Honestly, we all need a little more "psychological vigilantism" in our lives right now. If you've spent any time with Jimmy, Paul, and Gaby, you know that the Apple TV+ hit Shrinking is less of a sitcom and more of a warm, chaotic hug that occasionally punches you in the gut. After that massive Season 2 finale, everyone is asking the same thing: what is the Shrinking Season 3 release date, and how long do we actually have to wait?
Good news first. It's happening. Apple officially greenlit the third installment back in October 2024, right when Season 2 was just starting to kick into gear. Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein aren't going anywhere. But because of how TV production cycles work—especially for high-polish streaming shows—the timeline is a bit of a moving target.
What we know about the Shrinking Season 3 release date right now
Predicting a streaming premiere is a bit like Jimmy’s therapy style: it’s messy, but we can find the truth if we look at the patterns. Season 1 debuted in January 2023. Season 2 followed in October 2024. That’s roughly a 21-month gap, though that was heavily impacted by the dual Hollywood strikes that shut down the industry for months.
Without a strike in the way, the turnaround should be faster. Most industry insiders and production schedules suggest that filming will likely take place throughout the first half of 2025. If they wrap by summer, post-production usually takes another four to six months.
Basically, we are likely looking at a Shrinking Season 3 release date in late 2025 or, more realistically, early 2026.
It’s a wait. I know. But considering the quality of the writing, it’s a wait that usually pays off. Apple tends to favor a Wednesday release schedule for their prestige comedies, so keep your mid-week nights open once the official trailer finally drops.
The cast isn't changing (thankfully)
Can you imagine this show without Harrison Ford? You can’t.
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Paul Rhodes is the grumpy, Parkinson’s-battling heart of the show, and Ford has seemingly had the time of his life playing him. He’s confirmed to return, alongside Jason Segel’s Jimmy Laird. Jessica Williams, who plays Gaby, has become the absolute breakout star of the series, and her evolving "friendship" with Jimmy is almost certainly going to be a focal point of the new episodes.
Then you’ve got the supporting players who make the show feel lived-in:
- Luke Tennie as Sean (whose growth has been the most grounded part of the show)
- Michael Urie as Brian (Everything is fine!)
- Christa Miller as Liz (the neighborhood’s resident nosy-but-loving enforcer)
- Ted McGinley as Derek (who finally got some real screen time in Season 2)
There’s also the question of Brett Goldstein. After his guest spot as the man who killed Jimmy’s wife in a drunk driving accident, his presence looms large. Whether he stays on screen or stays behind the scenes as a writer/executive producer is one of the bigger mysteries heading into the new season.
Why the Season 2 ending changes everything for Season 3
If you haven’t finished Season 2, look away. Seriously.
The finale shifted the entire "grief-com" dynamic. For two seasons, we watched Jimmy try to heal from the loss of his wife, Tia. We watched Alice (Lukita Maxwell) try to find her footing. But the bombshell involving Grace (Heidi Gardner) and her abusive boyfriend changed the stakes from "unconventional therapy" to "potential legal and ethical catastrophe."
Season 3 won’t just be about Jimmy being a "raw" therapist. It’s going to have to deal with the fallout of his methods. When you tell a patient to move forward at any cost, you’re responsible for where they land.
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Paul’s health is the other ticking clock. Watching a legendary actor like Ford portray the nuances of Parkinson’s has been profound. It’s not just a plot point; it’s a character study on aging and legacy. We can expect Season 3 to lean harder into Paul’s relationship with his daughter and his deepening bond with Jimmy, who has become a surrogate son in many ways.
The "Bill Lawrence" effect on the timeline
Bill Lawrence is a busy man. Between Shrinking, Ted Lasso rumors, and Bad Monkey, his plate is overflowing. However, Shrinking is clearly a passion project for this specific trio of creators. They’ve gone on record saying they have a three-season plan, though the show's success might push it beyond that.
The writing process for Season 3 began almost immediately after the renewal. Lawrence is known for a "get it done" work ethic that keeps productions moving efficiently. Unlike some prestige dramas that take three years between seasons (looking at you, Stranger Things), Apple’s comedy wing tries to keep the momentum going.
What to do while you wait for the premiere
While the Shrinking Season 3 release date remains a speck on the horizon, there are ways to fill the void.
- Rewatch with a focus on Liz and Derek. Ted McGinley’s performance is a masterclass in "less is more." Once you realize Derek is the most stable person in the entire show, the rewatch becomes a different experience.
- Check out "Bad Monkey." Also on Apple TV+, also from Bill Lawrence. It has that same sun-drenched, witty, slightly cynical but ultimately hopeful vibe.
- Dive into the soundtrack. The music in Shrinking is curated with surgical precision. From Ben Gibbard’s theme song to the various indie tracks that close out the episodes, the playlist is a great way to stay in that headspace.
Real-world therapy vs. Jimmy Laird
One of the reasons the show resonates—and why the wait for Season 3 feels so long—is that it tackles mental health without being clinical. Real therapists, like those featured in Psychology Today critiques of the show, often point out that Jimmy would have lost his license in Episode 1.
But that’s the point.
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The show explores the "what if" of radical honesty. As we approach the new season, expect more nuance regarding the boundaries between therapist and patient. The show is maturing. It started as a show about a guy who lost his wife; it’s turning into a show about how a community holds itself together when everyone is a little bit broken.
Final thoughts on the upcoming season
We don't have a day and month yet. We have a window. And that window is currently pointing toward a year-long wait from the end of Season 2.
Keep an eye on Apple’s social media feeds around June 2025. That’s usually when they start dropping "First Look" photos for their fall/winter slate. If we see Jimmy and Paul back in those office chairs by then, we know we’re on track for a late 2025 arrival.
Until then, sit in the "dip." Jimmy Laird would tell you it’s the only way to get to the other side. Just maybe don't take all of his advice literally.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your Apple TV+ subscription settings to ensure you’re notified of "New Season" alerts. Follow Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel on social media, as they are notoriously bad at keeping secrets and often post behind-the-scenes photos from the set once production officially begins. If you’re looking for similar emotional beats in the meantime, Ted Lasso (for heart) or After Life (for the darker side of grief) are the best thematic companions to hold you over until the official Shrinking Season 3 release date is announced.