The Apple TV+ series “Shrinking” is a delightful clash of therapy styles, where chaos meets control. On one side, you have Jimmy (Jason Segel), a grieving therapist who decides that traditional methods are for suckers. Instead, he dives headfirst into his clients’ lives—inviting one to crash in his pool house and even interrupting a date to give unsolicited advice. It’s bold, messy, and often ethically questionable, but hey, it’s also wildly entertaining. “Jimmy’s unconventional and endearing approach at times seems more self focused than on his clients. It’s as if he’s trying to heal himself by fixing everyone else—except he’s doing it with the finesse of a bull in a china shop.
Enter Paul (Harrison Ford), the polar opposite of Jimmy and the show’s grounding force. Paul is the quintessential old-school therapist: structured, professional, and armed with a deadpan delivery sharp enough to slice through Jimmy’s antics. He’s the guy who reminds us that boundaries exist for a reason—like not moving your patients into your home or playing emotional referee on their dates. Paul’s character also brings depth beyond his gruff exterior; he’s battling Parkinson’s disease and navigating his own vulnerabilities while mentoring Jimmy. Watching Ford bring humor and humanity to this role is like seeing Indiana Jones trade his whip for a clipboard—and it works brilliantly.
At its heart, Shrinking is about finding balance in therapy—and life. Jimmy’s unorthodox style highlights the power of empathy and creative problem-solving but also serves as a cautionary tale about overstepping boundaries. Meanwhile, Paul’s methodical approach underscores the importance of professionalism and evidence-based practices without sacrificing compassion. Together, they show that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about meeting people where they are while still respecting ethical lines. Whether you’re rooting for Jimmy to get his act together or just here for Harrison Ford’s grumpy wisdom, “Shrinking” offers laughs, tears, and a surprisingly heartfelt take on mental health.