PaleyLive’s ‘An Evening with Shrinking’ Celebrates Laughter, Healing, and a Safe Space for Storytelling

The Writers Guild Theater in Los Angeles was alive with emotion and laughter as The Paley Center for Media presented the latest installment of its acclaimed PaleyLive series, “An Evening with Shrinking.”

Fans gathered for an exclusive advanced screening of the highly anticipated penultimate episode of season two, ahead of its December 18 premiere. The evening exemplified why Shrinking has become a beacon for nuanced storytelling, blending humor and heart to explore the complexities of mental health, grief, and therapy. The show’s ability to tackle these heavy themes with levity and authenticity has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking follows therapist Jimmy Laird [Jason Segel] as he navigates his personal struggles while attempting to help his patients—sometimes in unconventional ways. The result is a series that feels as therapeutic as it is entertaining.

Following the screening, the event shifted into an insightful and candid discussion featuring cast members and creative minds behind the series including Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Brett Goldstein, Luke Tennie, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, Lukita Maxwell, Ted McGinley, and writer & executive producer Bill Lawrence. In a room filled with laughter, shared memories, and palpable camaraderie, the cast reflected on how the show has not only provided viewers with a source of comfort but also created a safe space for the actors themselves. “There’s something really healing about being able to laugh while dealing with some of the toughest parts of life,” said Jessica Williams, capturing the essence of the show’s unique charm. The cast’s bond mirrored the show’s themes—they spoke of feeling “safe” with one another, an environment where they could explore vulnerability while feeling fully supported by the team. Harrison Ford stated, “As a creative person I have never felt as comfortable, as confident, in the company that I’m in — “Telling you how much I love it, is not the same as telling you how much I value it.”

Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford share a laugh at the PaleyLive series, An Evening with Shrinking, at The Writers Guild Theater in LA.
Photo courtesy of The Paley Center for Media

At its core, Shrinking dives into the rawness of human emotions. Jimmy’s journey through grief after the loss of his wife, his attempt to reconnect with his teenage daughter, and his boundary-pushing approach to therapy reflect the imperfect, messy, yet deeply relatable aspects of life. These storylines resonated deeply with the cast as much as they do with viewers. The discussion highlighted the collaborative effort between the actors and writers to strike a balance between humor and heartbreak. Cast members praised the writing team for crafting narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. “They give us the space to explore these complex emotions while keeping it real and funny,” Lukita Maxwell shared. What sets Shrinking apart is its capacity to normalize conversations about mental health. By portraying therapy as both transformative and imperfect, the series dismantles stigmas and invites viewers to see their own struggles reflected on screen. The humor woven into these narratives doesn’t diminish their weight but instead makes them more accessible.

As fans eagerly await the season finale, the penultimate episode screened at the event offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. True to form, it delivered moments that left viewers laughing one moment and tearing up the next. For a show that has so expertly walked the tightrope between comedy and catharsis, the finale is sure to be both a conclusion and a conversation starter. As for a season three, Bill Lawrence shared that while seasons one and two focused on grief and forgiveness, respectively, the upcoming third season will focus on “moving forward.” He stated, “ I believe that there’s more stories to be told with this group.”