Shrinking

Shrinking is one of those rare shows that effortlessly balances laugh-out-loud comedy with deeply emotional storytelling, sometimes within the same scene. Across two seasons, it has proven itself to be not just a great show, but one that sticks with you-like a warm hug in TV form.

The cast is phenomenal across the board, but Jason Segel and Harrison Ford are on another level. Segel brings his signature charm and vulnerability to the role of Jimmy, a therapist struggling with grief, making his journey both hilarious and heartbreakingly real. Meanwhile, Ford-who could have easily phoned it in as the grumpy mentor-delivers one of his best performances in years. His portrayal of Dr. Paul Rhoades is layered, funny, and unexpectedly touching, proving that even legends can still surprise us.

The writing is where Shrinking truly shines. Few shows can take you from crying with laughter to just plain crying in a matter of minutes, but this one does it flawlessly. It captures the messy, beautiful reality of grief, friendship, and healing with a sharp wit and so much heart. Every episode feels like a perfectly crafted mix of humor and humanity.

And once again, Bill Lawrence proves why he's one of the most underrated forces in entertainment. The man does not miss. Scrubs, Ted Lasso, Cougar Town-he knows exactly how to create shows that feel like home, and Shrinking is no exception.

If you haven't watched Shrinking yet, you're missing out on one of the best, most heartfelt comedies in years. It's funny, moving, and just the kind of show the world needs right now.

And the rest of the show is great, too. Jason Segel is perfectly cast for this script. He has the weird, idiotically confident energy needed for this role. And Jessica is perfect. Her humor is just right for the dialogue. This is the new way of situation dramedies. No real punch lines, just engaging personalities with a pinch of quirk, and family circumstances that are just a little over the line from normal, but still relatable. Of course, Jimmy's behavior as a therapist is completely absurd. You would lose your license immediately. Just impossible. But we allow metaphorical situations in drama. And in this script, we sense a strong purposefulness in the decisions. We have to give the writers the benefit and try to get the gist. For me, it's easy and fun. Other reviewers, apparently, struggled.

This is fun pure and simple. Crisply written, great one liners, enough pathos to prevent it becoming Big Bang Theory for the middle classes, a joy to watch. Yes real therapists wouldn't behave like this but anyone with a functioning brain cell would know that so criticism from that perspective is just negativity for the sake of dragging the rating down. Are some of the characters stereotypes? Yes, but no offence is given and none should be taken, FYI, I worked with a gay guy who was exactly the stereotype shown here. The real success here is blending the seriousness of therapy and grief with the growing pains of life at different ages, stages and ways of life and making it dammed funny. Finally, who knew what a fine light comedy actor Harrison Ford is? A complete revelation and worth watching the show just for him.

Two episodes out currently and this show exhibits a lot of promise, the chemistry between characters is infectious and even oddly so at times... its heartwarming in ways that most shows aren't, reminding solely of the show Community for these elements. I'm not sure if this accurately displays a therapist's way of coping with issues but it sure does allow room for Jason Segel to put his own spin on it. Harrison Ford plays Dr Rhodes, Jason's boss and mentor of sorts.. I wasn't sure how his character was going to work in this show but the antisocial likeness of Rhodes sure does play into a persona that Ford meets quite well when thinking about the more apprehensive elements of his character Han Solo in Star Wars, it just fits like a glove in this show. Somehow all too relatable, Sean (Luke Tennie) plays somewhat of a son figure to Jimmy (Segel) while he deals with familial issues of his own with his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell)... What I see here feels so vivid and the possibilities maybe (?) endless as I see Jimmy navigate these things. Btw, the intro theme to this show is so good, I didnt even skip it when watching the 2nd episode... And the music in this show is so good. Overall this is turning out to be a wonderful show and I hope it only keeps getting better from here.

Harrison Ford is simply amazing in this show! His dry delivery is the absolute best. His curmudgeon demeanor and sharp tongue is now my life goal when I reach my elder years. He's hysterical and I need more of this in my life!!! Also, if you're a fan of Jason Segel, you will not be disappointed.

This show is so beautifully written. It has well-rounded characters dealing with real issues. It brings all the feels and leaves you wanting more each week. In the vein of Ted Lasso, it feels like a warm hug. I cannot wait for season 2! Anyway, watch this show. You will be so happily surprised and glad you took the journey.