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Shrinking season 1 released on January 27, 2023, on Apple TV+. The comedy-drama series, created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein, explores themes of grief, relationships and healing through the eyes of therapist Jimmy Laird.
Season 2 premiered early on October 15, 2024, with the next episodes set to release weekly on Wednesdays through December. Both seasons can be streamed on Apple TV+.
Shrinking season 1 follows Jimmy as he navigates life after the death of his wife, Tia. Grieving and detached from his daughter Alice, Jimmy begins to unethically interfere in his patients' lives, believing he knows best.
His mentor Paul and colleague Gaby warn him about crossing boundaries, but Jimmy's methods continue, leading to unexpected consequences in both his personal and professional life. Relationships between characters deepen, especially between Jimmy, Alice and his patient Sean, setting up emotional challenges.
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Jimmy’s journey through grief in Shrinking season 1
Jimmy Laird, a therapist struggling with his wife's sudden death, is the central character in Shrinking season 1. His grief spirals out of control as he indulges in self-destructive behavior, distancing himself from his teenage daughter Alice.
His friends and colleagues, including Paul and Gaby, try to support him. However, Jimmy’s unconventional and impulsive methods — like pushing a patient to leave an abusive relationship — bring unintended consequences, notably when one of his patients, Grace, takes drastic action.
As Jimmy attempts to help others, he's forced to confront his own grief. Throughout the season, viewers see his strained relationship with Alice slowly improve, but it remains clear that both are still dealing with Tia’s death. His friendship with Gaby becomes complicated after they begin a physical relationship, adding more layers to Jimmy's chaotic life.
How did Jimmy’s wife die in Shrinking?
In Shrinking season 1, viewers learn that Jimmy’s wife, Tia, was killed in a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver. Her demise drives much of the emotional weight of the series.
Jimmy’s inability to cope with her death leads him to retreat from his responsibilities, particularly in his role as a father. His grief and guilt weigh heavily, contributing to his erratic behavior throughout the season.
Flashbacks of Tia show her as a loving wife and mother, adding to the emotional impact on Jimmy and Alice. Both characters struggle to move forward, with Tia’s death serving as a constant reminder of their unfinished grief.
Key characters and cast
Shrinking season 1 features a strong ensemble cast. Jason Segel leads as Jimmy, a therapist whose life unravels after his wife’s death. Harrison Ford stars as Paul, Jimmy’s mentor and senior therapist, who's dealing with his own challenges, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Jessica Williams plays Gaby, Jimmy’s colleague and friend, who also faces personal upheavals, including a divorce. Meanwhile, Lukita Maxwell portrays Alice, Jimmy’s daughter, who's navigating adolescence while coping with her mother's loss.
Other notable characters include Jimmy’s nosy neighbors Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley), as well as Brian (Michael Urie), Jimmy’s lawyer best friend, who provides comic relief and support throughout the series. Together, these characters form a close-knit community, each bringing their own struggles to the narrative.
The ending of Shrinking season 1
The season finale of Shrinking leaves viewers with significant cliffhangers. One of the most shocking moments comes when Grace, a patient Jimmy pushed to leave her abusive husband, ends up pushing her husband off a cliff.
This action will likely have consequences for Jimmy in season 2, especially given how much he blurred the lines in his professional relationships. The unresolved tension between Jimmy and Gaby after their brief romantic encounter also adds complexity to the story.
In the closing moments of the season, Jimmy takes steps toward healing. He officiates the wedding of his best friend, Brian, offering a touching speech that reflects his progress in dealing with Tia’s death. However, his journey of self-repair is far from over, leaving much to explore in the next season.
Shrinking season 1 skillfully combines humor and heart to tell a story about grief, personal growth and the impact of unconventional therapy methods. The relationships between Jimmy, Alice, Gaby and Paul set the stage for deeper developments in season 2, especially with the dramatic ending involving Grace’s crime.
