The Apple TV+ dramedy “Shrinking” centers on therapist Jimmy Laird, portrayed by Jason Segel, who has been struggling with professional ethics following the tragic death of his wife. While the first season used its captivating premise to explore grief, Season 2, which debuts this week after a 19-month pause from last year’s strikes, shifts away from its foundational themes, resulting in a disjointed narrative that lacks focus.
In the new season, Jimmy adopts a new therapy approach after a year filled with personal crisis and questionable decisions, including leaning heavily on his neighbor, Liz, to help raise his teenage daughter, Alice. However, the season premiere reveals Jimmy’s mentor, played by Harrison Ford, demanding that he stop treating Sean, a veteran dealing with anger issues. This sudden concern feels inconsistent with previous episodes, adding to the show’s tonal confusion.
As Season 2 progresses, Jimmy coins a technique he refers to as “Jimmy-ing,” but he seems to engage in it less than before. With Sean taken off his patient list, viewers might expect a deeper exploration of Grace, a character who was influenced by Jimmy’s advice and ended up in a dire situation by the end of the first season. However, the show fails to delve into her story, instead offering random comedic moments without substantial character development.
Jimmy’s coworkers also face their own narrative distractions. His friend Gaby shifts her focus to teaching and family issues, while Paul encourages Raymond to pursue his romantic life and health struggles. Although some performances, particularly from Gaby, hint at the comedic roots of the show, they remain overshadowed by the lack of cohesive storytelling.
The central question arises: if “Shrinking” isn’t primarily about therapy, what is its focus? Themes of grief and trauma linger, notably with Goldstein presenting a character pivotal to Jimmy and Alice’s healing. However, much of the season devolves into disordered storylines with characters interacting in seemingly arbitrary ways, undermining the series’ narrative structure.
As the episodes unfold, character arcs appear fragmented. Jimmy’s friend, Brian, considers fatherhood, while Gaby addresses her students’ needs and Liz searches for a new direction in life. The performances themselves vary in tone and engagement, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. Ultimately, “Shrinking” is intended to address healing, but in its second season, it feels even more scattered than when it first began.
The initial two episodes of “Shrinking” are currently available to stream on Apple TV+, with additional episodes being released weekly on Fridays.