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Created byTed Lasso‘s team,Brett Goldsteinand Bill Lawrence, along with Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), the Apple TV+ dramedyShrinkingwon over the hearts of audiences with its star-studded cast, led by Segel and Harrison Ford. The show’s second season offers more hilarity and moments of tremendous emotional heft, allowing its cast to deliver career-best work.
ShrinkingSeason 2 Review
Shrinkingcontinues many of the storylines from the first season, following therapist Jimmy (Segel) and his friends and family as they attempt to deal with their problems, grieving and trying to move on — often to comedic results. There are a lot of characters in this show, and while many shows with large ensembles like this frequently struggle to keep viewers invested, season 2 ofShrinkingdoes so effortlessly.
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This season admittedly leans even more into the melodramatic tendencies of the story. Big events are constantly happening to everyone in a way that’s not exactly believable, but they are depicted with such emotional gusto that it’s hard not to be charmed. It’s sentimental — maybe even cheesy — but there’s no moment where the show’s emotion doesn’t feel earned.
A case in point is Jimmy’s arc in season 2, which is full of complicated emotions. He goes through many trials and makes decisions that aren’t always right for himself or the people he loves. Yet, part of the charm ofShrinkingis getting to see characters like these — who are supposed to be “perfect” and “put-together” — make mistakes and be flawed, relatable human beings.
Paul’s (Ford) storyline in this season goes more into his struggles with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and the result is more fertile ground for what might be Ford’s best performance ever. He nails the comedic line deliveries, bringing a hilarious (yet lovable) sarcasm to the role, but he also thrives in the more subtle, emotional moments. Ford shows a side of his range here that we haven’t often seen, even in the first season ofShrinking.
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The supporting character who gets the biggest chance to shine in season 2 is Brian (Michael Urie), who gets an arc of his own — no longer feeling subservient to Jimmy’s arc. Although his storyline is one of the cheesiest of the season, it’s also the most heartfelt and sincere, offering some of the show’s most moving moments thus far.
The rest of the supporting characters aren’t quite as effective this time around. Gaby (Jessica Williams) is mainly relegated to a romantic storyline; Sean (Luke Tennie) isn’t given nearly as much to do this season; Alice (Lukita Maxwell) has some interesting growth, but a lot of what she is given is conventional teen coming-of-age content; and Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley) are given more to do here, but it’s not always compelling.
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However, perhaps the most surprising thing about season 2 ofShrinkingis that it’s not the returning characters who make the most impact, but Goldstein as a guest star. He has one of the most emotionally complicated roles in the show, and he brings such warmth and vulnerability to a character that easily could have been cheesy and melodramatic. It’s also the complete opposite end of the spectrum from what fans may be used to seeing from Goldstein in his star-making turn inTed Lasso.
Is Season 2 ofShrinkingworth watching?
The second season ofShrinkingdoesn’t achieve the perfect balance between comedy and drama that the first season did, but it remains one of the most lovable shows on the air.Shrinkingis proof that sometimes, all it takes for a winning comedy is a pitch-perfect ensemble playing lovably flawed characters. It’s hilarious; it’s tear-jerking; it’s moving — and what else could you want from this team?
Shrinkingstreams on Apple TV+ beginning October 16, with new episodes airing on subsequent Wednesdays. Eleven out of twelve episodes reviewed.
Shrinking Season 2 Review — Harrison Ford and Jason Segel Dramedy Continues to Charm
Sean Boelman
Managing Editor for Film and TV
Articles Published :441
Sean is the Managing Editor for Film and Television, working to determine editorial strategy for the critics team. He has been on the FandomWire team since 2022.In addition to writing reviews himself, Sean helps match writers on the FandomWire team with assignments that best fit their interests and expertise.
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Apple tvBrett GoldsteinHarrison FordJason SegelShrinking
