Shrinking: Season 2 Improves on First Season

Harrison Ford and Jason Segel in Episode 6 of "Shrinking," streaming November 13 on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+’s Shrinking manages to improve on the first season as the comedy series recently returned for its second season in October.

Can we talk about Harrison Ford for a moment? He was nominated for a Critics Choice Award last season for his portrayal of Paul Rhoades. However, he was completely snubbed by the Emmy Awards. This is a shame because he is turning in an award-worthy performance this season once again on Shrinking. Ford delivers masterclass after masterclass in every episode of season 2. When you think he cannot outdo himself, he manages to outdo himself in the very next episode. I don’t know which episodes that Apple TV+ plans to submit but he turns in some really good work during the back half of the season. The rest of the cast is also turning in some solid work and Ted McGinley earned a promotion to series regular.

Gaby (Jessica Williams) hits it off with Derrick #2 (Damon Wayans Jr.) this season. At the same time, she’s also having to deal with her mother (Marla Gibbs) and sister, Courtney (Courtney Taylor). Jessica Williams is coming off of an Emmy nomination so it’s nice to see Gaby having more to do. Without a doubt, she is one of the strongest performers on Shrinking. I fully expect that the actress will receive another nomination.

One of the more intriguing choices this season is the addition of special guest star Brett Goldstein. Goldstein, a co-creator of the series, recurs this season as Louis Winston, the man responsible for Tia’s (Lilan Bowden) death in a car accident. Obviously, we’ve seen the impact of Tia’s death on Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) and Alice (Lukita Maxwell) but now we’re seeing the impact on Louis. Jimmy’s response is as one might expect. However, both Alice and Brian (Michael Urie) respond with empathy. Much like Jimmy and Alice’s relationship, it’s a subplot to follow this season.

Shrinking Season 2 key artwork. Courtesy of Apple TV+.

As far as Jimmy and his work, we see some clients in the office every now and then but the series works best when they focus on his chosen family. Even when they’re at the office, it’s mostly focused on Jimmy, Paul, and Gaby. Some comedies take some time to find their footing but Shrinking has figured out the formula that works best. If I’m being honest, the family dynamics are more entertaining than watching therapists meeting with clients. A client like Grace (Heidi Gardner) has issues of her own and no amount of Shrinking is going to resolve them. Obviously, we know what’s going on with Sean (Luke Tennie) because he’s living in Jimmy’s pool house. Every time that it feels like Sean is showing growth, it’s a few steps back. This season digs further into the relationship with his father, Tim (Kenajuan Bentley).

In addition to McGinley’s promotion, Liz (Christa Miller) is dealing with an empty house at home. Going into business with Sean didn’t really work out and it leaves her struggling to find her purpose. Brian and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) have some ups and downs in their marriage as they both consider fatherhood.

All in all, I enjoyed every minute of season two. I binged all 12 episodes in one sitting. It’s a press perk but I can understand why Apple TV+ is making fans wait it out through December 25. After all, there’s so much that the series has to offer and the weekly release keeps people talking. That said, I loved hanging out with them and cannot say that enough. Even though it deals with grief, forgiveness, and accountability, it’s every bit as wholesome as Ted Lasso. Are things still unconventional at the office? Oh yes, but we see how Jimmy is beginning to rub off on Paul.

Shrinking continues to be one of the best shows on television.

CREATORS: Bill Lawrence & Jason Segel & Brett Goldstein
SHOWRUNNER: Bill Lawrence
DIRECTORS: Randall Winston, Zach Braff, Jamie Babbit, James Ponsoldt, Anu Valia, Bill Lawrence
WRITERS: Rachna Fruchbom (2X01), Annie Mebane (2×02), Brian Gallivan (2×03), Sofi Selig (2×04), Zack Bornstein (2×05), Brett Goldstein (2×06), Kyra Brown & CJ Hoke (2×07), Sasha Garron (2×08), Bill Posely (2×09), Ashley Nicole Black (2×10), Neil Goldman (2×11), Bill Lawrence & Neil Goldman & Brett Goldstein (2×12)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, Jason Segel, Neil Goldman, Brett Goldstein, James Ponsoldt, Randall Winston, Rachna Fruchbom, Brian Gallivan
CAST: Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, Ted McGinley, with Christa Miller and Harrison Ford
SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Brett Goldstein