As wonderful as Paul (Harrison Ford) and the rest ShrinkingThe characters of are, Derek (Ted McGinley) is the best character in the Apple TV+ series. McGinley was not a series regular in Shrinking season 1, but was promoted to season 2. As Liz's (Christa Miller) husband, Derek initially plays more of a supporting role and seems to mostly add more comedy. Over the course of Season 1, Derek gradually becomes more of a constant presence in the social dynamics between Shrinkingcast of characters.
At the end of Shrinking In the first season, Derek manages to become an usher at Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie's (Devin Kawaoka) wedding and loves every minute of it. Derek gets a more substantial role in season 2especially now that he is retired and has a lot of free time on his hands. His growing presence on the series creates new challenges, particularly regarding his marriage to Liz, but Derek still remains Shrinkingbest character.
Derek Is Shrinking, unsung hero and best character
He is equally funny and adorable
McGinley's portrayal of the calm, level-headed Derek was acclaimed in comments from Shrinking and endeared him to the general public. He is a welcome and refreshing juxtaposition of Shrinkinglots of tense characters. Derek is able to remain calm, cool, and collected while other characters spiral out of control. He is a supportive husband and friend, while also not being afraid to pursue his niche interests and freely demonstrate his various quirks.
While Ford and Jason Segel undoubtedly receive the most recognition for their portrayals of Paul and Jimmy, McGinley deserves just as much recognition for his performance as Derek does. The character's reaction Shrinking Season 2's Liz twist further cements Derek as one of the show's best characters, as the normally calm character is devastated but doesn't let what happened destroy his life. Instead, Derek uses this as an opportunity to grow as a person and strengthen aspects of his marriage with Liz that he had been ignoring for a long time.
Ted McGinley never thought he'd play a guy like Derek
The role means a lot to him
Part of what makes Derek ShrinkingThe character's best character is also rooted in how much the character means to McGinley. When speaking with PeopleMcGinley revealed that he is “shocked by” the extremely positive reception to Derek, which makes him “with tears in my eyes every time.” He describes playing Derek as “the sweetest place [I’ve] already gone” inside and that “Derek represents the light at the end of the tunnel and a warm blanket when you're on a raft in the middle of a cold.”
Shrinking It wouldn't be nearly as funny or moving if it didn't feature the charming Derek.
Derek seems like an incredibly genuine, kind, and grateful person. This person it feels even more authentic knowing that this is the attitude McGinley has in real life about playing the character and what it means for him in his career. Getting teary-eyed in real life when people say kind things about him playing Derek pairs well with Derek getting teary-eyed when his relationship with Liz returns to normal in Season 2. Shrinking It wouldn't be nearly as funny or moving if it didn't feature the charming Derek.
Source: People