The Apple TV+ dramedy “Shrinking,” which follows therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) as he navigates professional boundaries in the aftermath of his wife’s death, is set to return for its second season after a 19-month hiatus due to last year’s strikes. While the first season utilized its unique premise to explore themes of grief, the new season appears to deviate from that foundation, resulting in a more disjointed narrative.
In Season 2, Jimmy is tasked by his boss and mentor, Paul (Harrison Ford), to stop seeing Sean (Luke Tennie), a veteran client living on his couch with anger issues. The rationale for this newfound enforcement of boundaries is unclear, as it strays from the show’s previous exploration of Jimmy’s reckless behavior. The series, created by Segel along with “Ted Lasso” collaborators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, uses Jimmy’s antics as a vehicle for comedic moments rather than a genuine exploration of mental health.
Jimmy introduces a new therapeutic technique, dubbed “Jimmy-ing,” yet seems to engage in this practice less than before. With Sean’s departure from his patient list, the narrative could have shifted to focus on Grace (Heidi Gardner), whose violent actions at the end of Season 1 prompted a need for deep introspection from Jimmy. However, this character’s story lacks the necessary development. As Season 2 progresses, Jimmy’s other patients remain largely absent, and his relationship with Sean evolves into more of a casual friendship rather than a therapeutic one.
The supporting characters also appear disengaged from their roles. Paul abandons his mentoring role and focuses on his personal issues, while Gaby (Jessica Williams) diverts her attention to teaching and personal matters without much depth in her character development. Though some performances, particularly Williams and Miller’s, capture the essence of a sitcom, the overall narrative feels unfocused.
As the show strays from its original premise, it raises the question of its core theme. Mourning still plays a significant role, with Goldstein introducing a character intended to help Jimmy and Alice confront their trauma. Yet, his dramatic portrayal feels out of place in a series that began with a comedic tone.
Overall, “Shrinking” in its second season lacks direction and coherence. Character interactions seem arbitrary, with relationships feeling forced rather than organic. Individual storylines appear unconnected, leading to a series that struggles to maintain its initial focus on healing.
The first two episodes of “Shrinking” are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes set to release weekly on Wednesdays.