Apple TV+ has had a lot of success with its original series offerings likeTed Lasso. One of the streamer’s upcoming comedies,Shrinking, is coming with the help ofTed Lasso’s co-creatorBill Lawrence. Now the comedy series has found one of its directors and another cast member. According toDeadline,James Ponsoldtwill executive produce and be directing multiple episodes of the project, including the pilot.Jessica Williamshas also joined the cast oppositeJason Segel,Christa Miller, andHarrison Ford.
The series follows “Jimmy (Segel), a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives — including his own.” Williams will be playing the lead role of Gaby. Her character is described as a “therapist working in the practice with Dr. Phil Rhodes (Ford) and Jimmy (Segel). She’s all in on anything she’s passionate about, including her friend Jimmy, who she cares for and respects.”
The ten-episode series was created, co-written, and executive produced by Segel. Lawrence andBrett GoldsteinofTed Lassofame are serving as writers and executive producers on the series as well. Additionally,Jeff IngoldandLiza Katzerare also executive producers. Warner Bros. Television is producing the project.
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Williams has had a lot of genre experience throughout her young career starring in comedies likeBooksmartandCorporate Animals. She also stars in the critically acclaimed HBO Max comedy seriesLove Life. However, most mainstream audiences will know the actress from her role as Professor Hicks in the 2018 Wizarding World sequelFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Williams will be reprising that role this month inFantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The actress has also co-written and starred in HBO’s2 Dope Queens.
Ponsoldt on the other hand has recently directed and executive produced the Facebook Watch seriesSorry For Your Loss. Ponsoldt also has comedy experience as he has directed the pilot forMaster of Noneas well as episodes ofShamelessandParenthood. His feature film experience includes directingThe Spectacular Now,The End of the Tour, andThe Circle. Ponsoldt is currently directing the musical drama miniseriesDaisy Jones & The Sixfor Amazon Prime Video.
Because of all this,Shrinkingis shaping up to be another show to look out for on Apple TV+. The concept of the series is very compelling and leaves a lot of room for gut-busting laughs. Given that this is Ford’s first recurring TV role of his career, that also has to speak to the overall quality of this project.
There is a lot of talent behind this series and Ponsoldt and Williams only add to that. Now thatShrinkinghas one of its directors we should hear more news about the project soon like a start date for the production. Until then, there is a lot of comedic content on Apple TV+ like the previously mentionedTed Lassoto keep you busy.
