User Reviews

It is very rare for a series to combine comedy and drama and do them both extremely well. Maybe the Ted Lasso fans were expecting something similar, but this show and its eclectic characters just keep getting better and better.

Saw I gave this a '9' ??? So then - I liked Season 1, thought season 2 was meh, didn't think much of season 3 and couldn't get past a few episodes of some of the worst tv I've seen in season 4. ... truly awful people all the way around.

I gave it a try, but it has too much identity politics and fake drama that is just boring and annoying. Some decent aspects to some of the characters, but it comes across as shallow, and there are so many better shows to spend time watching than this.

Best comedy show on tv. Best comedy show made in the last 10 years. Stacked with belly laughs and genuine emotion.

Bill Lawrence is on my Mount Rushmore of television creators, and this may be his best to date. Not me crying & laughing like every episode.

“Shrinking” is a great show that adapts to the modern landscape of comedy and slice of life. I love that it focuses on therapy, as we follow vastly different therapists and how they help their patients with various problems and sometimes unorthodox methods. I feel like anyone who watches this show can relate to any of the diverse characters who represent people from all walks of life whether that considers race, gender, sexual orientation, like a young veteran, a daughter dealing with the grief of losing a parent, a Black therapist going through a divorce, a gay man looking to propose, an aging expert in his field dealing with Parkinson’s and reconnecting with his estranged daughter, or an older and married middle aged woman who’s kids all left for college as she tries to find purpose. This show also de-stigmatizes therapy and getting help, and how useful it can be in your daily life from different perspectives on it. Also, realising that therapists are humans too with their own set of issues. “Shrinking”, despite tackling some dark and heavy situations, always balances this with a very chill, light sense of humour that all of us do as we go through our day, finding the comedy in the most ridiculous and disparaging moments. “Shrinking” is grounded by Jason Segel who sets the tone for this show, and because of the realistic and genuine performances by all cast members and careful, witty writing, we care about what happens and continue watching. I recommend watching “Shrinking” as it’s simply a very healing show that showcases healthy ways of coping and dealing with life’s obstacles in a fun, empathetic way.

This show did a great job of balancing the hardships facing the characters with humor from the high-profile cast. Jason Segel as the main character takes on a role that differs from his past, making it a refreshing watch for Segel fans like myself. The audience can see a different side of life as a therapist, with many of the therapists being friends outside of work. I looked forward to every new episode in the last two seasons, as I laughed and cried with most of the episodes, and I am excited for a new season to be released. I think that the directors did a good job appealing to a wide audience, which validates my score of 8 for Shrinking.

I am so excited and pleased whenever I find a show or movie which has characters who behave like smart, thoughtful people would as opposed to storytelling puppets falling from one trope to another. To make it even more exciting, the casting director for this show ought to get all sorts of awards, it has nothing but excellent actors acting excellently all the time. It's a real pleasure to watch.

Hands down, my favorite comedy of the last two years. Harrison Ford is, of course, fantastic with his dry delivery and perfect comic timing, but the rest of the cast are equally amazing. I could go on and on about everyone involved, especially Jessica Williams, who is a standout among standouts, but you really just have to watch this heart-warming, tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud delight of a show.

Shrinking brilliantly blends humor with emotional depth, tackling grief and mental health in a way that’s both funny and profoundly moving. The characters feel real, flawed, and relatable, and their journeys had me laughing one moment and near tears the next. With its sharp writing and heartfelt performances, this show strikes a perfect balance of lightness and sincerity. A true gem.

Cumbersome and pathetic in its presentation, Shrinking has no character growth, no sense in its dialogue or in its protagonist’s behavior, and is haphazard, erratic and ridiculous. No serious consideration was given to the background, profession, or authenticity of the lead or any of the supporting characters. If you’re old enough to recall the “feel good” movies of the 90’s, then you’ll identify this show as one of those vapid, over-the-moon goofy and merry to the point of vomit inducing productions. Like so many senseless industry shows before it, Shrinking’s premise is actually extremely sound: a therapist chooses to break with proper psychological etiquette and involve himself in his patient’s lives. Sadly, we don’t get to see a reason for this decision to materialize. The writers don’t even allow the viewer to see a transformation in the protagonist towards this choice! Instead, the effect of this life changing resolution results in immature antics and complete chaos instead of thought provoking or inspirational events based in what could have been plausible reality. This writing choice WOULD have been fine IF what ensued were funny, but it’s not. “Shrinking” attempts to be hilarious, only to fail horribly, landing face first in its shenanigans and childish foolishness. “Shrinking” is what happens when you put incompetent activists in a writing room and pay thousands of dollars to invite an established celebrity to inflate the hype around a production that’s been given no effort or attention. It’s a cash grab: an attempt to get you to pay for a show based on the fact that Harrison Ford is involved… and that’s it! A complete waste of time and a massive headache, if you try to make sense of it.

Not a fan of Jason Segel in general, and wasn't initially drawn in here specifically, but the surrounding characters were interesting and the show as a whole became more engrossing the more I watched. Especially love the girl-team that ultimately forms between Liz and Gaby.

I watched the first 2 episodws, but see no reason to continue watching. Nothing is really working for me. The comedy is incredibly flat, the dialog the same...I suppose it's supposed to be quirky? It's just 1 note with a lot of swearing to make up for not having anything interesting to say. The premise for the drama aspect is good, but handled so flippantly and so little gravitas that you know is going to be a waste. There are worse shows out there and the actors have charisma at least, but I just fail to see what people are enjoying so much about this. It's about as mediocre production as you can possibly get.

This is no "Ted Lasso," where a coach comes in to inspire his team with human values. This is a therapist who violates just about every ethical code in his profession, whom we're supposed to find adorable. I gave it two tries, going back to it because people recommended it, and watched the whole season. I regret that. There were some good moments, but far too much repetition of the same behavior (how many times can the stereotypical I-hate-you teenager storm out of a room?) and too many one-note characters (be it grumpiness, sexy sass or grief-excuses-everything outrageousness). The writing was simplistic, calling for overacting instead of depth even as it took on profound, serious subjects. This could have been a far better show. What a wasted opportunity.

I started this show a couple weeks ago and love it. I came here to see how much everyone else loved it and was very surprised with the average ratings. Excellent writing and acting. Funny while also teaching some real life lessons. If you are looking for a new show to watch I highly recommend this one. And I know my shows. UPDATE: after writing this I read other reviews and had to laugh. I am by no means a "woke" "hipster". Just an old man who likes to people watch and this show is great for that. It covers all the bases of real life in my opinion.

As many have pointed out the premise of shrinking won't be getting it any emmy's, but don't let that discourage you from giving it an oportunity. Even if it won't be the next Breaking Bad or Game of thrones, this is probably one of the series with more heart I've watched in the past decade. It does not hurt that it also has a great ensamble cast and Jason Seagle and Harrison Ford just knock it out of the park. Really hoping we get to see them for a second season

Great writing and dialogue with decent enough story and character development. Ignore the review bombing from the racists and misogynists. I look forward to each new episode.

One of my favorite new serie. I like an ensemble when it’s well done and this is a really good one. Special mention to Harrison Ford, in some ways he is the revelation of the serie. He steals pretty much every scenes he is in.

Watch this if: 1) You are a white male that feels the need to constantly capitulate and apologize for everything you do. 2) Are a black woman who thinks all of those sassy comebacks are actually funny in any way, and how everything is everyone else’s fault. 3) Are a teenager who insists on calling their adult role models by their first names, instead of showing a single ounce of respect. Yet more left-wing garbage being rammed down our throats. We are witnessing the fall of civilization in the West and these performing seals are clapping along. Gets a 3 as Segal is good as usual, and his patient, Sean, puts in a convincing performance. Harrison Ford, what were you thinking?

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

One of the best comedy show I've ever seen. Harrison Ford is great in this series.

Straddles the line between a drama and a comedy, seems to pay homage to both quite well. An interesting take on how major events in life can change you, either for the better or worse.

Terrible writing and woke casting make this another Apple nightmare, Harrison Ford looks old and bored - 1 star.