SummaryThe dark comedy limited series based on the podcast of the same name about the increasingly unbalanced relationship between celebrity psychiatrist Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf (Paul Rudd) and his longtime patient Martin "Marty" Markowitz (Will Ferrell).
Created By:Georgia Pritchett
The Shrink Next Door
Season 1 Premiere:
Nov 12, 2021
Metascore
Generally Favorable
61
User score
Generally Favorable
6.4
My Score
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
52% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
38% Mixed
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
10% Negative
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
Nov 11, 2021
90
If there's a flaw in this storytelling, it's not about the patient. ... A spellbinding tale, for all its repetitions, with stellar performances by Messrs. Ferrell and Rudd.
Nov 12, 2021
80
It's a methodically paced, odd but mesmerizing piece set to an infectious soundtrack highlighted by its strategic use of '80s soft rock hits. Besides, the cast hoists the show over and through its slack spots.
Nov 9, 2021
75
As creepy as Ike’s obsession is, it never gets creepy enough to be truly unsettling. All in all, though, it’s worthwhile just to see Ferrell and Rudd expand their acting ranges a bit and delve deep into a story that’s so strange, it has to be true.
Nov 10, 2021
63
Marty’s story is a pitch-black story of not knowing what boundaries are, but the series doesn’t play up the absurdity enough, too self-amused that it got the packaged charisma of two stars to depict it.
Nov 12, 2021
50
“The Shrink Next Door” is tonally confused and often misjudged, putting Rudd and Ferrell in an untenable position where they are tasked with being simultaneously earnest while also winking at the audience, which has a way of putting their performances in air quotes. Actually, everything here feels set off by air quotes.
Nov 9, 2021
40
Mixing tragedy, comedy, and drama is an extremely difficult balance to achieve, something that, for example, fellow Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso managed to do deftly in its first season. Unfortunately, despite tremendous theatrical performances from all involved, it’s an equilibrium The Shrink Next Door fails to reach.
Nov 8, 2021
30
Sadly, the whole falls well short of the sum of its parts. It’s rarely a good sign when characters based on real people strain believability, and despite the best efforts of capable actors, the Markowitz siblings come off as caricatures.
User score
Generally Favorable
66% Positive
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
21% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
14% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Nov 15, 2021
8
This series is based on a podcast of the same name about a therapist (Paul Rudd) who slowly manipulates his way into the life of a troubled patient (Will Ferrell). Even though these two actors are known for comedy, the approach is not for laughs. It’s really about their chemistry and that’s undeniable. There are still amusing situations, with Kathryn Hahn (as the sister) proving neurotically hilarious. The situations are compelling (with hints of the final outcome), but how it gets there is intriguing because of the writing and fun thanks to director Michael Showalter and the cast.
(This review is based on the first 3 episodes. Additional ones will be released weekly.)
Dec 17, 2021
6
admirable
[ ad-mer-uh-buhl ] adjective
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
