'I'm like a little kid afterwards': Jason Segel reveals his hilarious post-filming ritual

EXCLUSIVE: Shrinking, the Apple TV+ dramedy returns for its highly anticipated third season on January 28 2026 and, star and co-creator Jason Segel says it's finally time for the characters to start walking again, even if they're a bit wobbly on their feet.

"If Season 1 was about grief and Season 2 was about forgiveness, Season 3 is about moving forward," Segel tells 9Entertainment in an exclusive interview.

The series, which Segel co-created alongside Ted Lasso heavyweights Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, has struck a chord with audiences for its "raw-hide" honesty regarding mental health, anchored by Segel's portrayal of Jimmy, a therapist who hit rock bottom after the death of his wife.

"All these characters are trying to step into the next era of their lives," Segel explains. "And how awkward it is to do some of these things for the first time again as an adult, you know?"

For Jimmy, that means navigating a blueprint for life that no longer exists.

"Jimmy had a very clear picture of what his future was gonna be like, and that was taken away from him. So he has to rebuild from zero and do some things he never thought he'd have to do again, like date."

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While the core cast, including a scene-stealing Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams, remains the heartbeat of the show, Season 3 is amping up the star power with some "perfect" casting choices.

Fans of How I Met Your Mother are in for a treat, as Segel reunites with a former co-star who is stepping into a pivotal role.

"We've got Cobie Smulders back, who is just my dream co-star," Segel beams. "I think she's incredible and such a good match for this role of Jimmy's new love interest."

The guest list doesn't stop there, with Hollywood royalty joining the ensemble. "We've also got Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels. It's just a real honour that any of these people want to participate in our show and that they know what it is. I'm very lucky."

Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels joins the series as Jimmy's father.

"There's not more perfect casting," Segel laughs. "We're essentially the same person, but I'm 20 years younger or whatever it is. So, yeah, it's just about perfect."

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Shrinking has earned a reputation for its "emotional whiplash", the ability to make a viewer sob one moment and howl with laughter the next. It's a delicate balance that Segel says is intentional because it mirrors reality.

"I think that our view is that that's what life is like," he says. "We try to capture the tone of life. Life's not a laugh a minute, and it's not a cry a minute, either. It exists between both extremes."

"I think crying during funny moments and laughing during sad moments is a really effective way to tell stories."

Despite the heavy emotional heavy lifting required for the role, Segel says he doesn't take the "work" home with him, though he does have a very specific post-filming ritual to decompress after a big day on set.

"I can wash it off pretty quickly. I actually find it all very invigorating," he says. "I usually just eat a bunch afterwards. I know it sounds like a joke, but I order like four cheeseburgers, like a giant pizza, an ice cream, and just... I'm like a little kid afterwards."

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With Season 3, the stakes are higher, but Segel insists the "vibe" on set remains as close-knit as the chosen family seen on screen. He describes the cast and crew as being "in the same war," driven by a singular goal to make the show as honest as possible.

"I've never seen a group of people so dedicated to making something great," he says.

Ultimately, Segel hopes the new season reminds viewers that while being a grown-up is "trickier than you expect," nobody has to do it alone.

"Life is really trickier than you expect it to be when you go out there as a grown-up and are trying to make your way through the world," Segel says. "It's hard and it's joyful and it's a ride in every sense of the word... it's important to have friends to talk about it with."

Shrinking Season 3 premieres January 28 on Apple TV+. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now. New episodes drop every Monday.

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