Apple TV+’s upcoming comedy series “Shrinking,” created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, will see Harrison Ford’s first major television series role, starring opposite Jason Segel, who plays a grief-stricken therapist speaking his mind to his patients. Ford will also appear on Paramount+’s “1923,” a prequel to “Yellowstone,” alongside Helen Mirren.
Ford will be playing Dr. Phil Rhodes, described as a “blue-collar shrink,” who is a pioneer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mentoring his two protégés, Jimmy (Segel) and Gaby (Jessica Williams), but was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and Tilky Jones will also be starring in the show, with James Ponsoldt directing all ten episodes of the series.
In a recent interview with Deadline, Goldstein teased Ford’s involvement in the series. “He’s so far been amazing. I was thinking about it, and he’s always been funny,” he explained. “He’s funny in ‘Indiana Jones,’ he’s funny in all of his work, he’s naturally funny. He’s not done a straight comedy before, and you’ll have to ask him, but I think he’s loving it, and he’s so funny.”
“I think he’s always wanted to do [a comedy],” he continued. “And never quite had the chance. So, it’s amazing to have this man at his age and with his talent to be able to do something new. It’s very cool.”
Goldstein also talked about the process of creating the show and explained that it needed to have a purpose and reason to exist. “What I don’t like doing is filler,” he said. “There are a lot of things out there that are just content. I hate that word, but there are all these outlets, there’s a lot of stuff that’s just filling a lot of space, and I hate filling space with nothing. Whatever you’re doing, even if it’s a small show, whatever, make sure you’re putting some fucking love into it and that it isn’t just, “Oh, that’ll do fine for now. That’s funny enough.” I think you should have a meaning behind it, whatever it is. Otherwise, you’re wasting people’s time.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
“Shrinking” follows a grieving therapist (played by 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.
Produced by Goldstein, Lawrence, Ponsoldt, Segel, and Jeff Ingold, “Shrinking” will premiere Friday, January 27, on Apple TV+, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday. Watch the new trailer below.
