What role did How I Met Your Mother fame Cobie Smulders play in Shrinking? Explored

Rajan
A still of Cobie Smulders from Shrinking
A still of Cobie Smulders from Shrinking (Image via Apple TV)

Shrinking is an American comedy-drama series that debuted on January 27, 2023, on Apple TV+. Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, the show follows Jimmy Laird, a grieving therapist, as he becomes increasingly involved in his patients' lives.

Featuring Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and others, the series tackles grief and healing with humor and depth. The show was renewed for a third season after its October 2024 premiere. Shrinking was nominated for Emmys and Critics' Choice Awards for its writing and acting.

Cobie Smulders, best known for her role as Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother, plays Sofi in the second season of Shrinking. Sofi appears in a single episode as a woman who lists her car for sale online.

Jimmy Laird, portrayed by Jason Segel, interacts with her while purchasing the car. Although their interaction is brief, it leaves a lasting impression, with hints of chemistry between the characters. Fans and creators have expressed interest in Smulders reprising her role in the upcoming season.

With her performance of TV journalist Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother, which ran almost a decade from 2005 to 2014, Smulders became rather well-known. Smulders's performance resulted in more possibilities, including her role as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


Cobie Smulders’ character in Shrinking season 2

In season 2 of Shrinking, Cobie Smulders plays Sofi, a character who meets Segel's Jimmy Laird. Sofi is looking to sell her car, which is how she ends up meeting Jimmy. There is undeniable chemistry between them in their short interaction, which makes viewers curious. Even though they are connected, Jimmy decides not to go after anything else. This leaves the door open for Sofi to come back.

Bill Lawrence, while speaking about the show with TVLine, said that Sofi is a metaphor for Jimmy's turning point. Her presence is a sign of moving on, and the way she interacts with Jimmy suggests that new beginnings are possible. Lawrence also shared that he wants Smulders to return to Shrinking in the next season.

“I would kill to have Cobie back in the show. We always do Easter eggs for what the next season’s about in the season before. And so, Cobie’s character is kind of a personification, a visual representation of what moving forward looks like for Jason’s character......I’m gonna do everything I can to coerce her into coming back to the show.”

Fans are excited to see more of Sofi in the next season because of how well her character fits in.


All about Shrinking

A still from Shrinking (Image via Apple TV)
A still from Shrinking (Image via Apple TV)

Shrinking is a touching comedy-drama about grief and healing. Therapist Jimmy Laird struggles with his wife's death in the show. Jimmy challenges therapy by giving his patients unconventional advice in his recovery. His patients’ personal lives are deeply affected by his actions.

The series features an ensemble cast, which includes Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist with Parkinson's disease, and Jessica Williams as Gabrielle "Gaby" Evans, a fellow therapist.

The series' narrative has earned it critical praise and has become one of the most-watched television shows of the year. The second season explored the paths of the characters, which left viewers yearning for the third.


All about Cobie Smulders

Born on April 3, 1982, Cobie Smulders is a Canadian actress who is celebrated for her performances in both film and television. She began her acting career in 2002 with appearances in television series such as Jeremiah and Special Unit 2.

Smulders' portrayal of Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother garnered her critical and fan acclaim, propelling her to international fame.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Smulders played S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill. She also worked in films like The Lego Movie, Safe Haven, and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Additionally, her Broadway performance in Present Laughter earned her recognition. Cancer survivor Smulders supports many charities in addition to acting.

Smulders is married to actor Taran Killam, with whom she has two daughters. She continues to flourish both personally and professionally, despite obstacles such as a battle with ovarian cancer.


Cast of the series

Apart from Cobie Smulders, the cast includes:

  • Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird
  • Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades
  • Jessica Williams as Gabrielle "Gaby" Evans
  • Christa Miller as Liz
  • Luke Tennie as Sean
  • Michael Urie as Brian
  • Lukita Maxwell as Alice Laird
  • Ted McGinley as Derek

Stay tuned for more news and updates on Shrinking and similar projects as the year progresses.

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