These 10 Shows Are the Perfect Follow-Up to 'Shrinking'

If Shrinking sparks joy in your life, there are certainly other series with similar themes and stories that might provide that same comfort. From comedies with superstar comedians to found family-focused, heartwarming shows, the titles on this list are exactly what you might need after you've finished your Shrinking binge.

'Ted Lasso' (2020–Present)

No show has made us believe quite like Ted Lasso. Featuring Shrinking's Goldstein, the fellow Apple TV series follows Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), an optimistic American football coach hired to manage a struggling English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience with the sport. Bringing an abundance of heart and optimism to the club, Ted brings hope to the hopeless as the team and staff have a reason to believe again. A brilliant ensemble series featuring the likes of Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brendan Hunt, Phil Dunster, and more, Ted Lasso reshaped comedy by reminding audiences that, between smiles and laughs, genuine heartfelt emotions are warranted.

With a focus on kindness, unwavering optimism, and wonderfully pointed emotional depth, Ted Lasso is a comforting escape from reality. It's filled with heartwarming storylines that provide for some great character growth. There's room for redemption and forgiveness for everyone. And when it happens, it warns the heart. Ted Lasso is escapism at its finest. Beyond the Goldstein connection, our titular character experiences his own round in therapy. And yes, they're some of the best scenes of the entire series. Just when we thought Ted Lasso had come to an end, they're back for more! When Season 4 returns this summer, we're going to see a new journey for our favorite characters. One thing's for sure, though, it's destined to keep us smiling from beginning to end.

'Loudermilk' (2017–2020)

Perhaps one of the best shows you never watched was the three-season run of Loudermilk. Created by Peter Farrelly and Bobby Mort, Ron Livingston stars as Sam Loudermilk, a recovering alcoholic, cynical substance abuse counselor, and former music critic living in Seattle. Focusing on his life as he tries to navigate sobriety despite having a notoriously bad attitude, a sarcastic demeanor, and a life that often feels like one step forward, 12 steps back. Balancing dark, often crude humor with sincere, heartfelt moments, Loudermilk is a powerful story of redemption.

Loudermilk may center on Livingston's titular character, but the series is elevated by watching him and his relationships, particularly with his sponsor, Ben Burns (Will Sasso), and his young roommate Claire Wilkes (Anja Savcic). For those who identify with Sam or know someone who has, Loudermilk serves as a safe space. It's a series that champions humor as a form of healing. Sam is flawed and raw, but his journey is something going on with him. The core of the series is a low-stakes hang out dramady. Loudermilk is an easy watch that's nothing short of relatable.

'Somebody Somewhere' (2022–2024)

One of the most underrated series of the last five years is, hands down, Somebody Somewhere. Created by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, the hit HBO series tells the story of Sam (Bridget Everett), a Kansan grappling with her sister's death and struggling to fit into her hometown. After returning to Manhattan, Kansas, Sam finds a new purpose and community through singing, forming deep friendships with outsiders, including Joel (Jeff Hiller). A story about unconventional individuals coming together to create an unconventional family, Somebody Somewhere deals with loss while embracing joy.

A truly honest depiction of friendship, Somebody Somewhere is a gentle dramady that's like a warm hug. These individuals are relatable. They may even be you! What makes the three-season series special is it promised emotional intimacy over wild plot twists. It's a slice-of-life story. There is a lot to connect with this series. Like Sam, music is a saving grace for many of us. Those moments when Everett shares her beautiful voice are when we, as viewers, light up. Somebody Somewhere's time and care in exploring the human condition is exactly what you need should you need a new comfort show.

'Sex Education' (2019–2023)

Don't let the title fool you, the only thing you'll learn while watching Sex Education is the power of human connection. And maybe a bit of why we're obsessed with sex. The hit Netflix comedy follows Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), a socially awkward teenager, as he sets up a sex therapy clinic with Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) to help the students of Moordale Secondary with their sexual problems. Their business becomes a success, but tension arises when Otis finds himself becoming attracted to Maeve, and his mother, Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson), a well-known sex therapist, encroaches on his business. One of the most inclusive series, both in representation and storyline, Sex Education is a sex-positive safe space that brings you back to your high school days.

Sex Education does a sensational job at taking difficult topics and allowing them the space to be properly told safely. Through these topics, including sexuality, identity, grief, assault, and relationships, the characters experience immense growth. Sex Education serves as a reminder that vulnerability is nothing to be ashamed of. Part of why the show hit home was the sensational ensemble cast, which also featured Ncuti Gatwa, Connor Swindells, Aimee Lou Wood, and many more. Even with a wide-spanning ensemble, each character had their story told completely and wholly. It's a bittersweet feeling knowing the show has concluded, because it's a warm, blanket-of-a-series. There's truly no show quite like Sex Education, and there likely never will be again.

'Loot' (2022–Present)

Let's just get it out of the way now: Loot is a hoot. Wonderfully escapist entertainment, the Maya Rudolph-led comedy follows Molly Wells, a woman who reinvents herself through philanthropy after a scandalous $87 billion divorce from her tech mogul husband. Focusing on her journey to connect with the staff at her charitable foundation while navigating her new life and wealth, Loot is an amiable, feel-good show unafraid to tackle the corrosive effects of wealth.

Loot sees a tour de force performance out of Rudolph, who finally gets to lead a comedy. She is expertly crafted in a manner that makes you enjoy her learning about herself, while still struggling with her ego. Rudolph and the entire cast—Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Nat Faxon, Ron Funches, and Joel Kim Booster— bring so much heart while still serving laugh-out-loud humor. As a show about self-discovery and finding happiness in life, Loot continues to serve as a safe source of comfort. With lower stakes and minimal dramatic friction, Loot is a show you can turn right on and be instantly amused.

'Platonic' (2023–Present)

Friendship can be a funny thing. So what happens when two old friends reconnect? Can they bond in a non-romantic way? That's the premise of Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller's quite enjoyable Platonic. The series follows Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and Will (Seth Rogen), who rekindle their friendship after a long rift, leading to chaotic, sometimes destabilizing effects on their personal lives. With themes including the enrichment of friendship and how platonic, opposite-sex bonds can be just as all-consuming and messy as romantic ones, Platonic epitomizes adult friendships of this generation.

There's great stability in Platonic by avoiding the will-they-won't-they concept. Instead, we get to witness Byrne and Rogen having fun and compassion in a different light. The duo has an undeniable dynamic. Platonic is an intimate look at life in your 40s and the hardships that come with failed careers, parenting challenges, and the urge to recapture youth. Though that premise may sound depressing, it's approached in such an accessible manner that the themes aren't daunting. With the warm and sunny locale of Los Angeles, there's an appeal to the brighter imagery that makes it a cozy watch. Platonic is a quick, easy-to-consume series that you won't be able to stop watching once you start.

'Go On' (2012–2013)

You may not remember Go On, which is incredibly shameful because it's one of the most underrated sitcoms taken from us far too soon. Go On is another series centered around grief and finding the individuals to help you through it. Matthew Perry starred as Ryan King, a sports talk radio host, who joins a support group while trying to move on from his late wife's death. Through the help of an eccentric group of characters, Go On highlights Perry's signature witty, sarcastic comedic timing with genuine dramatic depth, reflecting his own life experiences with loss and recovery.

The strength of this series came from Perry and the sensational ensemble, featuring the likes of Laura Benanti, Tyler James Williams, John Cho, Sarah Baker, and Suzy Nakamura. The character-driven single-camera series was one that came far ahead of its time. Creator Scott Silveri knew it as well. When the series was given a DVD release, he shared, "I do feel like it’s one of those shows that…if you could get those numbers now it would run for 30 years." As we fondly remember Perry, Go On truly was one of his career highlights.

'The Shrink Next Door' (2021)

I know what you're thinking. The tone of The Shrink Next Door is quite different from Shrinking. In fact, it's much, much darker. That said, thematically, they have some things in common. Let's discuss. Based on the true story turned into a podcast, The Shrink Next Door is a dark dramedy about the decades-long, exploitative relationship between psychiatrist Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf (Paul Rudd) and his patient, Marty Markowitz (Will Ferrell). The story dives deep into the manipulation Marty experienced as Ike took over Marty's life, business, and Hampton's home. With extraordinary boundaries crossed, The Shrink Next Door tells the bad side of a codependent relationship.

While we see Shrinking's Jimmy aiming to do good for his patients, Ike is on the opposite side of the spectrum. That said, watching Rudd and Ferrell explore some darker comedic acting was quite enjoyable. Their dynamic remains from their time in Anchorman, but the flipped acting styles proved their depth as performers. Further, Kathryn Hahn as Marty's sister, Phyllis Shapiro, and Casey Wilson as Ike's wife, Bonnie Herschkopf, are phenomenal. A truly stranger-than-fiction story, you may not feel a warm hug, but you'll certainly be entertained and appreciate the docs on Shrinking much, much more.

'Kidding' (2018–2020)

Perhaps you forgot that back in the day, Jim Carrey led a short-lived television series. Created by Dave Holstein, Kidding tells the story of Jeff Pickles, a beloved and iconic children's television host of Mr. Pickle's Puppet Time. As his off-camera life spirals, he undergoes a psychological breakdown following personal tragedy, forcing him to reconcile his wholesome public persona with his immense inner rage and sorrow. A dark look should Mr. Rogers had struggled off-camera, Kidding is a surrealistic psychological drama that explores the fragility of celebrity.

Despite the overall sadder themes and tone, Kidding blends whimsy with profound emotional honesty and a richly cathartic story. Kidding is unafraid to approach complex, real-life emotions, helping you understand that even forward-facing individuals experience issues like our own. Carrey is joined by a phenomenal cast, including Frank Langella, Judy Greer, and Catherine Keener, plus some random cameos ranging from Conan O'Brien and Dick Van Dyke to Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator. A unique take on life and grief, Kidding is a series worth rediscovering.

'Tiny Beautiful Things' (2023)

Inspired by Cheryl Strayed's novel, Tiny Beautiful Things is a beautiful examination of how to grapple with life that seems to be crumbling all around you. Starring Kathryn Hahn, Clare, a struggling writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life in turmoil is falling apart. A story about embracing the mess, Tiny Beautiful Things champions the concept that being imperfect is all a part of the human experience. Told through a non-linear narrative, Tiny Beautiful Things explores grief, family, and how broken is a beautiful place to begin.

Tiny Beautiful Things is an accessible series with a relatable character leading the journey. Hahn is on a performance high thanks to her frantic and deeply wry character. Like Shrinking, Tiny Beautiful Things reminds viewers about the difficulty of grief and moving on while serving as a safe haven. With genuine warmth and subtle humor, Tiny Beautiful Things is a compelling watch, whose most complex topics resonate the strongest.