Apple TV+ has already scored several hits in the comedy department with pleasant offerings like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show.” But the pedigree behind the upcoming “The Shrink Next Door” might raise the bar a sight higher.
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Former “Anchorman” co-stars Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd get top billing in the dark comedy series, adapted from Wondery and Joe Nocera’s popular true-crime podcast. The story, based on actual events, involves a psychiatrist, Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Rudd), who gradually insinuates himself into the personal life of a longtime patient named Martin “Marty” Markowitz (Ferrell). Like its namesake, the show will explore themes of manipulation, exploitation, and the more dysfunctional aspects of the doctor-patient relationship.
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TV veteran Georgia Pritchett wrote the pilot. She previously won Emmys for her work on “Veep” and “Succession,” smart satires with a salty bite. The tone of this project certainly seems edgier than the light-hearted comedies Apple TV+ has released so far. The direction was handled by Michael Showalter, who recently helmed the upcoming feature “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and helped guide “Search Party” to cult success. Comedy nerds will also appreciate the presence of Kathryn Hahn (“Step Brothers,” “WandaVision”) and Casey Wilson (“Happy Endings,” “Black Monday” ) in supporting roles.
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It’s hard to imagine this combination of talent will yield anything less than satisfying. According to the press release, Apple TV+ acquired the rights to the series last year “in a highly competitive situation.” That’s understandable given the juicy source material and splashy names involved. After a slow wind-up in 2019 followed by considerable production delays in 2020, the service finally picks up serious momentum. So let the next round of streaming wars begin.
“The Shrink Next Door” will be available exclusively on Apple TV+ beginning November 12. Watch the first teaser below.
