Knit to This
Knit to This: Shrinking
Any actor in Shrinking (season two just premiered on Apple TV) could be the lead in his or her own show. This deck could not be more stacked.
You’ve got Jason Segel, who can always find a way to make melancholy approachable and entertaining. Add in Jessica Williams (one of The Daily Show‘s gems), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty and a bunch of Broadway), Christa Miller (one of those omnipresent sitcom actors) and Ted McGinley (ditto). That’s before you even get to Harrison Ford.
Yes, Harrison Ford. Action movie star. Space maverick.
Here he gets to be funny, like really funny rather than wry or sardonic or quippy.
And Shrinking needs the laughs. The show kicks off with Segel’s character stuck in a gray place after his wife’s death a year prior. His teenage daughter is caught in it with him and the first season is about rebuilding that relationship.
But it’s also about connection and community—and how digging yourself out of a rough spot isn’t a solo job.
If that sounds a lot like Ted Lasso, it’s no coincidence. A couple of the producers and writers worked on both. The DNA is similar but not identical. For me, Shrinking dials down the treacle that could gum up Ted Lasso‘s bite. Plus, Shrinking has Harrison Ford, which is definitely a draw.
All of the folks both on the screen and behind it are at the top of their game in Shrinking. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might do both simultaneously watching these flawed humans (just like all humans) do their best to find a way back to their lives after a crushing loss.
But, mostly, you’ll laugh.
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thanks for recommending this show. I just watched the first 2 episodes and feel a binge coming on!
Absolutely love this show…discovered it last year!
Thank you for this.
Yes, the laughs are so so needed (insert deeeeeeep cleansing breath here).
Also, I adore your new photo!
I’ve tried several times to watch this, but I get so tired of hearing the F word in every single sentence!!! I’m no prude but it ruins it for me.
Agreed! I feel the same way!
I completely agree with the commenter who felt the “f” word was completely overused. While I loved the characters and plot, the language ruined it for me. There are many other programs I would rather watch.
Love this show! Season 2 is SO good!
Currently the best show on streaming. I can’t recommend checking it out strongly enough.
I binged the whole second season last weekend during the free AppleTv+ days. If you want a little more from the creators, here’s a fun interview of Segel and Goldstein by one of my favorite pop culture podcasters: https://youtu.be/r62EMs6E1ak?si=EOVOB_IfqqFDdDkt
Thanks for that link, Janet! I’ve already watched season 2 twice, and it was nice to have something new!
Another interview came up after that, have you seen this one yet?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrgt4PqIgHY&pp=QAFIAQ%3D%3D
Thank you for posting this, it is excellent!
Great show. DH and I savor. To me, it feels like it’s about navigating difficulties, acceptance, and healing. Hope they make a third season.
I cannot knit to this show because I love it with every ounce of my being and would not want to miss anything! But thanks for recommending.
Excellent show!
We love Shrinking — but if language or frank talk about sex bothers you (it’s not visually explicit but people TALK) it might not be your thing.
When I first started watching this show, I would have said it was about grief. But as much, it’s about how to pick up the pieces when you’ve blown it. Great cast, great TV. I’m a little jealous of those of you who get to discover it now. Great recommendation.
OMG I just stumbled across this show and I love it. It’s about grief and longing and friendship. Stellar cast, and Harrison Ford’s grumpy shrink character is fantastic. Woof! (iykyk)
I really like this show. The issues are mostly relatable if not exactly similar. Having a show that makes you release your emotions is a win in my book and, yes, Harrison Ford is amazing!
I absolutely LOVE the D-man and Gaby!!! So much wonderfulness comes from this show. My dad, husband, and I are quoting it constantly! It’s our new language. Hahah!!!!
It is the stellar acting for me–both solo and ensemble.I wonder if that took a lot of improv work or if everyone is just that good? Brett Goldstein’s subtle portrayal of grief and regret is beyond powerful.
I will have to agree to disagree about Ted Lasso and treacle. To me it is the hero’s journey in many forms and I absolutely love it.
Popping in to say that I didn’t even realize I have been holding space for Thirtysomething for all these years without even knowing it until I started watching Shrinking, and the space got filled.
Is it just me who feels a vibe or connection to Thirtysomething with this one? I think it’s the mix of the real psychology/feelings with the shinier-than-real circumstances of the characters’ lives. There’s oversimplification and prettification going on with the script and the sets and the acting, but you’re enjoying it so much that you just go with it. I’m loving it.
I am happy to have a new show to watch during this endless winter. ❄️