As someone who’s been in therapy for 20 years, I was immediately intrigued by the TV series Shrinking. It explores what could happen behind the scenes in your therapist’s life. If you’ve wondered about their personal life, this needs to be on your watchlist.
When your confession session ends, your relationship with your therapist typically pauses until your next appointment. But for the characters of Shrinking, work, family and friends are all intertwined in a beautifully seamless way.
Jimmy (Jason Segel) isn’t afraid to take an unorthodox approach to therapy. When his new patient Sean (Luke Tennie) struggles with PTSD as a veteran, Jimmy invites him to stay in his pool house. This storyline quickly gave me a throwback to Sandy (Peter Gallagher) inviting Ryan (Ben McKenzie) to stay in their pool house in The O.C. That became one of my favourite shows and I had a chance to meet Ben McKenzie in Toronto!
My favourite aspect of Shrinking is how it presents complex perspectives of three generations. Sometimes Hollywood shows multi-generational families, but only captures the experiences of seniors or grandchildren on a surface level. Between Paul (Harrison Ford), Jimmy, Alice and the rest of the ensemble, Shrinking covers a lot of dynamics thoughtfully and respectfully.
This is so rare in TV and movies. Kerry Washington’s Hulu series Unprisoned effectively offered multi-generational storytelling, but it was cancelled too soon after two seasons. Gilmore Girls is another prime example and Kelly Bishop became a fun surprise as Paul’s ex-wife in Shrinking!
I’ve adored Michael Urie since Ugly Betty and I love Shrinking’s supporting cast! It’s nice to see Christa Miller resurface as Liz years after I discovered her on Cougar Town. Liz is a very realistic next door neighbour because she has natural hair without hair extensions piled on. I also like seeing Lily Rabe appear as Paul’s daughter because I recognized her from some of my favourite shows including The Good Wife, The Undoing and Love & Death.
Best of all, Cobie Smulders is extending her How I Met Your Mother reunion with Jason Segel in season 3! My first-ever blog post referenced the sitcom back in 2010 and their onscreen relationship will help fill the gap left by Hilary Duff’s Disney+ spinoff How I Met Your Father.
I caught up on Shrinking as soon as I activated my Apple TV trial. My iPhone 13 Pro couldn’t keep up with me anymore and this show is the best gift with purchase I could ask for when I upgraded.