offering a heartfelt and entertaining exploration of grief, relationships, and the importance of human connection. Its witty dialogue, strong performances, and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile watch, even if it doesn’t quite hit every emotional note perfectly. It’s a series that feels like a warm hug—imperfect but deeply comforting.

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