Shrinking (Season 2/2024) series takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride, one more time. And, this sensitive tale about fellow humans makes you sob and grin, once again.
The show depicts the poignant human stories of its characters. Notably, one of the good aspects of this dramedy is that all of these dramatis personae resemble real people.
Shrinking Series, In Season 2, Digs Deep Into The Lives Of Its Characters, Thereby Tugs At Our Heartstrings
Spoiler Free Review: Shrinking (Season 2/2024) Series
The (official) trailer
The synopsis
Shrinking depicts the dramatic lives of three (psychological) therapists Jimmy (Jason Segel), Paul (Harrison Ford), Gaby (Jessica Williams), family and friends. Furthermore, in the show, Jimmy is attempting to cope with the grief of losing his wife Tia (Lilan Bowden), he must also manage his duties as a father, friend, and therapist. Maybe, that is why, Jimmy decides to take a different route in his interactions with others: one characterized by raw and unrestrained honesty.
Thus, he begins to disregard conventional practices and openly shares his candid thoughts with his patients. By setting aside his professional training and ethical guidelines, he embarks on a journey that significantly alters the lives of those around him, as well as his own. Notably, Jimmy has taken the liberty of naming his new approach “Jimmying,” a decision that has not been well received by his senior colleague Paul at their office.
The touching screenplay won our hearts
Without a doubt, it is difficult to put the right amount of happiness and sadness in a comedy-drama. But, kudos to its creators, writers, and directors. All of them did wonderful jobs in creating this heartwarming show about love, loss, family, friendship, and human relationships. We all are aware that life is tough and complicated. So, it helps when the support system of family and friends is always there to help one out.
The personal tales of the characters emotionally moved us. Their jokes made us laugh out loud (LOL* scene), as it has many smart one-liners. But then the grief and suffering of its humane characters made us teary-eyed. Most of the scenes in the series involving raw emotions landed perfectly. Last but not least, the season finale was flawless.
Top-class acts by Harrison, Jason, Jessica, Michael & Others
For us, it is really difficult to pick an actor or actress from this show as our favourite. Almost the entire ensemble cast has given splendid performances. Although, Jimmy (Jason Segel), Paul (Harrison Ford), and Gaby (Jessica Williams) are co-workers. But their bond is quite strong and they are part of an informal family/friend setup.
In this extended family-cum-friend circle, therapist (#1) Paul plays a kind of grumpy patriarch grandfather. Therapist (#2) Jimmy is a single dad with a teenage daughter Alice, and both are dealing with tragic loss in their ways. Lastly, Therapist (#3) Gaby is still trying to find the true love of her life. Maybe, their deeper understanding of human behaviour has made them genuine, relatable, lovable and endearing characters. We loved the on-screen human bond that exists among all of its characters.
The supporting characters have fascinating lives
We loved our kind of sensible neighbourhood couple Liz and Derek, who pitch in whenever there is some kind of crisis. Besides, their mutual family friend Brian is always there for support. Not to forget (the patient) Sean, who has become an integral part of their extended family and friend circle.
Then there are a bunch of pleasant surprises too. Wish we could tell you more, but that will ruin your viewing pleasure. This drama is filled with so many good and well-meaning people. Besides, there are enough life lessons hidden in its smart screenplay. For example, to err is human and to forgive is divine. Or the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. And there are so many more.
The rating
| FM Rating | 4.05/5 |
The conclusion
We loved watching this stirring comedy-drama, as we bid farewell to another year when the world is becoming less humane. The world needs more healing and Jimmying, touché.
Key Details: The series is about 3 Therapists aka 3 Shrinks
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Original Language | English (USA & UK) |
| Season | Second (2nd) Season |
| Episodes | Twelve (12) Episodes |
| Creators | Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence & Jason Segel |
| Directors | Randall Keenan Winston, James Ponsoldt, Zach Braff, Jamie Babbit, Bill Lawrence & Anu Valia |
| Cast | Harrison Ford (Paul), Jason Segel (Jimmy), Jessica Williams (Gaby), Lukita Maxwell (Alice), Christa Miller (Liz), Ted McGinley (Derek), Michael Urie (Brian), Luke Tennie (Sean), Rachel Stubington (Summer), Devin Kawaoka (Charlie), Brett Goldstein (Louis), Lily Rabe (Meg), Heidi Gardner (Grace), Lilan Bowden (Tia), Kenajuan Bentley (Tim), etc. |
| Network | Apple TV+. |
Poster: Shrinking (Season 2/2024) Series
Spoilers Alerts: Episodes (official) Summary
Summary of the 12 Episodes of the Season 2 of the Show
Jimmying (S2, E1)
Jimmy grapples with his guilt over Grace. Paul decides his relationship. Liz tries to help Gaby find balance in her busy life.
I Love Pain (S2, E2)
Paul and Jimmy disagree about Sean’s treatment plan. Gaby’s sister asks for her help. Liz has an idea for boosting business at the food truck.
Psychological Something-ism (S2, E3)
Jimmy and Brian help Grace deal with unexpected news; Paul and Julie face her past; Liz worries she’s come between Sean and his dad.
Made You Look (S2, E4)
Paul challenges Jimmy to show restraint with Sean. Derek introduces Gaby to a friend. Liz advises Brian about parenthood.
Honesty Era (S2, E5)
Jimmy helps Alice cope with a mistake. Gaby goes home for a family crisis. Liz runs into an old flame.
In a Lonely Place (S2, E6)
Paul and Jimmy look for Sean’s dad. Gaby tries to keep Liz from sinking. Alice is surprised to find out who Brian has been spending time with.
Get in the Sea (S2, E7)
Jimmy spends the day with a patient. Brian crashes Gaby’s date. Liz heads down a dangerous path.
Last Drink (S2, E8)
Jimmy faces Alice’s secret. Liz and Derek are at a crossroads. Paul worries about his health.
Full Grown Dude Face (S2, E9)
While trying to stay out of Alice’s business, Jimmy has to “Jimmy” an insecure Brian. Gaby leans on Paul for advice after her sister drops a bomb.
Changing Patterns (S2, E10)
Jimmy tries to give Alice the perfect 18th birthday. Paul helps Gaby with a huge decision.
The Drugs Don’t Work (S2, E11)
Paul encourages Jimmy to seek help; Brian and Derek take Sean to look for a new place; Gaby struggles with her guest list for Thanksgiving.
The Last Thanksgiving (S2, E12)
Jimmy takes Paul’s advice about Alice. Liz finds her purpose. Gaby hosts Thanksgiving dinner.
Awards Nominations: Shrinking (Season 2/2024) Series
| Awards | Details of the Nominations won |
|---|---|
| Critics Choice Awards | Michael Urie – 2025 Nominee Critics Choice Award – Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series |
| Golden Globes, USA | Harrison Ford – 2025 Nominee Golden Globe – Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television Jason Segel – 2025 Nominee Golden Globe – Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy |
Bonus Read – the FM review of the Shrinking (S1/2023) Series
Read the FM review of the Shrinking (S1/2023) Series.
Awards won by the Shrinking series
| Awards | Details of the Awards won |
|---|---|
| AFI Awards, USA | TV Program of the Year – 2025 Winner AFI Award |
| BMI Film & TV Awards | Tom Howe – 2024 Winner BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Award – BMI Streaming Series Award |
| Venice TV Award | Best Comedy – 2023 Winner Venice TV Award |
| AAFCA TV Honors | Jessica Williams – 2023 Winner AAFCA Award – Best Breakout Performance |
| Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) | Benjamin Gibbard & Tom Howe – 2023 Winner HMMA Award – Best Main Title – TV Show/Limited Series |
| Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television | Jessica Williams – 2023 Winner Supporting Actress Award for Television |
“This mixture of comedy and pathos and really emotional stuff, it gives you a sense of responsibility for the things you’re communicating and how you’re communicating. I think that that shows up on screen, and it shows up in the work these people do every day and how they do it. I had never done anything like this before and it was like suddenly recognizing what I’ve always wanted [acting] to be.”
Harrison Ford (Paul)
Bonus YouTube Video Link
Shrinking (LOL* scene) — Jimmy Meets Sofi - Season 2 Scene - Apple TV+
{Reunion of Marshall and Robin from How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) Series, and this scene made us weirdly nostalgic}
The poster, Featured and Other Images of the Shrinking (Season 2/2024) Series are credited to Apple TV+