Ted McGinley, a seasoned actor with over 40 years in the industry, has appeared in some of the most iconic projects in television. But when he joined Apple TV+’s Shrinking as the affable neighbor Derek, he hesitated to mention it to anyone. He feared the role was too small and that he might let people down.
“I’ll never say I’m on a show again,” McGinley jokes now. “Every day more people are discovering it and giving me a hard time for not mentioning it. It’s been such a joy.”
His role may be modest in screen time, but the resonance has been massive. The show has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning McGinley admiration and a lesson in humility.
A Cast Conversation Brimming with Emotion
That joy was evident during a cast conversation hosted by Apple TV+ and Vanity Fair on May 5 in Los Angeles. The panel included McGinley, Jessica Williams, Lukita Maxwell, Luke Tennie, and Christa Miller. While co-creators Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein were absent due to the ongoing writers’ strike, their presence was felt throughout the conversation.
“I’m so happy,” Maxwell beamed. “This is the first show I worked on where my parents and grandparents called me and said they were proud of me. That’s really big for me.”
The Roots of Shrinking: Family and Friendship
Shrinking began with connections forged from prior successes. Bill Lawrence, co-creator of Ted Lasso, had grown close with Brett Goldstein, one of the breakout stars of that series. Goldstein began writing a script about therapy that resonated deeply with Lawrence and his wife, Christa Miller.
Lawrence told Miller that Goldstein had written a role that might suit her perfectly. Miller replied, “That’s the only show I’m doing!” Even though Lawrence reminded her she couldn’t commit immediately, the project stuck with her.
Eventually, the scripts from Goldstein and Lawrence were combined—a fusion of their tonal differences. “It was a comedy, and Brett’s was a comedy if you wanted to take your own life while you watched it,” Miller quipped. When Jason Segel joined as co-creator and lead actor, and Harrison Ford signed on, the show quickly became something special.
Casting Chemistry: A Star-Studded Ensemble with Heart
With Segel in the lead as Jimmy Laird, a therapist navigating grief and ethical boundaries, and Ford as his boss Paul, who suffers from Parkinson’s, the series built a foundation of emotional depth. Add a diverse, passionate ensemble, and Shrinking had its heartbeat.
“It was the best half-hour script I’ve ever read,” McGinley said. “Bill graciously threw me a bone and dragged me out of the graveyard. I couldn’t believe how smart and deep it was. Without any warning, you find tears in your eyes. I was the happiest human being—I probably still am.”
Miller interjected with affection, “For 20 years, Bill has wanted to work with Ted because he’s so talented. No one dragged you anywhere.”
Williams, Maxwell, and Tennie: New Voices with Big Energy
Jessica Williams had limited material when she signed on as Gaby, Jimmy’s colleague and confidant. But there was one thing that sold her.
“I signed up because I love Jason Segel. I think he’s amazing, and I just trusted that it was going to work out,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maxwell and Tennie, who portray Jimmy’s daughter Alice and his patient-turned-roommate Sean, underwent traditional auditions. Landing their roles felt surreal—especially when sharing scenes with Harrison Ford.
“I mean, once it’s ‘action,’ he’s Paul,” Tennie noted. Maxwell added, “Having the ability to do a dramatic scene on a bench and then improv with Harrison Ford was insane. I tapped into another part of me as an actor I hadn’t accessed before.”
Balancing Tones: Comedy Meets Raw Emotion
Shrinking stands out for its seamless blend of laughter and pathos. A single episode might transition from Alice’s daily cry over her mother to Jimmy vomiting uncontrollably in an emotionally charged comedic meltdown.
“Jason is really good at doing both of those things,” Williams explained. “It’s a marriage of Brett’s more depressing pilot and Bill’s more fun pilot. In season one, we were all feeling our way through.”
She also credited the creators with allowing her to bring her full self to the role. “They came to me knowing my skill set. As a six-foot-tall Black woman, there’s not a lot of parts. I got to fly with Gaby. It’s the most rewarding role of my career.”
Improvisation and Trust: A Creative Playground
Improvisation was key to the show’s natural tone. Many scenes evolved in the moment, with actors trusted to enhance the story. Williams was especially grateful for this freedom.
“They weren’t trying to fit me into something that I wasn’t,” she said. “They wanted me to improvise. That trust was everything.”
For Maxwell, improvising alongside veterans like Segel and Ford was both nerve-wracking and freeing. “I learned to be okay with failing and trying again. That vulnerability bonded us.”
From Laughs to Lessons: Shrinking as Emotional Catharsis
Beyond its humor, Shrinking offers viewers an emotional release. It addresses grief, friendship, loneliness, and connection with unflinching honesty. The result? A show that feels deeply personal.
McGinley reflected, “There’s not a false moment. It makes you laugh, then makes you cry, and somehow leaves you feeling more human.”
Tennie agreed: “The show gave me space to explore masculinity, vulnerability, and healing. I don’t take that lightly.”
A Bright Future: What’s Next for the Shrinking Team
With accolades piling up and a growing fanbase, the future looks bright for Shrinking. There are rumors of additional seasons, and the cast remains eager to reunite.
“The experience changed me,” Maxwell said. “It wasn’t just work—it was family.”
Williams summed it up best: “It’s rare to find a show that feels like therapy and comedy at the same time. I’m grateful we all found each other.”
Conclusion: Small Moments, Big Impact
Shrinking may have started as a small ensemble dramedy on a streaming service, but it has grown into something deeply impactful. For actors like Ted McGinley, it served as a beautiful reminder that no role is too small when the storytelling is rich and real. For rising stars like Maxwell and Tennie, it marked a coming of age. And for audiences, it’s become a cathartic companion in an increasingly complex world.
With its unique ability to make viewers laugh and cry—sometimes within the same scene—Shrinking is more than a show. It’s a reflection of our shared human journey, told with warmth, honesty, and heart.
