10 Best Heartwarming TV Dramedies Like ‘Shrinking’

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The Apple TV+ comedy-drama series titled “Shrinking” is one of the top choices on streaming platforms. This show centers around the character of Jimmy Laird, portrayed by Jason Segel, who is a therapist struggling with grief following his wife’s death in a car accident. In his current emotional state, Jimmy becomes increasingly irritated with his patients’ inability to resolve their issues. As a result, he disregards professional ethics and starts interfering directly, leading to some side-splitting situations.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’ve got to say that the show has already bagged two Emmy nominations, one being for Segel in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. It’s been a hit among fans and critics alike, leaving us craving for more. Luckily, there are other small-screen gems out there similar to it. Shows like ‘Shrinking’, which fall under the dramedy genre, delve into humor derived from challenging or unforeseen situations. What truly sets them apart is the exceptional performances they offer, a trait that has earned them respect from industry experts and fans of the genre alike.

10
‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015 – 2022)

The series, titled Grace and Frankie, focuses on Grace Hanson (played by Jane Fonda), a sharp-witted, retired cosmetics tycoon, and Frankie Bergstein (portrayed by Lily Tomlin), an artist. These two women share an unusual bond as they are married to the same men – successful divorce attorneys who, surprisingly, have fallen in love and plan to marry each other. Unaccustomed to such a revelation, their initial attitudes soften when this news is broken. Forced to cohabit due to circumstances, their relationship isn’t traditional friendship, but they make an effort to get along.

How to Deal with Divorce in Old Age

Grace and Frankie is a cleverly crafted and eccentric examination of midlife alienation and distress, offering rich rewards to viewers. Notably, Martin Sheen is also part of the cast, ensuring there are inspiring performances from every angle. Although humor is the show’s main focus, there’s depth and empathy hidden behind each laugh-provoking scene. It received five Emmy nominations, even though it never won any – still, it was worthy of every one.

9
‘Loudermilk’ (2017 – 2020)

The main character in Loudermilk is a substance abuse counselor, yet he frequently dishes out blunt advice. He’s also a recovering alcoholic who doesn’t seem to have his life as organized as someone in his profession might expect. Over time, unexpected events in life make him reconsider his perspective and adopt a more positive outlook.

Meanness From Bitterness

The series features a protagonist who’s so detestable yet pitiful that you can’t help but empathize with him. Loudermilk’s relentless, off-putting comments will leave you in stitches and offer insight into what not to say in conversations. With less skilled actors, the show might have been just another mediocre production. However, Ron Livingston delivers a remarkable performance that elevates this dramedy above its peers.

8
‘Better Things’ (2015 – 2022)

In the series titled “Better Things“, Pamela Adlon portrays Samantha “Sam” Fox, a dedicated actress and single mother of three daughters who’s trying to keep all the balls in the air. Life throws curveballs at her, particularly when it comes to men. But don’t be surprised if Sam finds humor in her predicaments and uses witty solutions to navigate them.

Pamela Adlon in Top Form

The cancellation of this dramedy was a significant loss for television. Those who haven’t discovered other great shows can always go back to rewatch it. The witty dialogue is filled with memorable lines, giving the impression that much of it was spontaneously delivered by the talented cast members. Pamela Adlon steals the show with her unique appeal, and notable guest stars like Sharon Stone and David Duchovny leave indelible marks on the series.

7
‘Catastrophe’ (2015 – 2019)

In the series titled “Catastrophe“, Irish primary school teacher Sharon embarks on a brief six-day romance with American advertising executive Rob during his business trip in London. As time passes, she learns she’s pregnant from this encounter and informs him. He proposes marriage, but their relationship faces numerous challenges, particularly when she is diagnosed with cervical dysplasia.

Embracing Parenthood and Its Challenges

This dramedy, a multiple award nominee including an Emmy nod for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, is a standout on Prime Video. It’s not just visually striking; it’s equally filled with melodrama. The leads deliver spot-on performances, complementing each other through poignant dialogue and meaningful actions. Keep an eye out for Carrie Fischer in her captivating guest role as the mother of one of the main characters.

6
‘After Life’ (2019 – 2022)

Following the death of his wife due to breast cancer, newspaper writer Tony Johnson (Ricky Gervais) contemplates taking his own life. However, rather than that, he decides to channel his energy into avenging the unfair hand fate dealt him by acting impulsively and disregarding the consequences for others.

As Blunt as Dramedies Get

In a quirky yet poignant manner, the series After Life tackles the themes of marriage, loss, and society, earning both laughter and tears. This is achieved by Ricky Gervais’ skillful blending of tones. The protagonist, Tony, displays cold cruelty or raw sorrow in his actions, revealing his struggle to find happiness after a tragic event. Despite his questionable moral choices, Tony captivates the audience due to his complexity. Smart, unconventional, and thoughtfully paced, this series provides an extraordinary, brutal examination of grief, which stands as Ricky Gervais’ most impressive work.

5
‘Fleabag’ (2016 – 2019)

In the series Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge portrays a free-spirited yet melancholic woman residing in London. This character finds herself at a transitional phase between youth and maturity, navigating through life’s challenges with remarkable bravery despite her blunders and setbacks.

A One-Woman-Show

Phoebe Waller-Bridge reached her creative zenith with this captivating series, one of the rare British productions to be nominated for over 10 Emmys that she self-produced. She shines in every scene. However, it’s worth noting that the dramedy’s true standouts are its awkward storylines and exceptional dialogue. You won’t find a moment of boredom here, especially if you aren’t overly conventional.

4
‘The Bear’ (2022 – Present)

In the series titled “The Bear“, Jeremy Allen White portrays Carmen “Carmy” Anthony Berzatto, a promising young chef. Following his brother’s tragic suicide, he finds himself inheriting an Italian beef sandwich shop. However, the responsibilities extend beyond just cooking and selling. The burden of unpaid bills, inadequate facilities, and rebellious employees push him to the brink of exhaustion.

Jeremy Allen White Runs Things Here

Similar to a well-prepared meal, The Bear is carefully made with tender care and understated elegance. It relies on an outstanding, pitch-perfect portrayal from White, who may seem delicate for a head chef but manages to captivate. Some viewers of the comedy-drama have noted its lack of humor at times, yet it excels in every other aspect, a fact that award show organizers have consistently appreciated.

3
‘Dead to Me’ (2019 – 2022)

Under the leadership of former allies turned rivals, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, the series Dead to Me explores a unique friendship that arises between Jen (Christine Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini), following their encounter in a support group for those grappling with loss. While Jen mourns her husband, who was tragically taken by a hit-and-run driver, Judy feigns the death of her fiancé due to a heart attack. In reality, Judy is the one responsible for the hit-and-run accident, and her fiancé had merely abandoned her.

The Lies That Plague Friendships

This unpolished comedy-drama might not appeal to everyone, yet it offers a unique experience for those with an open mind. Similar to numerous productions carrying Will Ferrell’s signature style, it occasionally veers into the absurd and disorienting, but there’s no need to worry. The journey always leads to its intended destination. The energetic, labyrinthine tone perfectly matches the material. What makes this show truly special is its heart and humanity.

2
‘Please Like Me’ (2013 – 2016)

In the series “Please Like Me“, Josh (Josh Thomas), a young man in his 20s, finds it tough to handle the multitude of adult life’s complications. Matters become even more challenging when his girlfriend ends their relationship, but this unfortunate event leads him to an essential self-discovery: he identifies as gay.

Finding Oneself

At the core of “Please Like Me” lies its exceptional cast, each delivering outstanding performances that make Josh’s journey either uplifting or challenging. With its blend of humor and drama, this series remains powerful in portraying the struggles and aspirations of adult life. Crucially, it offers a thoughtful and fulfilling exploration of LGBTQ relationships.

1
‘Atypical’ (2017 – 2021)

16-year-old character Sam, portrayed by Keir Gilchrist in the series “Atypical“, is on the autism spectrum and finds excitement when his therapist informs him that he can start dating. As he delves into the world of relationships, he must become more self-reliant, particularly in terms of reducing his dependence on his mother, Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character. However, it remains to be seen how she will handle this transition, and the show offers insightful solutions to these complex family dynamics.

Pushing To Be Normal

Atypical stands out for its genuine vibe, being both humorous and predominantly inspiring, particularly for individuals who feel hindered by health concerns. Unwaveringly, Sam navigates through societal and physical obstacles in search of a companion. He doesn’t jump over these hurdles to demonstrate anything to others, but because he believes he deserves the finest.

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2025-01-12 20:02