Shrinkingstar Courtney Taylor has shared why she believes the Apple TV+ show is so different from the average comedy series.The Emmy-nominatedShrinkinghas made waves since its debut in 2023, lauded for its portrayal of grief, anger, shame, forgiveness, and unconventional yet hilarious family dynamics.
With a found family made up of three very different therapists – Jimmy (Jason Segel), Gabby (Jessica Williams), andPaul (Harrison Ford)– as well as Jimmy’s daughter, one of his patients, his neighbors, his best friend from college, and his friends' other family members, the show doesn’t shy away from showing love in all its different forms.
This extends to Gabby’s sister, Courtney, and their somewhat strained relationship with their mother, who needs additional at-home care. Courtney Taylor, who portrays Courtney on the show, explained what makesShrinkingsuch a compelling narrative to be a part of beyond getting to stretch her comedic muscles.
In an interview withScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns about her recent Prime Video show,Ballard, Taylor described what she loved most about her time onShrinkingso far:
“Season 2 was so great. I loved being Gabby’s annoying little sister. I think that is just such a fun character to play, but also, too, I think it gave me an opportunity to do something a little bit different. Like, yes, I leaned into my comedy, but the backstory behind her is so in-depth, and that’s what I think Shrinking does a really good job with. Allowing yourself to laugh, to keep from crying, while also really tackling some tough subjects.”
Taylor went on to praise her co-star, Jessica Williams, and shared how Williams made her time on set so comfortable and exciting:
And oh my gosh, what an honor it was to work with Jess. She’s so giving when it comes to really working with her characters and working with the people she’s working with. I always felt so comfortable on set with her, so season 2 was absolutely amazing. It was so nice working with them.
What Courtney Taylor’s Comments Say About Shrinking’s Legacy
The Character Work On Shrinking Is Incredible
Much like other Apple TV+ Emmy-winnerTed Lasso,Shrinking’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of difficult subject matter. Taylor is right; laughing and crying sometimes go hand in hand, allowing us to view our lives and the lives of those around us with more empathy and kindness.
Shrinking doesn’t shy away from the dark and the dour. Paul’s diagnosis and Jimmy’s nearly insurmountable grief could have easily made the show feel small and depressing, yet the relationships between the characters give us that all-important hope.
Gabby and Courtney find common ground and support each other despite their mother’s needs. Jimmy’s daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell), manages to forgive the man responsible for her mother’s death and even convinces her father to help him, too. All the while, these characters make each other and the audience laugh. What’s more human than that?
Our Take On Shrinking’s Legacy
Shrinking Has The Perfect Balance Of Humor And Heart
Shrinkingis one of those shows that’s easy to miss but impossible to ignore once you’re aware of it. It’s both hilarious and profound, comforting yet challenging.
AsShrinkingheads into season 3, especially with Michael J. Fox’s upcoming guest role, the series will undoubtedly hit an all-time emotional high as it further explores Paul’s life with Parkinson’s. IfShrinkingcan keep up that unparalleled balance of humor and genuine human connection, there’s no telling what the Apple TV+ show will be able to accomplish.
