In the “Age of Anxiety,” SHRINKING continues to be the therapeutic session that audiences can rely on weekly. Somehow, the show can make us feel like, “Whatever it is, everything is going to be okay.” That’s due to the authentic portrayals of several characters attempting to do the right thing yet continuing to fail. Audiences want these characters to succeed and have their happy ending in a way comparable to the love we had for everyone on TED LASSO.
This week’s MVP is easily Derek. Ted McGinley is in the role of a lifetime and having fun as the consistently positive presence that the flawed characters around him need.
Where the show gets a bit messy in E4 is focusing too much on Sean. I get that he’s a ticking time bomb, and his new workplace dynamic will indeed have him explode. However, an emotionally muted character that ranges from monotone delivery to anger is a tough sell as the focal point. Luckily, we don’t spend the entire episode with him, and our favorite slew of supporting characters get enough screen time, with several big moments to make this episode worthy of your time.
If you aren’t watching SHRINKING, you should. It consistently delivers what audiences need right now – comedy with a hug.
It’s available on Apple TV+.
