Jason Segel is stepping into a new, high-profile chapter of his career, with a second Emmy nomination for lead comedy actor for Shrinking, the Apple TV+ series he cocreated and stars in as Jimmy, a grieving therapist. He shares the moment with fellow nominees Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and Michael Urie, and notes to Gold Derby that this recognition lands differently once you’ve been in the business for decades.
What the nomination means, personally and professionally, is clear to Segel. “The nomination is what really matters,” he says he used to think, adding that now he understands the value of peers watching and saying, “Hey we see you.” He describes this as a small affirmation that acknowledges his work and presence after periods of doubt, and a signal that his efforts are being noticed again.
Segel also explains why Shrinking and the character of Jimmy feel especially meaningful at this point in his life. He reflects on his career arc—believing his 20s were the prime, his 30s slower with fewer dramatic roles, and then a surprising “electric” surge in his 40s. The nomination for Jimmy, he says, lets him “do this all again as a grownup with all of the lessons learned,” a prospect he greets with gratitude and a calm confidence rather than nerves.
As for Jimmy himself, Segel describes him as funny, messy, deeply flawed and profoundly human. He notes that much of what makes the character work comes from experiences he’s carried with him for two decades, allowing the show to harness those years of emotional insight and humor.
Season 3 teases are already underway. Jeff Daniels will play Jimmy’s father, a casting choice Segel calls “perfect.” He admits he’s learned from Daniels already, noting how his instinct to imitate frictionless moves gave way to genuine admiration as they prepared scenes together.
Working with Harrison Ford remains a highlight for Segel. He approaches scenes with a trainer’s mindset, determined to deliver, but also emphasizes the collaborative, almost teammate-like dynamic. Ford has become a friend off screen as well, and Segel relishes the opportunity to learn from him about life, relationships, and making career choices. He shares a lighter note about Ford’s past as a carpenter, joking that Ford has offered practical advice like needing a socket wrench, underscoring the grounded, mentor-like camaraderie between them.
The Emmy nod arrives as Segel continues to fuse humor with heartfelt storytelling on Shrinking, a project that showcases his growth as a writer, actor, and collaborator. It signals not only personal validation but renewed momentum for a series that has grown more ambitious with each season. With Daniels joining the cast and Ford as a seasoned guiding presence, Segel’s Shrinking seems poised to build on its momentum and deliver even more of the candid, character-driven moments fans have come to expect.
Summary: Jason Segel’s second Emmy nomination for Shrinking marks a meaningful milestone in a career characterized by reinvention and growth. He reflects on the journey from early triumphs to a more mature, purposeful phase, praises his co-stars, and looks ahead to Season 3’s new dynamics, including Jeff Daniels as his on-screen father and Harrison Ford’s continued influence. The recognition is framed as a positive beacon of peer acknowledgment and an opportunity to continue delivering nuanced, heartfelt comedy.