Shrinking Series Bows Out with Wit, Warmth and Wobbles

Apple TV’s Shrinking has quietly charmed its way into the affections of viewers, thanks to a deftly assembled cast and the sharp penmanship of Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, and their creative cohort. The third outing doesn’t stray from this winning formula, serving up the familiar blend of wry comedy and emotional candour that’s become the show’s signature.

Transitions and Turning Points

This time round, the focus shifts to the notion of change. Jimmy, played by Segel, finds himself navigating the choppy waters of his daughter Alice’s impending departure for university. Meanwhile, Paul, the ever-gruff mentor figure embodied by Harrison Ford, is forced to confront the realities of living with Parkinson’s. The series, never shy about exploring grief in its many guises, leans into acceptance with a poignancy that feels particularly acute this series.

Dialogue remains as unfiltered as ever—sometimes to a fault. The therapists at the heart of the story are prone to laying their feelings bare, often in moments of heated confession. It’s honest, if occasionally a touch too on-the-nose, and at times the emotional transparency edges towards the artificial.

Finale Fumbles and Character Closures

With the creators having hinted at a three-series arc, there’s a sense of finality hanging over proceedings. The pacing, as is often the case with concluding chapters, can feel a bit rushed. Not every subplot gets the attention it perhaps deserves, with some threads trimmed to ensure the main players reach their respective destinations. Still, the show manages to deliver the sort of ending that will likely satisfy most who’ve stuck with it, even if a few narrative corners are cut along the way.

Despite these hiccups, the ensemble remains as endearing as ever. Segel, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, and Ted McGinley all slip back into their roles with ease. Ford, in particular, seems to relish the added complexity his character is afforded, growing more compelling with each episode. Luke Tennie and Lukita Maxwell, too, have settled comfortably into their parts, bringing a quiet confidence to the screen.

New Faces and Notable Turns

This series introduces a handful of fresh faces. Michael J. Fox makes a brief but affecting appearance, his role resonating all the more given his own experience with Parkinson’s. His time on screen is limited, likely for understandable reasons, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless. Jeff Daniels pops up later in the run, though his understated approach may leave some wishing for a bit more spark.

Sherry Cola, best known for her comedic chops, steps into a more dramatic role as one of Jessica Williams’ character’s new patients. It’s a notable shift, and she handles the emotional heft with a poise that belies her background in comedy. There are laughs, but the performance is largely grounded, and she proves more than capable of carrying the weightier material.

Sentimentality and the Series’ Legacy

There’s no denying the show has grown increasingly sentimental with each passing series—much like Bill Lawrence’s other Apple TV project, Ted Lasso. Yet, for all its cheesiness, it’s hard not to be swept along by the warmth and wit on display. Whether this really is the end, or if the creative team will be tempted to revisit the world they’ve built, remains to be seen. For now, viewers can enjoy a final run that, for all its flaws, leaves a lasting impression.

Season 3 of Shrinking streams on Apple TV beginning January 28, with new episodes streaming on subsequent Wednesdays. All eleven episodes were reviewed.