‘Shrinking’ Season 3 review: Apple TV’s hit comedy moves forward with heart, humor, and humanity
In the new season of Apple TV‘s Emmy-nominated comedy Shrinking, therapist Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford) encourages people to place their trust in an intelligent energy force called The Field. He argues that life is a conversation with the universe, and claims if you ask for the answer, the thing you need most in that moment will appear. Patients are quick to write The Field off as “crunchy munchy spiritual crap,” but at the risk of sounding cornier than one of Jimmy Laird’s (Jason Segel) dad jokes, I’m a believer, because Shrinking Season 3 found me when I needed it most.
At a time of debilitating division and darkness in the world, the latest chapter in Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Segel’s heartfelt series arrives as a warm hug, a comforting balm, and an inspiring portrait of humanity.
Through Season 1’s raw exploration of grief and Season 2’s forgiveness journeys, watching Shrinking became its own form of therapy. It’s a top-notch hangout comedy that delivers too many laugh-out-loud moments to track, but it isn’t afraid to tackle serious subjects and challenge viewers to look within. Catharsis is found in a brilliant balance of laughter and tears. And though these characters face obstacles, fears, and change, Season 3’s central theme of moving forward feels inherently hopeful.
Photo: Apple TV
As a major Laird family milestone looms, Alice (Lukita Maxwell) prepares to leave her support system behind and attend college across the country. When a special someone from Sean’s (Luke Tennie) past returns, his present-day priorities shift in ways he didn’t know were needed. With a baby on the way, Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) get acquainted with fatherhood and boundary-setting. Family setbacks leave Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley) with a renewed sense of gratitude. Gaby (Jessica Williams) searches for a deeper professional purpose while evaluating her future with Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr.). And Paul gains a new perspective on life as his Parkinson’s symptoms progress.
Since Jimmy’s emotional train station heart-to-heart with Louis (Brett Goldstein) in the Season 2 finale, he not only befriended the drunk driver responsible for his late wife’s car crash, but encouraged him to start living again. Unable to take his own advice, though, Jimmy feels stuck. As he explains, he’s like a candy bar that refuses to drop in a vending machine. Even as he sees family and friends make positive headway, Jimmy is terrified to start over and give a relationship with Sofi (Cobie Smulders) a chance. When a visit from his dad Randy (two time Emmy winner Jeff Daniels) unearths more unresolved issues, Segel shows new sides of his character, tapping into honest emotions that hearken back to his standout Season 2 scenes.
Photo: Apple TV
Segel and the rest of the ensemble deliver another round of compelling comedic and dramatic performances, with exciting new pairings and brilliantly orchestrated group scenes. But there’s no question that Shrinking Season 3 belongs to Williams and Ford.
Gaby, one of Shrinking’s most infectious personalities, keeps the laughs coming while navigating her most serious season yet. As she doubts her career, confronts commitment issues head-on, and encounters fresh sources of grief, Williams gives affecting, Emmy-worthy performances that will take your breath away. Season 3 also strengthens Gaby’s relationship with Paul, who takes his role as her mentor to the next level. Their deepening dynamic results in one of the most heartwarming exchanges of the entire series.
As Paul’s Parkinson’s disease progresses, Ford’s nuanced, career-great performance evolves once more. In Season 3, bilateral tremors (“24-hour jazz hands”) and a gradual loss of independence bring him closer to Julie (Wendie Malick) and Meg (Lily Rabe), prompting him to contemplate his mortality and legacy. How Ford has yet to win an Emmy for his hilarious, soul-stirring work on this series is beyond comprehension. But in tear-jerking moments of courageous vulnerability, it’s clear that Shrinking — which arms the 83-year-old cultural icon with wit, heart, and emotional intelligence instead of pistols, bullwhips, or a lightsaber — is his most heroic role to date.
“It’s clear that Shrinking — which arms the 83-year-old Harrison Ford with wit, heart, and emotional intelligence instead of pistols, bullwhips, or a lightsaber — is his most heroic role to date.”
In one of television’s most remarkable feats, Shrinking’s third season also welcomes legendary actor and Parkinson’s advocate Michael J. Fox into the mix. The Spin City star came out of retirement and reunited with close pal Bill Lawrence to play Gerry, a Parkinson’s patient who befriends Paul and delivers one of Season 3’s mottos: “Fuck Parkinson’s.” Though Gerry’s symptoms are further along than those of Shrinking‘s grumpy therapist, his humor still remains intact. With Fox’s fight and fortitude on full display, he nails comedic timing and proves what a powerful asset personality is when weathering hard times. Parkinson’s disease is prominent in Lawrence and Goldstein’s lives, and Shrinking has always handled its portrayal with immense care. But Fox’s involvement brings rare, incredibly rewarding layers of authenticity and meaning that make Shrinking of even greater service to the world.
Photo: Apple TV
As a major weeper, I didn’t make it through a single one of Season 3’s 11 episodes without waterworks, but from witty one-liners and endearingly exaggerated personalities to physical comedy, musical numbers, and more it bears repeating that Shrinking is very funny and never maudlin. The series excels at giving viewers emotional whiplash (complimentary), but the team hasn’t just mastered the art of flicking from poignant to playful scenes on a dime. It also lets highs and lows co-exist.
Without spoiling major storylines, when the end credits roll on Shrinking Season 3, there’s a clear sense of closure within the group. Lawrence likely completed the three-season arc he initially pitched, and it would be an incredibly satisfying, full-circle conclusion. But with no end-of-series confirmation (Ted Lasso PTSD) and Lawrence and cast telling Decider they’d be open to Season 4, there’s also a chance the series continues. Perhaps this should be the end, and fans should move forward stronger like its characters. If those are the team’s wishes I’ll support them, but despite watching several characters learn the importance of selflessness in Season 3, I’m here to bravely (aka selfishly) admit that I’m not ready to say goodbye to my lovable TV family or season-long therapy sessions yet.
Shrinking is more than just a show about grief, forgiveness, and moving forward. It’s a celebration of romance, friendship, and found family. It’s an exhibition of empathy, community, accountability, and kindness that makes you want to become a better person. And in today’s world, that feels like essential viewing. So I’m just a girl, standing in front of The Field, asking for Shrinking Season 4.
Shrinking Season 3 premieres January 28 on Apple TV with new episodes releasing every Friday.
