7 Comedies Like ‘Shrink’ to Stream (and Where to Watch Them)
Editor’s Note: This story is from CableTV.com.
We all know the feeling: You’ve watched every episode of “Shrinking,” you’ve fallen in love with Harrison Ford’s angry teaching, and you’re rooting for Jimmy to get his life together. But you’ve watched all the episodes, and now you have a comic-shaped hole in your heart.
If you like a combination of psychological insight, gritty protagonists, and humorous explorations of grief, here are shows that scratch that therapeutic itch – from classics to hidden gems.
1. ‘Ted Lasso’
Where to watch: Apple TV
The vibe: Unrelenting optimism meets emotional baggage.
Why it fits: Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. “The Shrinking” creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein are the masterminds here, too.
While “Shrink” focuses on mental health professionals, “Ted Lasso” focuses on sports, but the DNA is the same. It’s about broken men, father figures, and the power of great kindness. If you haven’t seen it, this is your mandatory homework.
2. ‘Frasier’
Where to watch: Important+
The vibe: High neuroses and slapstick misunderstandings.
Why it fits: Before Jimmy Laird started “Jimmy-ing” his patients, there was Dr. Frasier Crane. If you appreciate a “therapist whose advice you can take”, this is the gold standard.
While “Shrinking” is modern and dirty, “Frasier” is witty and theatrical (though one might argue the new seasons of “Frasier” reboots are getting more dirty), and both delve into the comedic side of psychology and family dynamics.
3. ‘Scrubs’
Where to watch: Hulu
The vibe: Life, death, and antics of the eagle.
Why it fits: Another Bill Lawrence classic. If you like the dynamic between Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Paul (Harrison Ford), you need to witness the first episode: JD and Dr. Cox.
“Scrubs” has mastered the art of navigating from a fantasy sequel to a deeply sad moment in the blink of an eye. It balances the weight of the medical profession with pure absurdity.
4. ‘After Life’
Where to watch: Netflix
The vibe: The grief of criticism with a heart of gold.
Why it fits: Jimmy sets an example because he makes his wife sad; Tony (Ricky Gervais) does the same thing in “After Life.”
Tony decides to punish the world by speaking his mind. It’s darker and more critical than “Shrinking,” but it explores the same question: How do you go on living when your significant other is gone?
5. ‘Loudermilk’
Where to watch: Netflix
The vibe: Offensive disrespect in the basement of a church.
Why it fits: Sam Loudermilk is a substance abuse counselor who is amazingly bad at people skills but incredibly effective. An all-time CableTV.com favorite, the show centers on a support group of misfits who make up a dysfunctional family.
If you like the tight-knit group of patients in “Shrink,” the group dynamics in “Loudermilk” will feel right at home.
6. ‘The Good Place’
Where to watch: Netflix
The vibe: Moral philosophy with a side of frozen yogurt.
Why it fits: “Slimming” is ultimately about people trying to get better. “The Good Place” takes that concept for granted. It follows four people who try to navigate the afterlife to prove they are “good.”
It’s bright, colorful, deeply concerned with ethics and self-improvement, and funny.
7. ‘Man Together’
Where to watch: HBO Max
The vibe: Midwestern melancholy and joy.
Why it fits: This is a quieter, more focused choice. It follows Sam, who is dealing with a mid-life crisis and the death of his sister. He finds his “people” in the local choir.
It captures the specific feeling of “Shrinking” of finding joy and laughter in the midst of great sadness, highlighting the importance of “found family.”
