Shrinking – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Shrinking

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2023

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A grieving therapist starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks—surprisingly heartfelt chaos ensues.

96%

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Shrinking

show

TV-MA, 2023

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A grieving therapist starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks—surprisingly heartfelt chaos ensues.

96%

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96%

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Screenwise Verdict

Shrinking is that rare show that's both funny and emotionally intelligent about serious topics. It's not for kids, but for families with older teens (15+), it's actually a great opportunity to talk about mental health, grief, and what it means to be honest with yourself and others.

The premise—a therapist who stops filtering his thoughts—sounds gimmicky, but the execution is surprisingly nuanced. The show doesn't glorify his boundary-breaking; it explores the messy consequences while also showing genuine human connection.

The strong ratings aren't hype—this is legitimately good television. Harrison Ford's grumpy-yet-vulnerable performance alone is worth it. If you're looking for something to watch with your 16-year-old that might actually lead to a real conversation about feelings (without being preachy), this could be it.

Just know what you're getting into: it's TV-MA territory with adult language and themes throughout.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15+ through adults. The mental health themes and emotional intelligence make it particularly valuable for older teens and parents to watch together or discuss, but the adult content (language, sexual references, substance use) makes it inappropriate for younger viewers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A therapy-centered dramedy that explores grief, mental health, and human connection with warmth and humor. Models vulnerability and emotional growth, though adult themes (death, substance use, relationship struggles) mean it's not family viewing. The tone balances comedy with serious emotional content in a way that feels authentic rather than exploitative.

Imaginative

The show brings a fresh take to the therapy genre by having a therapist break professional boundaries and tell patients what he really thinks. It's conceptually clever and written with Bill Lawrence's signature wit, but it's not particularly visually imaginative or world-building focused. More character-driven than creatively groundbreaking.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, and that tracks. Contains adult language, discussions of suicide and death, substance use, sexual references, and mature relationship content. Not graphic or gratuitous, but definitely contains content that would be inappropriate for younger viewers. Apple TV+ has kids mode available, which helps prevent accidental viewing.

Enriching

Genuinely thoughtful exploration of grief, therapy, mental health, and human connection. Shows realistic therapy dynamics (even when the protagonist breaks them), models emotional vulnerability, and deals with complex topics like parenting a teen through grief, navigating loss, and finding meaning after tragedy. Harrison Ford's performance adds gravitas. Strong ratings (94% RT critics, 89% audience, 8.1 IMDb) suggest it resonates.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tackles mental health, grief, and therapy with humor and genuine emotional depth—rare to see this done well
Harrison Ford in a comedy role is unexpectedly delightful and adds real weight to the ensemble
Strong ratings across the board suggest it hits that sweet spot of funny and meaningful
Could spark great conversations with older teens about therapy, processing loss, and emotional honesty
Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Scrubs) knows how to balance heart and humor

⚠

What to Watch For

Rated 15+ for good reason: language, sexual content, substance use, and frank discussions of suicide
The premise involves a therapist breaking ethical boundaries—could be worth discussing why that's complicated
Grief and loss are central themes; not light viewing if your family is processing recent loss
Definitely not family viewing—this is for older teens and adults

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about the therapist telling patients exactly what he thinks? Is that helpful or harmful?"
"How do the different characters deal with grief in the show? Which approach feels most realistic to you?"
"Have you ever wished someone would just tell you the hard truth instead of being diplomatic?"
"What did you think about how the show portrays therapy? Does it make you more or less interested in talking to someone?"

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