First Teaser for Apple TV+ Comedy Series ‘Shrinking’

Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie and Christa Miller are also in the cast, about a therapist who starts to bend some rules of his profession.

Though you might think that team ‘Ted Lasso’ would be busy wrapping up the beloved soccer comedy (it recently finished shooting the third––and likely final (sob!)–– season in England), some of those involved in that Apple TV+ favorite have also been spending their time working on something else.

That something is ‘Shrinking’, a new comedy drama series co-created by and starring Jason Segel and some newcomer called (checks notes)… Harrison Ford?

Yes, the cinematic icon is indeed making a rare foray into TV for the show, which continues Apple’s apparent obsession with having as many shows as possible start with the letter “s” (‘Severance’, ‘Servant’, ‘Slow Horses’ and ‘Shantaram’ to name but four).

Bill Lawrence, the TV supremo who backed ‘Lasso’ (and helped develop it with stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt) here worked in a similar capacity alongside Segel and ‘Lasso’ writing/performing stalwart Brett Goldstein.

Jason Segel as Jimmy Johns, and Harrison Ford as Dr. Phil Rhodes in Apple TV+ series 'Shrinking.'

(L to R) Jason Segel as Jimmy Johns, and Harrison Ford as Dr. Phil Rhodes in Apple TV+'s series 'Shrinking.'

Unlike with ‘Ted Lasso’s gruff Roy Kent, Goldstein doesn’t appear to be in front of the camera this time too, but the cast is full of talent including Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Christa Miller, Tilky Jones,Lukita Maxwell, Rosslyn Luke and Matt Knudsen.

Directors for this one have included James Ponsoldt and Lawrence’s old ‘Scrubs’ star Zach Braff, who has overseen several episodes of the producer’s shows in the past.

The teaser tells us almost nothing about the show, since it doesn’t feature actual footage, just shots of Segel, Williams and some of the other cast jumping on a mini trampoline while captions let us know that sometimes you need to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough.

And no, the team behind the series sensibly does not have the 80-year-old star of ‘Star Wars’ and the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise leaping into the air, both for safety and dignity’s sake. (Though we suppose they could have employed one of his stunt/photo doubles used in the latest Indy outing).

Harrison Ford as Dr. Phil Rhodes in Apple TV+'s series 'Shrinking.'

Here’s what we know story-wise so far, via the official synopsis: ‘Shrinking’ follows a grieving therapist (Segel) who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives… including his own. So, there you have it.

We do at least know who Ford is playing, as character details were released when his casting was announced: He’s Dr. Phil Rhodes, a down-to earth, sharp as a tack “blue collar shrink,” blunt but with an ever present twinkle.

Phil is a pioneer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy who has built a successful practice over the years that he shares with his two young proteges, Jimmy and Gaby. Fiercely independent, Phil has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which forces him out of his comfort zone as he grapples with intrusive friends, his estranged family and his legacy.

The first two episodes of ‘Shrinking’ will premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, January 27th, followed by one of the remaining eight episodes weekly.