Shrinking is the latest Apple Original series to add to their library of critically acclaimed content. This series comes from its star Jason Segel and the minds behind Ted Lasso, Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence. It also features a terrific ensemble cast, including Harrison Ford as the cherry on top. It’s a heartfelt, honest dramedy that follows Jimmy (Segel), a grieving therapist who throws ethics and training out the window to make an impact on the lives of his patients, along with himself.
Shrinking Review (Episodes 1 and 2)
Jimmy has hit rock bottom after the loss of his wife, and we see that right from the beginning of the pilot episode. While spiraling and losing control of his life for the last year, he has also been neglecting his teenage daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell). On top of that, he has to go to work every day and try to help people with their problems; it’s hard to do that when avoiding your own. He works for Paul (Harrison Ford) and has support from him as well as his colleague Gabby (Jessica Williams). Jimmy reaches his breaking point and starts telling his clients exactly what their problems are, along with unethical ways of treating/helping them.
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Jason Segel is terrific as Jimmy; he gets to showcase his comedic chops as well as have dramatic, heartbreaking moments. He is still dealing with his grief and wants to be there for Alice, but he doesn’t know how to connect with her after neglecting her for a year. Alice has relied on their neighbor Liz (Christa Miller) to act as a surrogate mother and help take her to school and soccer practices. Lukita Maxwell does a great job as Alice; she plays a teen who has had to grow up too quickly with ease and has great chemistry with the adults she interacts with.
The rest of the cast is fantastic as well; everyone gets their moment to shine and while Segel is the lead, it feels like an ensemble dramedy. The highlight of the supporting cast is Harrison Ford as Paul, Jimmy’s boss. Ford gets to utilize his gruff, tough persona while showcasing his own comedic chops as well. Paul has heart as well; he truly cares about Jimmy, seeing himself in him in more ways than one. Jessica Williams is terrific as well and bounces off of Segel and Ford with ease. Gabby supports Jimmy and wants what is best for him and Alice, which is all you can ask for in a friend/colleague.
Overall, I would recommend checking out Shrinking when the first two episodes premiere this Friday, January 27. Apple TV+ is quietly one of the best streaming services available and Shrinking just adds to that library of quality content. There are some questions and motivations that are still a mystery, so I hope that those get answered throughout the rest of the first season. I can’t wait to continue watching this series and I hope you give this heartfelt, honest dramedy your time and enjoy this amazing cast; if you are a fan of Ted Lasso, I have no doubt you will enjoy Shrinking!
Rating: 9/10
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