Why Shrinking is one of the best shows of the year

The TV Streaming Wars of the 2020s may be experiencing a significant shift. While the performance of competitors like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max is not the focus of discussion, it's worth noting that Apple TV+ is increasing its production efforts in terms of both the number of shows and the caliber of talent involved. With a plethora of exciting projects set to be released in 2023, the popular platform has more offerings than any other network or streaming service, often featuring major cinematic figures. Their impressive year kicks off with Shrinking.

Shrinking is a half-hour dramedy series featuring Jason Segel as a therapist who, despite being moderately self-destructive, excels at his job. A year after experiencing a life-altering tragedy, he begins to make significant changes to his life. The show prioritizes its characters, and it's best to watch the pilot without any preconceived notions about what happened or where the story is heading. Segel plays alongside Jessica Williams from The Daily Show, Christa Miller from Scrubs, and Harrison Ford of course.

The show was co-created by Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein. The trio is also responsible for the platform’s successful dramedy Ted Lasso, alongside Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. Essentially, Shrinking features the same creative team, substituting one Jason for another.

Shrinking is distinct from Ted Lasso, as it doesn't aim to subvert any genre expectations, unlike the latter's unexpected depth beneath its sports show exterior. The show's focus is on a troubled man attempting to mend his relationship with his daughter (portrayed by Lukita Maxwell from Genera+ion) while seeking guidance from people that appear to be close to him. Some of these people are his therapist, his neighbor, and his best friend closest - also a lawyer, portrayed in the show by Michael Urie.

While the show is humorous, it also features character development that keeps viewers engaged beyond just a weekly 30-minute dose of laughter. Segel's character, in particular, embodies a blend of comedic mania and underlying sadness that he has been perfecting since Forgetting Sarah Marshall (and even earlier in his career with Freaks and Geeks). Similarly, Ford appears to be thoroughly enjoying himself in his role, drawing from his cantankerous and dry public persona to create a character who, as is often the case in the show, is more complex than he initially seems.

For those seeking well-crafted and engaging characters that evoke laughter and emotions, now is the perfect time to start watching Shrinking before it becomes too popular. The show airs new episodes every Thursday night at 12:00 midnight EST on Apple TV+. The next episode is scheduled to debut on March 24. The first season of Shrinking comprises ten episodes, and the first nine are currently available for streaming. Consequently, only one episode and one week remaining in the first season.