The third season of the series Shrinking debuted this week, following Jimmy’s journey as he copes with his daughter Alice leaving for college and navigates new romantic possibilities. During an interview with Collider after the season premiere, Jason Segel spoke about his role and shared a specific interest in the character portrayed by Gary Oldman in the show Slow Horses, wishing to bring that character into a therapy session. This desire highlights Segel’s enthusiasm for what he calls the “Gary Oldman therapy role.”
Actor’s Desire to Bring Slow Horses’ Character into Shrinking’s Therapy Setting
In the interview with Collider, Segel discussed a variety of topics before the conversation shifted to a question about which TV character he would like to see in Shrinking’s therapy office. The interviewer asked if there was any character from another show that Segel would want to have treated by his character, Jimmy. Segel replied with a focus on Gary Oldman’s work.
“I don’t watch all that much, but I would kill to be able to act with Gary Oldman. His character from Slow Horses, or any character he’s ever played. I would love to therapize his Dracula.”
– Jason Segel, Actor
The interviewer then joked about the possibility of Oldman playing multiple characters in one episode, given his versatility, imagining a unique therapy session with various personas from Oldman’s repertoire.
The Central Themes of Shrinking Season 3 and Jimmy’s Emotional Journey
The Season 3 premiere of Shrinking introduces a pivotal narrative for Jimmy, reflecting his struggle with grief and change. After losing his wife, Jimmy faces the emotional challenge of his daughter Alice’s departure for college. Simultaneously, his boss Paul encourages him to re-enter the dating world, pushing Jimmy to move forward. Segel described Jimmy’s arc this season as a continuation of recovery and confrontation with his new reality.
“We spent Seasons 1 and 2 getting Jimmy to zero, getting him out of this hole of grief and depression he was in. The worst thing happened, and then [in] Season 2 [he was] cleaning up the wreckage that still existed in his life. I think at zero, Jimmy looked forward and realized, ’Oh, my God, everything that I had constructed is going away. My wife is gone. My daughter is leaving.’ I think where we find Jimmy is, ‘Oh, no, did the best part happen? Is the good part of life done? And now I just endure the next 40 years as an observer?’”
– Jason Segel, Actor
“I think some of us have dealt with that, been at a life changing moment or a crossroads, or something significant ends, and you’re like, ‘Well, I guess it’s done.’ And so, yeah, moving forward sounds fun, but it also means stepping into the unknown.”
– Jason Segel, Actor
This reflection emphasizes the psychological depth the show explores, as Jimmy grapples with loss and an uncertain future while seeking ways to rebuild his life.
Availability and What to Expect from Upcoming Episodes
Shrinking’s third season is currently available for streaming on Apple TV, with the premiere already released and the second episode scheduled for the coming Wednesday. The season continues to explore complex emotional themes through Jimmy’s therapy practice, offering a nuanced portrayal of grief, healing, and the challenges of new beginnings.
Jason Segel’s wish to see Gary Oldman’s character from Slow Horses in a therapy scenario adds an intriguing layer to the conversation around Shrinking, connecting two acclaimed performances and hinting at the appeal of deep psychological character studies in television.
