Apple TV's Near-Perfect 3-Part Comedy Refuses To Back Down on Streaming

Published Oct 3, 2026, 2:28 PM EDT Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics. Apple TV has many unforgettable shows, ranging from the likes of Stick to Silo. With so many options to watch, earning a place in the streamer's most-watched titles can be fiercely competitive. Understandably, long-standing favorite Ted Lasso currently leads the pack with its ongoing season, but another series has consistently remained in Apple TV's Top 10. Shrinking hasn't quite reached the same level of renown, but the 2023 comedy sets itself apart with an emotionally complex story and a star-studded cast that includes Harrison Ford and How I Met Your Mother's Jason Segel. Shrinking pairs comedy with deep emotional themes, resulting in a show that can make people laugh and cry in the same episode. Its continued spot in Apple TV's Top 10, despite wrapping up its third season months ago, only proves it's officially earned the mantle of one of the streamer's best and most-loved shows. 'Shrinking' Never Shies Away from Serious Topics On the surface, Shrinking's premise doesn't sound very funny, as the series follows therapist Jimmy Laird (Segel) after the loss of his wife, Tia, who died in a car accident. When the story picks up roughly a year after Tia's passing, Jimmy and their daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell), are grieving but trying to move forward with their lives. Amidst their struggles, they have the support of their nosy neighbor, Liz (Christa Miller), Tia's best friend, Gaby (Jessica Williams), as well as Jimmy's curmudgeonly boss, Paul (Ford), and Jimmy's long-time friend, Brian (Michael Urie). Meanwhile, Jimmy makes changes in his work as a therapist, implementing a radical new strategy for helping patients — including Sean (Luke Tennie), a veteran with PTSD, who becomes a close friend. While there are plenty of laughs, the series also deals with serious subject matter. Not only is grief a central part of the story, but Shrinking also addresses the topic of forgiveness through Tia's death, as her family gets to know the person who was involved in the accident. Shrinking never glosses over these serious topics, exploring them thoroughly and letting characters realistically react to the tragedies they experience. More importantly, the series always focuses on healing, making it uplifting despite the heavy subject matter. It's a delicate balance to include so many moments and still be a comedy overall, but Shrinking manages it beautifully. 'Shrinking's Cast Sets the Apple TV Comedy Apart While Shrinking has a lot to recommend it, the cast especially stands out. Ford and Segel are familiar faces thanks to their respective careers, and each gives a powerful performance. Jimmy and Paul are flawed people and face difficult situations, but the actors make them both likable and relatable. Segel's Jimmy is focused on grief and redemption, giving him a deep character arc, but Ford brings out Paul's complexities more slowly. This way, fans eventually see past his grumpy exterior through his care for his coworkers and difficult medical struggles. Yet Ford and Segel are just the beginning of the show's talent, with every cast member believably hitting both emotional and comedic beats. It's no wonder Shrinking has become such a lasting phenomenon. Each episode brings something new, including hilarious situations, heart-wrenching stories, and complex characters that anyone can enjoy. The series has long been among Apple TV's best, and now it's achieved the milestone of more than 800 days in the Top 10, long after its most recent season ended. Though the characters have come a long way over the last three seasons, the story still holds many opportunities for the future. No show is like Shrinking, and the Apple TV comedy deserves all the attention it's received. Release Date January 27, 2023 Network Apple TV Showrunner Bill Lawrence