12 Best TV Shows Like Shrinking – Indian Rupee Forecast

This article contains discussions of mental health and sexual assault.

In January 2023, Apple TV+ debuted a touching new series titled “Shrinking,” produced by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel. Notably, Segel, known for roles in shows like “How I Met Your Mother,” “Dispatches From Elsewhere,” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” takes the lead in this production as Jimmy Laird, a therapist who bends his professional rules by adopting unconventional methods at work. These methods range from something as straightforward as advising a patient to leave an unpleasant partner, to more complex situations.

Jimmy, who is grappling with the loss of his wife and striving to be a good single father to his only child Alice (Lukita Maxwell), is supported by friends and colleagues in navigating his emotions. Some of these individuals include fellow therapists Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford) and Gaby Evans (Jessica Williams), his next-door neighbor Liz (Christa Miller), and his close friend Brian (Michael Urie). These characters, among others, play significant roles in helping Jimmy cope with his personal struggles.

If you’re a fan of “Shrinking” and seeking shows with similar excitement and ambiance, Looper has got your back! A variety of these series were produced by the same creative team, while others delve into mental health topics. Some may not directly focus on mental health but share the same overall tone as “Shrinking.” Just keep in mind to check for trigger warnings with those centered around mental health issues. Enjoy exploring!

Scrubs

As a die-hard TV enthusiast, I’ve got to give a shout-out to Bill Lawrence. While “Spin City” may have kicked off his career, he truly made his mark with the creation of “Scrubs.” This hilarious series is steered by Dr. John Dorian, portrayed by Zach Braff, but J.D. wouldn’t be J.D. without his incredible crew — Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison), Dr. Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke), nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes), and the reluctant mentor, Dr. Perry Cox, played by John C. McGinley, who you might recognize from “Platoon” or “Office Space.” Interestingly enough, Christa Miller, who plays Perry’s partner Jordan, has been part of Lawrence’s life since 1999, as they tied the knot in real life!

In the TV series “Scrubs,” J.D., along with his fellow doctors and associates, juggle both caring for patients and managing their turbulent personal affairs. To keep things interesting, J.D.’s mind often wanders into imaginative daydreams that are visually captivating. Despite its humorous aspects, “Scrubs” is a genuinely emotional show that has a keen sense of humor, demonstrating Bill Lawrence’s ability to blend comedy and emotion, a skill he showcased years prior to the release of “Shrinking.

Ted Lasso

Discussing a dash of quirkiness, “Ted Lasso” is not just a hint but an entire warehouse filled with it. Originally conceptualized by Jason Sudeikis for NBC Sports as a light-hearted character commentating on England’s Premier League, “Ted Lasso” was brought to life by Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly and premiered on Apple TV+ in August of 2020. At that time, everyone was yearning for a positive, heartwarming series to lift their spirits. The show begins with the arrival of the main character Ted (Sudeikis) and his assistant Coach Beard (Hunt) in England, where they take up coaching a struggling soccer team, AFC Richmond. However, both Ted and Coach Beard are oblivious to the fact that they were only hired by the team’s owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) as a means of sabotage since she won the team from her ex-husband during their acrimonious divorce, hoping Ted’s leadership would ultimately destroy the team.

– Ted manages to win over everyone, even Rebecca, who starts cheering for Richmond. This unexpected support, combined with his unconventional strategies, leads the team to perform better than expected. However, as the series progressed, “Ted Lasso” saw a decline in quality, particularly in its third and potentially last season. Nevertheless, a strong supporting cast consisting of Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, and Nick Mohammed kept viewers engaged throughout, and it’s plausible that we wouldn’t have “Shrinking” if Lawrence and Goldstein hadn’t collaborated on “Ted Lasso.

Bad Monkey

If you’re truly immersing yourself in Bill Lawrence’s television productions and want to make the most of your Apple TV+ subscription, give “Bad Monkey” a try. This series debuted on the platform in August 2024 and is an adaptation of Carl Hiassen’s 2013 novel with the same title. The story revolves around Andrew Yancy (played by Vince Vaughn), who works as a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys, but his past as a detective comes into play when a dismembered arm appears on the shores of the Sunshine State. As he becomes entangled in a murder investigation, Andrew teams up with medical examiner Rosa Campesino (Natalie Martinez) to unravel the mystery. Comedic actors Rob Delaney, Meredith Hagner, and Alex Moffat contribute well to the supporting cast, offering Vaughn ample opportunities for engaging performances as Andrew.

The series ‘Bad Monkey’ represents a slight shift in tone from Lawrence’s typical work, as he doesn’t often delve into topics as dark as murder or dismemberment. However, it’s refreshing to witness the creator stretching his creative abilities, and the show is enjoyable due to its exceptional acting and clever humor. If you’ve recently finished ‘Shrinking,’ consider adding ‘Bad Monkey’ to your watchlist for a humorous change of pace.

Cougar Town

A humorous television series titled “Cougar Town” was created by Bill Lawrence, following his successful work on “Scrubs.” This show brought Courteney Cox back to television screens. The show, initially airing from 2009 to 2015 on ABC and later TBS, featured Cox as Jules Cobb, a divorcee and single mother adjusting to life after parting ways with her husband Bobby (played by Brian Van Holt). The title “Cougar Town” originated from the first season, where Jules mostly dated younger men, reinforcing the “cougar” stereotype. However, as the series progressed, she began dating men closer to her age and even remarried after falling in love with her friend and neighbor Grayson Ellis (Josh Hopkins). Christa Miller plays Jules’ best friend and neighbor Ellie, a stay-at-home mom who was once a high-powered lawyer. Busy Philipps appears as Jules’ coworker at the real estate firm, Laurie Keller, adding comic relief to the show.

Although the title “Cougar Town” might seem unappealing at first glance, this show abounds with hilarious recurring jokes such as Jules’ affection for her oversized wine glasses, each one named distinctly. The cast harmoniously complements one another, much like in other shows created by Bill Lawrence. It is heartwarming, amusing, and definitely worth rewatching, despite the title potentially being a bit off-putting (and also not accurately depicting the show’s overall content).

Nobody Wants This

Initially, it might seem that the 2024 Netflix series “Nobody Wants This” bears little resemblance to “Shrinking.” However, upon closer inspection, they share a common theme: both depict characters navigating relationships and finding love despite their personal struggles and differences. In the former show, when popular podcast host Joanne (played by Kristen Bell) encounters an attractive man named Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) at a dinner party, she’s instantly smitten. Things become slightly complicated when it is revealed that Noah is a rabbi, and Joanne, who is not Jewish, finds herself torn between being captivated by his kindness and experiencing cultural shock as Noah’s family reacts negatively to their relationship.

In the heartwarming moment from “Nobody Wants This”, Noah assures Joanne that he can manage her, following her comment about being too challenging in relationships. Such a scene could easily fit into a series like “Shrinking”. If you’re seeking a romantic show reminiscent of “Shrinking”, this one is highly recommended.

Stick

In 2025, Jason Keller’s creation “Stick” debuted on Apple TV+, marking Owen Wilson’s return to television following his run on Disney+’s “Loki.” Wilson plays Pryce Cahill, a former professional golfer who now works at a golf store. When he sees an exceptionally skilled young man named Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager) playing golf, he decides to guide the amateur onto the tour. Accompanied by his old friend and ex-caddy Mitts (Marc Maron), Pryce aims to demonstrate to his ex-wife Amber-Linn Sobeck (Judy Greer) that they don’t have to sell their former home, and he embarks on a journey to mold the untested but gifted Santi into a prodigious golfer. The series is enjoyable as we watch Pryce pursue his mentoring endeavor.

In the same light-hearted and carefree manner found in Bill Lawrence’s productions, “Stick” shares its humor. On “Shrinking”, Paul serves as a mentor to Jimmy, much like Pryce does for Santi. Moreover, it’s conveniently available on Apple TV+, making it simple to watch right after “Shrinking.

Dispatches From Elsewhere

If you find Jason Segel’s acting captivating in “Shrinking,” then consider watching “Dispatches from Elsewhere,” a series he produced for AMC. This show is inspired by the documentary film “The Institute” directed by Spencer McCall, which tells the story of The Jejune Institute, an immersive alternate reality game that took place in San Francisco in 2008. In this show, Segel plays Peter, a man feeling unfulfilled in his ordinary life. However, when he and strangers Fredwynn (Andre Benjamin), Simone (Eve Lindley), and Janice Foster (Sally Field) are mysteriously drawn into the Jejune Institute, their lives take an unexpected turn. As they encounter Octavio Coleman, Esq., the institute’s leader played by Richard E. Grant, the plot becomes even more intriguing.

In Philadelphia, Segel both directed and filmed the series, skillfully employing the city’s art-filled landscape to enhance the intricate unfolding of the show’s main enigma. Given that “Shrinking” and “Dispatches from Elsewhere” have little in common thematically, Segel’s versatility as an actor is evident – a versatility that also underscores his continued prowess as a writer and creative force within the industry. Notably, this one-season miniseries concludes with resolution at the end of its narrative arc.

Platonic

On Apple TV+, there are numerous undiscovered treasures waiting to be discovered, such as “Shrinking.” However, you may not be aware of another delightful comedy called “Platonic,” which is also available on the platform and was crafted by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller. There are a few subtle links to “Shrinking” in this series; for instance, Nicholas Stoller frequently works with Jason Segel, who directed Segel’s romantic comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” and the lead actor Seth Rogen previously co-starred on “Freaks & Geeks” with Segel. In “Platonic,” Rogen teams up once more with his “Neighbors” collaborator Rose Byrne, portraying platonic best friends Will and Sylvia, whose longstanding, non-romantic bond frequently perplexes those around them.

Following the revival of their long-standing friendship after Will’s divorce, they both grapple with the complexities arising from their bond, notably concerning Sylvia’s spouse Charlie (Luke Macfarlane) and Will’s controversial relationship with Peyton (Emily Kimball). In “Shrinking,” we observe the journey of best friends Liz and Jimmy navigating life together, and the dynamic between Will and Sylvia on “Platonic” is somewhat reminiscent.

Dying for Sex

The show “Dying for Sex,” set to air on Hulu in 2025, tackles challenging themes such as mental health issues, grief, death, and chronic illness, much like “Shrinking.” However, it approaches these heavy topics with a blend of humor and compassion, similar to the series. The show is based on the life experiences of the late Los Angeles podcaster Molly Kochan and is co-created by Elizabeth Meriwether (“New Girl,” “The Dropout”) and Kim Rosenstock. Michelle Williams, an Emmy winner and Oscar nominee, plays Molly, a woman who discovers she has Stage IV metastatic breast cancer and leaves her unhappy marriage with Steve (played by Jay Duplass). In the wake of this revelation, Molly embarks on a journey of sexual self-discovery, supported by her best friend Nikki Boyer, portrayed charmingly by Jenny Slate.

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“Dying for Sex” offers an astonishingly beautiful portrayal of cherishing the time left, with Williams and Slate providing a remarkable performance as they delve into uncharted sexual territories while grappling with the omnipresence of death. Similarly, “Shrinking” presents humor but addresses a weighty issue, much like “Dying for Sex.

Tiny Beautiful Things

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s book “Tiny Beautiful Things,” a Hulu miniseries that premiered in 2023 is titled “Tiny Beautiful Things.” Starring the exceptional Kathryn Hahn as Clare Pierce, who assumes the role of an advice columnist despite her own tumultuous life. Alongside her husband Danny Kincade (Quentin Plair), daughter Rae (Tanzyn Crawford), and best friend Amy Adler (Michaela Watkins), Clare endeavors to provide sound guidance to those in need, all while grappling with her own inner battles. Frequently drawing upon her personal hardships, Clare finds a way to empathize with her readers, offering them solace and wisdom.

In ‘Shrinking,’ we find a character who advises others on life decisions despite grappling with their own personal struggles – and this intriguing paradox creates compelling viewing experiences. To top it off, it’s starring Hahn! What else could you possibly ask for in a miniseries?

You’re the Worst

A bitingly humorous romantic tale that delves deep into mental health issues, “You’re the Worst,” developed by Stephen Falk, debuted on FX in 2014 and later shifted to its related network FXX in 2015, concluding in 2019. The narrative commences with the introduction of Jimmy Shive-Overly (Chris Geere), a British misanthropic writer, and Gretchen Cutler (Aya Cash), who attend the same wedding and encounter each other. While Jimmy smokes a cigarette, Gretchen attempts to pilfer a gift, only to discover it’s a toaster, leaving her disappointed as she had hoped for a blender. Despite their mutual disdain for most things, they spend the night together, eventually recognizing that they don’t despise each other. In defiance of all odds, they embark on a tumultuous relationship, with Jimmy’s roommate and friend Edgar Quintero (Desmond Borges) and Gretchen’s eccentric best friend Lindsay Jillian (Kether Donohue) attempting to keep them together.

In the second season, the topic of mental health comes into play as Gretchen experiences a breakdown while stuck at Jimmy’s house during the LA Marathon. The show tackles Gretchen’s clinical depression sincerely yet candidly. Initially, Jimmy finds it hard to believe, but when Gretchen explains that he can’t “cure” her depression, it resonates with anyone dealing with similar issues. Despite being crude, crass, and sometimes bitter, the series is also endearing and surprisingly romantic, much like the show “Shrinking.” Both shows present mental health in a genuine and authentic way.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” stands out as a uniquely humorous series that explores deep psychological challenges, crafted by Rachel Bloom who plays the lead character Rebecca Bunch. The show begins with a witty opening number poking fun at its title while simultaneously acknowledging it’s more complex than it seems. In the midst of her high-pressure job as a lawyer in New York City and being heavily medicated, Rebecca encounters Josh Chan (Vincent Rodriguez III), her past summer camp crush. This unexpected meeting ignites an intense infatuation that leads Rebecca to relocate from New York to West Covina, California, where Josh resides (a place often reminded that it’s just a stone’s throw away from the beach).

As “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” progresses, it certainly delves deeper into complexity. The character Rebecca Bunch grapples with severe mental health issues, yet she manages to cope and grow thanks to her close-knit group of friends – Paula Proctor (Donna Lynne Champlin), Heather Davis (Vella Lovell), and Valencia Perez (Gabriella Ruiz). Her diagnosis journey is a challenging one, but they stand by her side throughout. Interestingly, this series is musical in nature, with catchy tunes like “The Sexy Getting Ready Song” or “Heavy Boobs,” that add a touch of levity to the otherwise heavy themes it explores.

If you’re struggling with mental health issues, or if someone close to you is, reach out to Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741. Alternatively, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-6264, or explore resources on the National Institute of Mental Health’s website.

2025-06-22 13:32