A warm, sharply written dramedy that blends grief, therapy, and friendship with an easy binge rhythm. It’s emotionally generous, very funny in bursts, and especially rewarding if you like character-driven ensemble TV with a hopeful streak.
Shrinking
Where to watch: Buy
TV Show · Drama · Comedy
Thu
Created by: Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence
Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams
Overview
Jimmy is struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a dad, friend, and therapist. He decides to try a new approach with everyone in his path: unfiltered, brutal honesty. Will it make things better—or unleash uproarious chaos?
Created by
Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence
Cast
Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley
Curator Review
Verdict
A warm, sharply written dramedy that blends grief, therapy, and friendship with an easy binge rhythm. It’s emotionally generous, very funny in bursts, and especially rewarding if you like character-driven ensemble TV with a hopeful streak.
Best for
Fans of heartfelt dramedies with real emotional stakes
Viewers who like therapist/ensemble workplace-adjacent stories
People who enjoy witty, dialogue-heavy shows with a comforting tone
Anyone looking for a lighter companion piece to grief stories
Skip if
You want a tightly plotted, high-concept series with constant twists
You dislike sentimental or openly therapeutic storytelling
You prefer comedy that stays fully cynical or fully broad
You need every season to be equally strong and propulsive
Overview
Shrinking is one of the more appealing modern dramedies because it knows exactly how to balance pain and playfulness. The premise is simple, but the show uses it to build a very human ensemble around grief, accountability, and the messy ways people try to help each other. Jason Segel gives it a bruised sincerity, and Harrison Ford’s dry, unexpectedly tender presence gives the series extra texture.
Worth noting
What makes it work is the tone: it’s breezy without being empty, and emotional without becoming punishing. The dialogue has a clean, punchy rhythm, and the supporting characters are strong enough that the show rarely feels like it’s waiting around for its premise to pay off. It’s especially good when it leans into the group dynamics and the awkward, funny consequences of honesty.
Bottom line
Season-to-season, it has remained more of a comfort-watch than a prestige pressure cooker, but that’s part of the appeal. If you want a series that is easy to return to, emotionally open, and consistently likable, this is a strong yes.