Shrinking is a heart-warming, comedic television show on Apple TV that bundles up all the elements of friendship, love and kindness with the underlying theme of grief. The characters are bound together by their support and love for each other.
Despite its heavy portrayal of grief, this show had me laughing out loud more than I ever expected. There are so many comedic elements in this show with the outstanding pair Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Paul (Harrison Ford). Their contrasting personalities create an immensely contradictory yet hilarious duo. This is also seen in the developing friendship between Liz (Christa Miller) and Gaby (Jessica Williams). Their effortless comedic chemistry truly makes you belly laugh with its innuendos and taboo jokes.
Their contrasting personalities create an immensely contradictory yet hilarious duo
In the first episode, we meet Jimmy. He appears dishevelled with shabby hair and tired eyes after a night of drinking and pills. In the morning, he stumbles onto his bike and cycles to the Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Office. Based on his untidy state and hungover walk, one would assume that Jimmy is in need of therapy. However, as he sits in the office opposite a suited-up, well-presented man, we learn that Jimmy is the therapist. He asks, “what’s on your mind today?”
Jimmy’s story revolves around his own grief around the death of his wife, Tia (Lilan Bowden), after a drunk driving accident. This tragedy subsequently sets the theme of the show as we follow Jimmy and his co-workers, Paul (Harrison Ford) and Gaby (Jessica Williams) in their journey of grief. Jimmy seems to cope with this loss by investing himself in his client’s lives. We meet Sean (Luke Tennie), an ex-veteran who is consequently struggling from PTSD. Jimmy takes an immediate liking to Sean and desperately wants to improve his life. We then see how their bond develops throughout the series, evolving from a therapist-client relationship into housemates and friends.
Jimmy’s story revolves around his own grief around the death of his wife
Jason Segal excellently portrays Jimmy, capturing his somewhat neurotic nature with his heightened facial expressions and impulsive actions. His well-intentioned but misguided interventions with his clients – a method dubbed “Jimmying”- tend to cause havoc. This reflects his child-like, caring spirit and desire to be liked. In particular, Jimmy tries his hardest to earn Paul’s respect. He is first portrayed as Jimmy’s grumpy co-worker who sticks to the rules. However, buried under his dry humour,Paul has a heart of gold. He cares deeply about his friends and family despite his rigid and strict attitude towards life. Undoubtedly, Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Paul, with his naturally deep voice, adds to the comedic element of his deliverance.
Throughout the series, two characters that especially stand out to me are Liz and Gaby. As previously mentioned, these two develop a relationship that develops strongly over series one and two. To be completely honest, they are absolutely hilarious. Gaby’s positive, carefree attitude strangely compliments Liz’s high maintenance and dry humour. Although they are not one of the same, they manage to care deeply for each other. They make each other laugh with their inside jokes and oversharing. Their humour throughout the series never fails to crack me up.
Bill Lawerence perfectly incorporates humour into the exploration of grief.
As Shrinking transitions from series one to two, creator Bill Lawerence perfectly incorporates humour into the exploration of grief. The show perfectly captures the prolongation of grief, even in moments of joy. As the series progresses, the characters begin to find comfort not only in friends but in hobbies and work, aiding in their journey of grief. Jimmy finds that his sense of family expands beyond his daughter (Lukita Maxwell) to also include his colleagues, old friends and neighbours. This expansion of his family brings a heart-warming feeling to anyone who watches.
Shrinking offers a hopeful message for those struggling with grief, balancing light-heartedness with genuine acknowledgment of mourning. Moreover, the show gives space to the characters to continue on the trajectory of moving forward and personal progression.
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