Last month, Jason Segel spoke exclusively to The Knockturnal about the third season of Apple TV smash hit series Shrinking. I was then able to chat with his incredible group of costars about each of their characters’ collective journeys and all of the favorite memories that they’ll take with them from this experience.
Season two focused heavily on the story of Louis (Brett Goldstein) the driver who tragically killed Jimmy’s (Segel) wife Tia in a car accident and the process of Jimmy and Alice (Lukita Maxwell) offering him forgiveness. But Gabby (Jessica Williams) who had been best friends with Tia, was not aware of that, and needed to address Louis in her own way in season three after further conversations with creator Bill Lawrence about her character.
Brian (Michael Urie) embarks on parenthood this season, with his signature blend of chaos and style, while learning to be open to the advice and parenting styles of the village around him. Urie commented that he is very lucky to be surrounded by so many great fathers and a very grounded and mature partner in Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) who are there for him as he figures out his new role day by day.
Sean (Luke Tennie) considers new career opportunities and moving out of Jimmy’s pool house in season three, along with figuring out if he’s ready for a serious romantic relationship with an old flame (Isabella Gomez). It is a truly gratifying and triumphant journey to watch for the viewer as he moves past the grief and PTSD he had been navigating to embark on a brand new chapter with hope for his future.
Alice (Maxwell) is getting ready to move across the country for college and worrying about her dad and his future as they prepare to separate for the first time since losing Tia. She finds a new inner strength and confidence to embrace the adult she is becoming and is able to have some important conversations with Jimmy to help leave them both in a good place going forward.
Liz (Christa Miller) grows even closer to her husband Derek (Ted McGinley) after an unexpected health scare and challenges with their adult children give them both a new lease on life. We get to see her embrace who she is more unapologetically than ever, while continuing to grow and change throughout the season as she learns from her village. And no spoilers here but we also get to see her opposite guest star Candice Bergen which is a true treat.
Derek (Ted McGinley) continues to light up every room and bring his signature warmth and humor to everyone around him, while also embracing some major personal challenges and discovering new sides of himself in his post-retirement life. The development of his character arc from season to season is one of the greatest pleasures as an audience member and this season is no exception.
The 11-episode third season of Shrinking will debut globally with a one-hour premiere episode on Wednesday, January 28, on Apple TV, followed by one episode weekly until April 8, 2026.