Shrinking continues. The critically acclaimed comedy series, known for its mix of dark humor and emotional depth, returns with a new season in early 2026. The third season will consist of eleven episodes and premiere on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, on Apple TV. Thereafter, there will be a new episode every Wednesday until April 8, 2026. The series will remain a staple of Apple's growing original programming.
Since its launch in 2019, Apple TV has established itself as a streaming platform focused on original content. Formats like "Ted Lasso," "CODA," and "The Morning Show" have raised its profile. "Shrinking" has also been a permanent fixture in its portfolio since 2023. The series is created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel—names that are no longer unknown in the Apple universe. The first two seasons are already available on Apple TV. Season 3 continues the story of an unconventional therapist who turns his life—and that of his clients—upside down.
Plot of the series
The film centers on a grieving therapist, played by Jason Segel, who decides to abandon his previous professional distance. He begins to tell his patients what he thinks, brutally and openly—without regard for therapeutic standards or ethical rules. This has consequences not only for his professional environment, but also for his own life.
The series combines serious topics such as grief, mental health, and personal change with comedic moments and sharp dialogue. The style remains direct, often sarcastic, but never cynical. This is precisely what has made "Shrinking" one of the most popular series on Apple TV.
The cast remains strong – with new faces
In season 3, Jason Segel not only takes on the lead role, but also serves as co-creator and executive producer. Harrison Ford also remains a part of the series as a colleague and mentor. Familiar faces also return: Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley.
The new season features both returning and new guest appearances. Brett Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, and Cobie Smulders are back. Newcomers include Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox, the latter known not only as an actor but also as an activist.
Production and background
"Shrinking" is produced by Warner Bros. Television in association with Doozer Productions for Apple TV. Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein are under exclusive contracts with Warner Bros. The list of executive producers is extensive and includes Lawrence, Segel, and Goldstein, as well as Neil Goldman, James Ponsoldt, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, Randall Winston, Rachna Fruchbom, Brian Gallivan, Ashley Nicole Black, and Bill Posley.
The series is the third collaboration between Apple, Lawrence, and Warner Bros., following "Ted Lasso" and "Bad Monkey." Apple TV and Goldstein have also collaborated several times—most recently on the film "All of You." Segel also previously starred in an Apple Original Movie: "The Sky is Everywhere."
Release dates
Season 3 consists of eleven episodes. The first feature-length episode will air on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. A new episode will then air weekly, every Wednesday, until the season finale on April 8, 2026. Apple TV now uses this weekly release model for many original series.
Classification on Apple TV
"Shrinking" is part of a growing catalog of Apple TV Originals. Since its launch on November 1, 2019, the service has released exclusively original productions—a unique selling point in the streaming market. Since then, Apple TV has garnered 630 awards and 2,846 nominations. Series such as "Ted Lasso," "The Studio," and films such as "CODA" have received international accolades.
Apple TV's offerings include comedy and drama series, children's programs, documentaries, and feature films. The service is available worldwide and can be used on all common devices.
Apple TV remains true to its formula for success
With Season 3 of "Shrinking," Apple TV is once again focusing on strong content and familiar formulas for success. The combination of familiar characters, socially relevant themes, and humorous undertones is likely to appeal to many viewers again in 2026. The series' return strengthens Apple TV's profile as a provider of high-quality, original series productions. (Image: Apple)
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