Early on in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s hit dramedy Shrinking, the character of Paul tells his beleaguered psychologist colleague, Jimmy: “If my patients don’t end up okay, I’ll be fine — you, not so much.” As delivered with appropriate snark by Harrison Ford to Emmy nominee Jason Segel, the comment lands so beautifully, reminding viewers of what they fell in love with during the first season of the series. It’s Jimmy’s vulnerability and constant state of flux in his attempts to move on with his life after the death of his wife. It’s Paul’s blunt demeanor as a friend and co-worker, which is anything but avuncular. It’s the fact that this series can balance several significant storylines and land each one well. It's that its main story — Jimmy attempting to find new footing — is something we can all relate to, especially during these uncertain times.
Season 2, which was ordered before the first season even bowed, is a charmer. Centering on the signature theme of forgiveness, this season surpasses expectations and establishes the show as another kind of Ted Lasso (with which it shares a co-creator). It's a feel-good comedy with a standout everyman at its core and relatable supporting characters in whom we can become fully invested, learn from, and most importantly, enjoy.
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
- Release Date
- January 26, 2023
- Cast
- Jason Segel , Luke Tennie , Michael Urie , Lukita Maxwell , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Ted McGinley , Heidi Gardner , Devin Kawaoka , Lilan Bowden , Kimberly Condict , Lily Rabe , Tilky Jones , Rachel Stubington , Wendie Malick , Sawyer Jones , Mike C. Nelson , Matt Knudsen , Kenajuan Bentley , Adam Foster Ballard
- Streaming Service(s)
- Apple TV+
Returning to the comedy, which tracks grieving therapist Jimmy and his new rule-breaking methods — basically telling his clients exactly what he thinks — are Emmy nominees Christa Miller (2 Dope Queens) and Jessica Williams (Scrubs, Cougar Town), along with Luke Tennie (Players), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Lukita Maxwell (Afraid), and Ted McGinley (The Baxters). The big twist here centers on the addition of series co-creator Brett Goldstein, whose character is significant yet must remain shrouded in mystery. (For now.)
Brett Goldstein in Front of the Camera Again
Co-creators Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, and Bill Lawrence nail Season 2. To be sure, Goldstein’s transition from behind the scenes to in front of the camera is one of the biggest draws this time round. On that note, series star and co-creator Jason Segel recently told MovieWeb that in casting Goldstein this season, he wanted to break audiences’ conceptions of the star, famous for playing Roy Kent on Ted Lasso. Segel et al. succeed on that note, and the moment Goldstein arrives on scene, it’s a game-changer for the series.
The great thing about that, however, is that showrunner Bill Lawrence doesn’t rest the entire outing on Goldstein’s shoulders. Unless it's a Larry David show, most good comedy series — think Schitt's Creek, Loot, Hacks, and even What We Do in the Shadows — commit to having most or all their characters evolve in some way. Season 2 of Shrinking offers plenty of that, not solely relying on the significance of Goldstein’s character. Although it must be said, the actor deserves an Emmy nom for his emotionally layered performance.
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Elsewhere, there's Jimmy, who now must come to terms with some of the after-effects of his new modus operandi. His tell-it-like-it-is approach with his clients came as a direct result of losing his wife, Tia, in a tragic accident, and having to raise his teen daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) solo. This go around, Jimmy is a much healthier version of himself, but now he must make several amends from when he was in a darker place.
There's also his semi-fractured relationship with Alice, which is strained again this season as Alice boldly takes command of her own choices now that she’s moving closer to adulthood. That also means she’s prone to making her own mistakes — some fun bits result from that. Further revelations would spoil some of the surprises ahead. Let’s just say, if you think the second season will ease up on real-life matters, think again. Maxwell captivates throughout her character's complex story arc.
Sweet, Deep, and Still Funny
Onto Dr. Paul (Ford), who is confronted with his own advancing Parkinson’s. He begrudgingly (at first) begins taking stock of his life in new ways, perhaps even mending some of his past mistakes and severed relationships. Again, the theme of forgiveness weaves through here, too. It’s a delight then, to see Wendy Malick again as Dr. Julie Baram, Paul’s neurologist and newfound comrade.
Watching these two interact is an acting masterclass from two of the best —Ford, of course, with his Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner legacies, and Malick, a comedy pro who could steal a scene in Just Shoot Me and Hot in Cleveland, yet never make it feel as if she's been overstepping. What an emotional elixir she becomes here. Watch for stand-out sparring scenes between Jimmy and Paul, which dig a little deeper emotionally than the season prior. We're getting to really know these characters, folks.
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There's also big drama from fellow therapist Dr. Gaby Evans (Jessica Williams). She’s been a pal to Alice and lover to Jimmy, but some of that shifts this season, and the fallout delivers great scenes and opportunities to send Gaby and Jimmy into new territory. Gaby isn’t immune to navel-gazing, however, and we find her turning inward and identifying negative patterns and stepping into newfound independence all around. On that note, Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings) lands a significant role this season, and it directly affects Gaby's character.
Meanwhile, there’s a refreshing surprise in Liz (Christa Miller) this season. We always felt her character was underused and just a placeholder for the other players in Shrinking. However, what joy it is to see her have her own story arc this season, some of it relating to helping Sean (Luke Tennie, turning in yet another great performance) move forward with a new opportunity. Liz has yet an even bigger shift as she comes to terms with empty nest/motherhood/wifedom all at the same time.
Is Season 3 Inevitable?
Surely we'll see a third season of this show, and one suspects that if the first centered on grief, and the second on forgiveness, the third may be devoted to the idea of moving forward, and what that looks like for many of the characters. In the meantime, showrunner Bill Lawrence remains ever effective; he’s come from Scrubs, Cougar Town (wife Christa Miller, too), and Ted Lasso, after all. He knows how to spin an effective tale, and, in essence, a season that is fully developed and executed with a great deal of care.
4:17
Jason Segel Talks Shrinking Season 2 & Casting Brett Goldstein in a Surprising Role
Jason Segel is the soulful and funny co-creator and star of Shrinking on Apple TV+ and opened up to us about Season 2.
There are some lovely scenes between Jimmy and Alice, Jimmy and Paul, and Jimmy and Gaby, but there are equally significant moments between Sean and his father — the two have a contentious relationship — and Liz and her son. Michael Urie (Brian) is great this season and his involvement in some of the main drama with Jimmy and Alice is key, but it’s wonderful to see Brian's marriage with Charlie reach yet another turning point. And watch for side players from Season 1 to reappear as new foils; there's a nice array of those clients this season, filling out the memorable season.
Some side notes: True, nobody in real life talks in the way these folks do — think any Aaron Sorkin endeavor in comedy form — but it's easy to let it slide. Ultimately, many of the scenes and episodes in this series still manage to be relatable and evoke empathy. Beyond these characters' quirks and bon mots, their true vulnerability speaks volumes toward what they're masking. Look for Episode 8 to provide big surprises and context as to how some characters evolved into their current state. Brilliant. That said, Season 2 is infectiously fun and funny, and energized with a clear direction to evolve its characters into future seasons. Shrinking is just the therapy we need during these weirdly contentious times. Season 2 of Shrinking hits Apple TV+ October 16. Watch it below:
Watch Shrinking
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