The first season of Shrinking began with Jimmy (Jason Segel) at his absolute rock bottom after his wife’s tragic passing. The primary conceit of the show was founded on irony; the contradiction of a therapist giving meaningful advice to his patients while struggling with his own problems was interesting, though not always comical. Thankfully, it quickly evolved into something far more profound because of how strong this show is as an ensemble. The show’s core tenet is that it is earnest communication with the people you love that allows you to grow as a person, and it has spent its first two seasons building these characters’ relationships to demonstrate in this season just how their love has changed one another. It is fitting, then, that in what is likely its final chapter, it decides to probe into who they would become without one another. Both the viewers and the characters want the ensemble to stay together forever, but you would be hard-pressed to think of a friend group in your own life that all remained in one place for eternity. These characters all have to make a commitment to move onto new stages of their lives in some way or another. However, moving on does not and should not mean letting go: a lesson these characters all encounter in one form or another. The third season of Shrinking closes out the arcs of these characters we have grown to love in a deeply satisfying way, even if we are reluctant to say goodbye to them.

The single best part of this show is its ensemble. It is not enough that we have performers like Jessica Williams and Michael Urie crushing every last bit of material they receive whether it is comedic or dramatic. No, this immensely talented ensemble also has to have incredible chemistry amongst one another. Though we already knew the Liz (Christa Miller) and Gaby (Jessica Williams) and Paul (Harrison Ford) and Jimmy (Jason Segel) dynamics were proven hits since season 1, the show admirably continues to mix up the characters that interact with one another, leaving an ensemble whose connection with one another feels believable despite its size. The new additions this season don’t seamlessly enter the already perfect group dynamic, but considering where the series is taking our core characters by the end, that feels somewhat intentional. For instance, while I admittedly did not care for Sean (Luke Tennie)’s old flame (Isabella Gomez), I quite liked his arc of finally stepping outside of his comfort zone this season. Shrinking has made us invested in this compelling group of friends who are connected despite their stark differences, and it pays dividends this season due to how it harnesses this for emotional impact.

I maintain that this show is at its finest when its immensely charismatic ensemble is bouncing off of one another. That being said, there are still undeniable standouts this season. Gaby is Shrinking’s single best character because of how much heart she has while Williams simultaneously delivers the funniest possible lines in the most inspired possible ways, and that trend continues this season. I was shocked at two particular turns in her storyline this season, which truly test Williams’s skill as an actress. Thankfully, she has proven time and time again that she is beyond talented, and she knocks every scene out of the park. Michael Urie gives Williams a run for her money as the show’s most hilarious performer, but Brian is a character that was teetering on the edge of being almost too self-absorbed after season 2. This is smartly addressed in an episode that arrived far earlier than I expected it to, and it is a testament to the strength of the show’s writing and its acting that the character development does not fundamentally change the core of who these people are in any way. Perhaps the character who is best utilized this season is Paul, which is surprising because he is not in this season quite as much as the first two. Yet the long-term effect that his classic surliness has on the people he cares about most is finally unpacked in a meaningful way, and it is most effectively addressed in the scenes he is absent in. Jason Segel also turns in his series-best performance as the deeply unstable anchor to this wonderful cast of characters. I cannot stress enough how much the entire ensemble is firing on all cylinders, though. 

Also firing on all cylinders are the writers of the show, who have the difficult task of wrapping up the arcs of a plethora of beloved characters in eleven episodes. The season comes out swinging right from the start, with three excellent episodes that feel almost too monumental to come so early. We are always kept on our toes as to where these characters’ journeys are headed, but the writing always ensures these events feel true to life. Oddly, the parts of the season that take place in the therapist office are the weakest; they tend to box the show in as a traditional workplace sitcom. But that is a minor nitpick when the season as a whole puts so much care into these characters and dynamics that we have grown so attached to. The season finale feels like a natural ending point for the show not because every single character has overcome all of their issues, but because there is an implication of sustained growth as a result of its events. It is a truly beautiful conclusion to a show that is stubbornly optimistic about our capacity to improve even under the direst of conditions.

Ultimately, this season of Shrinking is on par with its excellent second outing and is sure to satisfy fans with its devotion to its core ensemble and their dynamics. I would always love to see more of these lovable characters and their antics, but season 3 feels like the natural ending point for the show not because of its finality, but because of its poetry. 

8.5/10