Shrinking on Apple TV+ is the perfect mix between Ted Lasso and How I Met Your Mother

At 80, it was time for the iconic Harrison Ford to finally set foot in the wonderful world of the series. It is now done with the solar comedy Shrinking, available on Apple TV+. The interpreter of Indiana Jones and Han Solo in Star Wars is always on form, and he proves it brilliantly with this role of grumpy and solitary therapist, completely against the grain.

In Shrinkinghe forms an unlikely duo with Jason Segel, the unforgettable Marshall Eriksen in How I Met Your Mother. Also a psychologist, the latter tries to recover from bereavement by… revealing their four truths to his patients. On paper as on screen, this necessarily announces disasters, but obviously, the series also suggests the long road to inner healing.

Shrinking borrow the kindness of Ted Lasso

If you have seen (and necessarily liked) Ted Lasso, you will clearly not be disoriented by this comedy with the sweetness of liquorice, very sweet, but sometimes bitter. The two series share common themes (mental health, masculinities, etc.), but also an unfailing benevolence that warms our little hearts depressed by the winter period (and disastrous news). And it is no coincidence that the shrink of Shrinking is close to the quiet strength of the American football coach: these two nuggets of Apple TV+ share the same thinking heads. This time, Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence (also behind Scrubs) shared their songwriting talent with fellow co-creator Jason Segel.

A trio of fire, in the service of a banal story at first glance. After series like after-life by Ricky Gervais on Netflix, the issue of mourning thus seems seen and reviewed. Nevertheless, Shrinking manages to shed new light on this still painful event. Without inventing hot water, the series stages restorative dialogues, which are good for the soul. All on a folk soundtrack with little onions, which still accompanies us on Spotify after the viewing.

A band as cool as Marshall, Lily, Ted, Robin and Barney

But like How I Met Your Mother in his days, Shrinking is also a comedy above all. And so we find everything that can make the salt of this kind of series: finely written jokes, comic timing that works, communicative energy, but above all a band of characters as annoying as they are endearing. And on this point, Shrinking has serious arguments to put on the table. The Jason Segel – Harrison Ford duo works surprisingly well, allowing the two actors to show the extent of their talent.

If Jason Segel does not really renew himself since his role in How I Met, he still offers a touching performance, in the skin of Jimmy, this shrink who decides to bet on honesty. Filled with neurosis and weighed down by sadness, Jimmy is a character with whom one can easily identify. From his relationship with his teenage daughter to his slow descent into hell after the death of his wife to his pervasive involvement in the lives of his patients, the character serves as a common thread in the series, allowing the other protagonists to sometimes take the lead. front of the stage.

Grandpa Ford makes resistance

Harrison Ford thus seems to have a blast playing Paul, a completely antisocial and withdrawn therapist, whose dream evening consists of drinking wine under a plaid at his home, in his “Fortress of Solitude”. Suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Jimmy’s mentor will also have to face his own past pain, by reconnecting with his daughter. But beyond this rather classic frame, Paul also leads a fulfilling sex life with a woman of his age. Making a sensational entry into the world of series by talking about rather taboo sexuality at 80, even briefly, frankly, we love it. Well done, Harrison.

But Jimmy and Paul’s shrink office is also occupied by a third therapist: the brilliant Gaby. Jessica Williams, who plays her, is quite simply the revelation of Shrinking. Already seen in love-life, the actress is at the heart of the best gags of the series, thanks to her machine-gun delivery and her insults with every sentence. We warn you: you will dream of becoming her best friend at the end of the ten episodes, as her character invades the screen for our greatest pleasure.

Shrinking is the comforter series of winter 2023

With this trio of shrinks who need therapy as much as their own patients, Shrinking draws a rather down-to-earth portrait of a profession that is often too much placed on a pedestal. In line withIn therapy, but lighter, this American comedy shows psychologists in all their vulnerability. Each protagonist thus reveals himself gradually in a truly pleasant therapeutic ballet. Brighter than other fictions on mourning and the ills of the soul, Shrinking manages to develop its comforting narration over short 30-minute episodes, perfect for a little boost without the fuss.

Much more relevant than other Apple TV+ comedies like loot Where MythicQuest, the series even manages to distill small punchlines on female sexuality, dysfunctional fathers or racism with disconcerting naturalness. So obviously, Shrinking will not revolutionize the world of series. Despite its delicacy, some cliffhangers are a little crude, while some resolutions seem easy like the end of episode 7, allowing our characters to enjoy a perfect barbecue under a bright sun, in complete joy. But after all: isn’t that what we like in this kind of cuddly series?

The verdict

We liked

• Harrison Ford and Jason Segel, we love it
• Gaby, become our best friend, please
• A comedy as comforting as liquorice
• Mind-blowing episodes

We liked less

• Sometimes banal intrigues
• A few jokes that fall flat

With its gnangnan pitch at first glance, Shrinking may look like yet another bland comedy. However, you would be wrong to do without it, as the series manages to touch the heart. Halfway between Ted Lasso and How I Met Your Mother, this first season features Jason Segel in the role of a shrink who dares total honesty with his patients. He forms a tasty duo with Harrison Ford, who is finally taking his first steps in the world of the small screen, at the age of 80. With its adorable characters and its delicate approach to mourning, Shrinking quite simply stands out as one of the best comedies available on Apple TV+.

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