Shrinking (2023)

Jimmy is struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a dad, friend, and therapist. He decides to try a new approach with everyone in his path: unfiltered, brutal honesty. Will it make things better—or unleash uproarious chaos?

Harrison Ford's Real-Life Influence: Harrison Ford's character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, navigates life with Parkinson's disease, and in season 3, Michael J. Fox joins the cast portraying a character with the same condition. Fox's casting came about after he playfully asked Shrinking's co-creator Bill Lawrence why he wasn't offered a role in a show about Parkinson's, leading to a meaningful on-screen appearance.
Pasadena as a Character: Shrinking uniquely showcases Pasadena, California, as itself, rather than using it as a stand-in for other locations. The production design consciously highlights the sunny and idyllic nature of the city, contrasting with the characters' internal struggles, creating an interesting juxtaposition.
Costume Storytelling: The show's costume designer, Allyson Fanger, uses clothing to reveal character details. For example, Jimmy's wardrobe features olive/tan and textural fabrics to represent his "wild mess," while Harrison Ford's character sports the "finest fabrics" and perfect colors to reflect his composed nature.
"Sacred Heart" Easter Egg: There are subtle nods to Bill Lawrence's previous shows, particularly Scrubs. For instance, Liz, played by Christa Miller, wears a sweater that says "Sacred Heart," a reference to the hospital in Scrubs.
From Ted Lasso to Shrinking: Brett Goldstein, known for his role as Roy Kent in Ted Lasso, co-created Shrinking and also appears in season 2 as Louis. The showrunners made sure that Goldstein didn't resemble his Ted Lasso character, having him shave his beard and avoid dark colors.