Shrinking Season 3 Review: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Portrait of the Human Condition

Few comedies explore every nook and cranny — all the beautiful messiness — of the human condition quite as well as Apple TV’s Shrinking.

Thankfully, everyone’s favorite comfort series is back for a third go-round, and this reviewer had the privilege of watching the first 11 episodes. Season 3 is a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish, and you won’t want to get off this ride. 

Shrinking Season 3 

Season 3 pushes the envelope, testing its characters in new ways, while maintaining its signature tone. The Powers That Be know what works for this show, and they deftly balance the delivery of their special blend of heart and humor with the exploration of uncharted narrative territory. 

Without delving into spoiler territory, one can expect compelling performances across the board. Standouts include the legendary Harrison Ford, whose scenes with the equally legendary Michael J. Fox are a balm for the soul. Fox is a magnetic presence, offering up a dose of self-deprecating humor whenever he’s onscreen. Admittedly, as a Millennial, it was hard not to shed a tear or two when he appeared in episode one.  

Jessica Williams is another standout in Shrinking Season 3. This season puts her versatility as a performer on display. Gaby goes through the wringer, and Williams seamlessly navigates the ebbs and flows of Gaby’s journey. Williams is always quick with a hilarious one-liner, but she also mines the depths of Gaby’s psyche, delivering nuanced, emotional work when the scene calls for it. 

Recurring guest star Cobie Smulders injects an endearingly awkward energy into the Sofi/Jimmy dynamic, and she and Jason Segel are adorable together. The core character dynamics are present in Season 3, and the series doesn’t stray too far from those pairings. Why mess with perfection?

The More Things Change…

Thankfully, everyone in the main cast gels well with each other. It truly feels like one is hanging out with lifelong, dear friends. This immersive element, whether intentional or not, makes watching a blast. You feel part of the group, in a way, and with this attachment comes profound reactions to all the major story beats. 

In true Shrinking fashion, the season never shies away from pushing our crew past their limits, ensuring they never remain stagnant.

Expect the same tried-and-true thematic exploration in Season 3, although one theme looms large above the rest: moving forward. Always forward. Keep forging ahead, but give yourself grace when you falter. There’s a touching sensitivity to how the show addresses this particular theme. 

We also delve into the meat and potatoes of life, particularly as Paul examines his own mortality. Life is short, so it’s crucial to step outside your comfort zone. These topics might seem hackneyed at face value. It’s certainly nothing new for this series or its contemporaries. However, Shrinking digs deep and finds new angles to explore, through biting wit and heartstring-tugging authenticity. 

Testing, Testing 

Sean clearly exhibits the most growth this season, and it warms the heart to consider where he was at the start of the series and where he is now.

Luke Tennie’s portrayal is understated and genuine, and he adds a sweetness to the core group dynamic. Jimmy especially faces the music as Alice prepares to graduate from high school and attend college. Does he finally allow himself to be happy? Does he feel he deserves to find love again? 

Pacing-wise, Shrinking Season 3 maintains a steady clip. It doesn’t spend too much time on narrative plot points that aren’t necessary to the overarching story. Expect quick resolutions to some conflicts, while others are understandably stretched out over the course of the season. For a comedy, it moves quickly, which is a boon, in my opinion. 

Beyond that, expect much of the same (because, again, it works) but elevated. Like life, there are changes aplenty. However, not all change is bad. It’s not all good, either.

In the case of this series, it just… is. Thankfully, these characters never have to navigate life’s changes alone. This tight-knit circle of misfits and weirdos holds fast to each other while making us laugh and cry in equal measure. 

Season 3 is the warm hug we need since, you know, the world is on fire. It’s a heaping plate of your favorite comfort food. More than that, it’s thought-provoking, with stories that resonate and invite us to get introspective about our own lives. After a few big belly laughs, of course. Sometimes, all you can do is laugh. 

Stray Observations: 

• I had to reach for the tissues one too many times this season (complimentary). 
• There are a few delightful references to Jason Segel and Harrison Ford’s respective filmography, so… keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for those. 
• Paul staring me down would probably make me piss myself. 
• I love that string arrangement of Sugar Ray’s “Every Morning.” It’s giving Bridgerton. 
• “I never go to a second boutique” is reminiscent of Jack Donaghy’s “Never go with a hippie to a second location.” 
• Gaby still has the best lines. I don’t make the rules. 
• I love watching therapists struggle (not that way, calm down). They’re human, too, and even they don’t always rely on the proper coping mechanisms. 

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What did you think of the premiere episode of Shrinking? Are you excited for the rest of Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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Shrinking drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV. 

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