Apple TV+'s Shrinking Season 2 is the kind of show that sneaks up on you in the best way possible—just like life itself. What made Season 1 such a refreshing blend of dark comedy and heartfelt moments carries through into the second season with even more polish, depth, and yes, plenty of moments that hit you square in the feels.
Jason Segel, who plays Jimmy Laird, continues his wild, reckless grief therapy with more of the same charm and vulnerability that endeared him to us in the first season. But what sets this season apart is the way the show skillfully balances both laughter and sorrow, diving deeper into the lives of its characters while maintaining the sense of optimism that keeps it from becoming too heavy. Jimmy’s personal journey of healing, which was erratic and comedic in the first season, becomes more grounded, though still awkward and messy. It's the kind of progression that feels real, relatable, and a little chaotic—just like trying to figure out life.
One of the best aspects of Season 2 is the relationship dynamics, especially between Jimmy, Paul (Harrison Ford), and Gaby (Jessica Williams). These three form a core that anchors the emotional weight of the show. While Jimmy’s story is central, Paul’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and Gaby’s post-divorce shenanigans steal more screen time this season—and it’s a good thing. Harrison Ford delivers a performance that is both grumpy and deeply touching. Ford’s comedic timing is impeccable, and seeing him embrace more vulnerable, even playful moments gives us an emotional high that’s more nuanced than the typical comic-relief side character. Meanwhile, Gaby’s exuberance contrasts the more subdued characters around her, adding a spark of life whenever the show veers too close to melancholy.
The second season’s overarching theme is about learning to let go, and this is mirrored in each character’s journey. Jimmy is trying to release his guilt and grief, Paul is wrestling with the loss of his independence, and Gaby is redefining her sense of self after her marriage. This emotional landscape is where Shrinking truly shines—each plotline may sound heavy, but the writing and pacing make sure the show never lingers too long on sadness without throwing in a moment of levity. Whether it's a hilariously inappropriate remark from Jimmy or a heartfelt conversation between Paul and his daughter, the emotional beats feel earned and satisfying.
The writing team does an excellent job of making these characters feel like real people—messy, flawed, and loveable. What’s beautiful about Shrinking is that it avoids the common pitfalls of many shows trying to balance comedy and tragedy. It doesn’t trivialize trauma or grief, nor does it wallow in it. Instead, the show finds humor in the absurdity of life, in how these characters cope with their pain, and in the small victories that keep them going.
That said, Season 2 isn’t perfect. Some plotlines, especially the side stories involving patients, feel underdeveloped. While the focus on the main trio is strong, the patient arcs, which added depth and perspective to Jimmy’s therapy methods in Season 1, are somewhat sidelined. There’s a sense that these patients exist more to support the character development of the therapists rather than have their own impactful narratives. This shift makes the therapist-patient dynamic feel a little too neat at times, missing opportunities to delve deeper into the therapeutic process that was more prominent in the first season.
Another minor gripe is that while the humor is usually on point, there are a few moments where the jokes feel forced or too on the nose. These instances are rare, but they do momentarily break the immersion, especially when the show is riding an emotional high.
However, where Shrinking stumbles slightly, it more than makes up for with its heart. The supporting cast—particularly Christa Miller’s Liz and Lukita Maxwell’s Alice—continues to flesh out the world beyond the therapist trio. Alice’s storyline, dealing with the complexities of growing up without her mother, continues to tug at the heartstrings. And Liz, with her protective, no-nonsense attitude, brings in a steady stream of laughs as she helps Jimmy navigate parenthood.
One of the key successes of Shrinking is its ability to portray therapy in a way that’s both humorous and authentic. Jimmy’s unorthodox methods are, of course, exaggerated for TV, but the emotional truths behind the show’s portrayal of therapy—empathy, connection, and the idea that everyone is figuring it out as they go—feel spot on.
Ultimately, Season 2 of Shrinking builds on everything that worked in the first season, with more emotional depth, hilarious character interactions, and thoughtful exploration of grief, love, and moving on. It’s a show that manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while also bringing a tear to your eye—sometimes within the same scene.
If you were a fan of the first season, the second one won’t disappoint. The show manages to grow its characters while keeping its tone intact, and that’s no small feat. While not every storyline is fully fleshed out, and some moments could benefit from a little more subtlety, Shrinking Season 2 delivers where it counts—with heart, humor, and a reminder that healing is never a straight line. So, grab a box of tissues and prepare for some hearty laughs, because Shrinking continues to be a delightful, emotional rollercoaster that’s well worth the ride.
Final Score- [8.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note: All 11 episodes are screened for this review.
Premiere Date: October 16, 2024, on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes followed by a new episode every Wednesday.