By Josh Nason
Half-hourish comedies have made a bit of a comeback in recent years, but are still a bit scarce compared to the glory days of the 80s, 90s and the 00s. I mean, who’s making Alf and My Two Dads these days, amirite?
Enter Shrinking, a show from Bill Lawrence of Scrubs fame in addition to Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein that launched in 2023. It’s not a sitcom with laugh tracks, but a light-hearted comedy that makes you feel something, god damn it.
If you’re here, I’m sure you have heard of Shrinking but maybe you’re not sure if you should watch as a “light-hearted comedy” might not be in your wheelhouse. I get it: screen time is precious, so read on and let me help you decide whether it’s worth your time.
Should You Watch Shrinking (Apple TV)?
How many seasons?
Three and renewed for a fourth.
How many episodes?
33
What type of show is it?
Comedy.
When did it come out?
2023, 2024, 2026
What’s the commit level?
Just over 19 hours, but you can cut 99 total minutes if you skip the random preview at the onset and the credits. (Do you have a favorite player that wore 99? I’ll take Manny Ramirez during his L.A. Dodgers run.)
Where can I currently find it?
Apple TV.
What’s it about?
A widow in California raises his teenage daughter amid an incredibly supportive network of friends and co-workers that are also psychiatrists who also then support each other with plenty of giving each other shit.
Who is it for?
For those willing to put their cynicism about the world on the shelf for 30 minutes at a time.
Is there a bailout episode?
Give it two episodes.
Any interesting background in the show’s creation?
The show was first announced in October 2021 and started production in April 2022. It was originally pitched as a three-season show with the option to keep going if a “fitting story” emerged. Well, it got renewed so there you go.
If you listened to alternative radio in the 00s, you definitely recognize the unmistakable voice singing the intro: Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie who did the intro along with fellow musician Tom Howe who has done a ton of work for TV shows.
Are there actors the average TV watcher would recognize?
Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, Brett Goldstein, Cobie Smulders, Damon Wayans Jr., Jeff Daniels, Candice Bergen. Michael J. Fox, Wendie Malick, Lily Rabe, Heidi Gardner.
The majority of that list are guest stars/short run characters so the show definitely attracts talent.
What’s the reaction been?
Metacritic has an average of 71 (generally favorable) for all three seasons with averages going up every season (68/75/76) while Rotten Tomatoes has a 93/88 split which is excellent.
It’s been nominated for a bunch of awards including Emmys, but no dice outside a few smaller trophies.
What’s the rewatch factor?
Low.
If you like these shows, you’ll like this one:
Ted Lasso, Scrubs, Rooster (basically all Lawrence shows)
Is this a first or second screen show?
First.
Should you watch Shrinking?
I tend to watch a lot of “heavy” shows in that they are serious, gruff, MANLY, sci-fi, etc. They don’t leave a lot of room for laughs, you know?
Shrinking is the opposite of that and is what I refer to as a TV palate cleanser similar to Only Murders in the Building. It’s not going to make you work too hard, but it’s not a mindless comedy. Just don’t expect to spend hours in Reddit threats. Like Apple TV neighbor Ted Lasso, it makes you feel something, no doubt helped by Goldstein (aka Roy Kent in Lasso).
The cast just works. It’s an idyllic situation in that it’s a great group of connected friends, neighbors and co-workers who all get along despite giving each other an inordinate amount of shit. If you like people, you’ll find someone who you’ll connect with character-wise. If you’re a recluse, I can’t help you much there.
Segal is always very likable (Muppet obsession aside) and is basically a different shade of Marshall of How I Met Your Mother. (I mean, Smulders is also in this for spots so it’s 1/3 of a full reunion).
But who really brings it is Ford who took this role on because he wanted to get working again after the ‘demic slowed things down for everyone, including actors.
For so many, his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones will be what they remember him for, but he is excellent in his role as the grouchy boss/reluctant friend/sage to the point I’m happy he did this so he could stretch his muscles past the franchise stuff. This role won’t overtake Han Solo or Dr. Jones, but it does show Ford can play an actual human being and one dealing with a lot of stuff that I won’t spoil for you.
The supporting cast features familiar faces in McGinley (Married With Children, Revenge of the Nerds, Happy Days) and Miller (Drew Carey Show, the vastly underappreciated Cougar Town) in addition to Jessica Williams (Segal’s co-worker), Lukita Maxwell (Segal’s daughter), Michael Urie (a gay lawyer who interacts with Miller in a very unique way), and Luke Tennie (Segal’s patient and eventual roommate). The show spends plenty of time with them, but not too much. We get their worlds without living in them too long.
I should note that Lawrence’s style of comedy isn’t for everyone, especially for people like my great friend Andrew who texted me, “I think the vast majority of his characters are insufferable.” If you don’t like other Lawrence shows, this isn’t going to do it for you.
But if you need that TV palate cleanser, giving Shrinking a try. It’s worth your watch.
