Damon Wayans Jr.'s Shrinking Season 2 Character Explained & What It Means For Gaby

Warning: This article contains spoilers from Shrinking season 2, episode 4, "Made You Look."

Damon Wayans Jr. makes his Shrinking debut as a new character poised to have a significant impact on Gaby (Jessica Williams) in future episodes. Wayans joins Shrinking's growing cast of characters in season 2, which has also introduced Louis (Brett Goldstein) and Gaby's sister, Courtney (Courtney Taylor). Even though Gaby has been a main character since the series began, it was not until season 2 that more of her family life was explored.

Gaby is navigating a strained relationship with her sister while deciding how best to take care of their mother and her needs. These issues are on top of Gaby balancing her work as a therapist with her newer job as a college professor, in addition to ending her sexual relationship with Jimmy (Jason Segel). As Gaby deals with these many challenges post-Shrinking season 1, she meets Wayans' character, who may be exactly what she needs during this stressful time in her life.

Damon Wayans Jr. Plays Derrick #2 In Shrinking

He Is Friends With One Of Shrinking's Best Characters

Wayans is introduced as Derrick in Shrinking season 2 — a good friend and former colleague of Derek (Ted McGinley). Derrick makes the perfect entrance as Gaby says, "I want a Derek," after he makes a comforting comment to Brian (Michael Urie), which is followed by Derrick entering the room. Given Gaby's breakup with Jimmy and her many current stressors, Derek and Liz (Christa Miller) want to help Gaby, and they believe that she and Derrick would be great for each other.

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Much like Derek, Derrick is easygoing, friendly, and kind. Despite these positive traits and his considerable charm, Gaby is initially resistant to Derek and Liz's transparent setup. When she leaves to go to her teaching job, Derrick apologizes for blocking her car in with his own, leading Gaby to tell him that "It's all good, Derrick Number Two." Before getting into their cars, they spend more time talking, joking, and getting to know each other, which is likely going to be important to future episodes in Shrinking season 2.

Derrick & Gabby's Quick Connections Hints At A New Romance In Shrinking Season 2

They Are A Great Fit For Each Other

It quickly becomes clear that Derrick and Gaby have a lot in common and it doesn't hurt that they already have great chemistry. They have similar senses of humor and have no qualms about playfully teasing each other, from Derrick's sunglasses to the "breakup box" that Gaby is carrying. Their connection is further strengthened when Derrick goes over to Gaby's house in the morning, answers the phone for her when she does not want to do so and takes care of a few household matters when Gaby has to rush out after learning her mother is in the hospital.

This episode has set the foundation for Derrick and Gaby to become a romantic pair as Shrinking season 2 continues. As Derek explained to Gaby, she does a great job taking care of other people, including her patients, students, friends, and family, but she also deserves to have someone who can take care of her, and Derrick could be that person. Shrinking season 2 already expanded Derek's role by making him a series regular, and now the Apple TV+ show features the equally likable Derrick as well.

In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.

Cast Jason Segel , Luke Tennie , Michael Urie , Lukita Maxwell , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Ted McGinley , Heidi Gardner , Devin Kawaoka , Lilan Bowden , Kimberly Condict , Lily Rabe , Tilky Jones , Rachel Stubington , Wendie Malick , Sawyer Jones , Mike C. Nelson , Matt Knudsen , Kenajuan Bentley , Adam Foster Ballard

Release Date January 26, 2023

Seasons 2

Directors Bill Lawrence

Showrunner Bill Lawrence