Shrinkingcreator Bill Lawrence confirms that one familiar face is becoming a series regular. Debuting in January 2023, from Jason Segel andTed Lassocollaborators Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, the Apple TV+ comedy centers on Segel in the role of Jimmy Laird. Following the death of his wife, Jimmy is barely able to hold it together and that starts to bleed into how he works with his patients. Jimmy ultimately turns to the curmudgeonly Dr. Paul Rhodes (Harrison Ford) for advice, with theShrinkingseason 2 castalso including Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Luke Tennie, Lupita Maxwell, and Michael Urie.
Ahead of the premiere ofShrinkingseason 2, which premieres Wednesday, October 16on Apple TV+,Screen Rantspoke with Lawrence. The co-creator and executive producer revealed that veteran television actor Ted McGinley, who recurred as Derek, the husband of Christa Miller’s Liz, is a main character for season 2. In the quote below, Lawrence praises McGinley and stresses that he wants everyone to knowDerek will be a regular presence on the show:
Lawrence: Please verify everybody knows, because no one’s asked me: Ted McGinley is officially a regular in the second season, and he earned it. And getting to see him actually do some stuff that matters - by the way, the king of the drive by one-liners, he’s a rock star man.
What Ted McGinley’s Series Regular Status Means For Shrinking Season 2
Liz & Derek May Get A Deeper Focus
McGinley is a veteran of television series, having been a cast member onMarried… with Childrenand the later years ofHappy Days, in addition to his more dramatic work on the soapDynasty. With decades of experience on the small screen, McGinley is an effortless addition toShrinkingand offers a nice counterbalance to some of the dramedy’s more serious moments.
McGinley has numerous credits, including the sitcomHope & Faith, the legal dramaThe Practice, andFamily Guy
Thetrailer forShrinkingseason 2reveals that Liz is attending therapy sessions, though she’s not especially impressed by Dr. Rhoades' work. It could mean that the upcoming 12-episode season will dig deeper into the relationship between Liz and Derek, broadening the show’s world.
Our Take On McGinley Joining Shrinking Season 2
It’s A Needed Balance
The upcoming episodes will pick up on theShrinkingseason 1 ending, in which Jimmy’s methods arguably led to Grace (Heidi Gardner) pushing her abuser off a cliff. Given that Grace is behind bars, and considering how Paul is trying his best to open up personally and professionally, the show’s return could use a lighter touch. That may come thanks to McGinley and two-time Emmy-winningTed Lassostar Brett Goldstein, as the Roy Kent actor appears in two episodes.
Shrinking
Cast
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
