somehow, Shrinking Has become one of my favorite TV comedies of recent years. It’s a show that sneaks up on you, but the combination of self-aware humor and fun (but also intense) character dynamics make it an absolute joy to watch. Many shows suffer through a sophomore slump, and I was worried Shrinking would be the same. Fortunately, the Apple TV+ show has only gotten better, and season 2 is even better than season 1. It’s a show that offers genuine belly laughs, and it’s quick on its feet, meaning there’s no chance of ever getting bored.
Shrinking Season 1 ended with Grace (Heidi Gardner), one of Jimmy’s (Jason Segel) clients, pushing her abusive husband over a cliff. Season 2 picks up from there, with Grace now in prison for attempted murder (her husband miraculously survived the fall but suffered severe injuries that left him wheelchair-bound). Jimmy and Brian (Michael Ury) are trying to help her, but she doesn’t want help because she’s convinced she has something terrible. Elsewhere, Sean (Luke Tenney) is working through anger issues with his dad, but his friendship with Jimmy leads Paul (Harrison Ford) to take him on as a client.
Shrinking’s Season 2 stories balance humor and heart
The stories have only gotten better since Season 1
Shrinking is as much a comforting comedy as it is quietly profound. Because it is focused on therapy, the characters are able to work through a variety of issues – from frustrations with parents to Gabby (Jessica Williams) and Jimmy’s sexual relationship, which complicates things with their friend group – with warmth and a good dose of Hilarity and awkwardness. The addition of Brett Goldstein’s character is a highlight of season 2Added an intriguing gray area where there was none before. Goldstein is soulful and yet heartbreaking, adding strength to the series without breaking the bank.
The series’ season 2 stories are also deeply compelling. The way the show handles Shawn’s plot with his dad, Tim (Kenajuan Bentley), is a balanced affair; We understand Shawn’s grievances with his father and his hesitation to paint him as a villain in his story. I really appreciated that, especially as there is so much media that does not delve into the nuances required when exploring parent-child relationships.
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Gaby also gains more complexity as season 2 explores more of her family life and, specifically, the strained relationship she has with her sister. It’s a nice addition to the show and the subplot allows us to learn more about her outside of her friendships with the main cast. And while I was worried that Alice’s (Lucita Maxwell) story would move to the backdrop, Shrinking Season 2 gives you two storylines that are equally engaging as they are funny and heartbreaking. The The series somehow manages to balance everyone’s stories and maintain a strong, delightful group dynamic. It is impressive.
Shrinking’s cast is full of comedic genius
They have amazing chemistry together
ShrinkingThe cast continues to have great chemistry and excellent comedic timing. They deliver their lines with a zippy energy that never lets up, and yet they are able to bring so much heart to their characters and respective situations. It helps that the quality of the writing is top-notch – sharp, witty and quick. I found myself laughing quite loudly at several points throughout the six episodes provided for review.
It’s just a feat of HBO The franchise managed to accomplish this year. A good comedy is increasingly hard to come by these days, however Shrinking Has a habit of upping his game and laughs without fail, and his cast meets his efforts at every turn. Segel has always been funny, but his comedy — line delivery and physical and facial reactions — just got better. with time He can vacillate between being serious, goofy and endlessly frustrating (to Paul, anyway) like it’s nothing.
The Apple TV+ series is wonderfully paced, serving up each character and their respective stories without missing a beat.
Ford continues to effectively play Paul as a grouch with a good heart, and in season 2 it’s fun to see the walls he’s built around himself continue to come down. His on-screen relationship with Julie (Wendy Malick) evolves quite nicely and, although Paul has a lot to work through, it seems that he finally got the tools to cope better, and Ford conveys Paul’s growth with care and a good amount of Curmudgeon humor.
Williams is firing on all cylinders, and she approaches Gabby with a straightforwardness that holds up in the face of some complicated feelings. The actress brings a wicked sense of humor and dry wit to her role and, paired with a charismatic glint in her eyes, makes her so much fun to watch. The rest of the cast—from Tenny’s sensitive Sean to Christa Miller’s Liz, Jimmy’s neighbor who has no problem saying exactly what’s on her mind—brings an exuberant energy that gives Shrinking A lived in feel. I feel like I really know the characters and their relationships.
Shrinking has easily become one of my favorite comedies of the year, and it’s one I look forward to watching to see how it all plays out. The Apple TV+ series is wonderfully paced, serving up each character and their respective stories without missing a beat. The comedy is on point, raising the bar from the previous season. And while the characters can be all over the place sometimes, Shrinking Certainly not.
The first two episodes of Shrinking Season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on October 16. The season consists of 12 episodes that will air weekly every Wednesday.
In the series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to use a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
- The cast continues to have exceptional chemistry
- Shrinking season 2 is really hilarious
- The series’ narrative balances humor and heart
- The character dynamics are engaging and thoughtful