Shrinking Season 2: Jessica Williams Talks Stress, Harrison Ford’s Unforgettable Moments, and Gaby’s Journey
As Shrinking Season 2 returns to Apple TV+, Jessica Williams, who earned an Emmy nomination for her role as therapist Gaby, is ready to dive back into the comedic drama, but not without some trepidation. In a candid interview, Williams shared the anxiety she felt reprising her character after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, reflecting on the pressure of maintaining the success she achieved in Season 1.
“I was really stressed for Season 2,” Williams admitted, fearing that her previous success might have been a fluke. The actress, known for her comedic improvisation, expressed concern about whether she could still “hit the notes” that made her character such a standout. However, stepping back onto the set soon reminded her that Gaby’s character was second nature to her. “I got to have a lot of fun,” Williams noted, recalling how she rediscovered the freedom to play around with Gaby’s humor and vulnerabilities.
Shrinking, created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, continues the story of grieving therapist Jimmy (Segel), who begins breaking ethical boundaries by giving his clients unfiltered advice. While the show initially seemed unlikely to return after Season 1, it has proven to be a warm and relatable ensemble piece, with fans and critics praising its unique blend of comedy and heart.
For Williams, Season 2 introduced new dynamics for Gaby, especially in her complex and “messy” relationship with Jimmy, her longtime friend and fellow therapist. “It was really fun because they hired me based on my personality and the chemistry that I already had with Jason [Segel],” she said. The pair’s evolving relationship continues to play a central role in the second season, providing plenty of comedic and emotional moments.
Williams also teased the arrival of a new love interest for Gaby, which has fans buzzing with excitement. Describing the relationship as “sweet,” she’s eager for audiences to see how Gaby’s love life unfolds. Despite the new romance, it’s Gaby’s father-daughter-like bond with Harrison Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, that remains a highlight for Williams.
Speaking of Ford, Williams gushed about working with the legendary actor, calling his performance in Season 2 some of “the most phenomenal acting” she’s ever witnessed. Ford’s portrayal of Paul, a gruff yet lovable therapist and mentor to Jimmy and Gaby, continues to be a fan-favorite. One particularly memorable scene for Williams involved Ford and Wendie Malick, who plays Julie. “Gabby has this obsession with Julie and Paul and would probably love to be in a throuple with them,” she joked, adding that scenes with Ford often “write themselves” due to his incredible talent.
However, not everything in Season 2 went according to Williams’ personal hopes. The actress expressed her disappointment about a scene in the premiere where Gaby abruptly cuts off a musical moment, a callback to the fun carpool karaoke scene in Season 1. “I was really bummed about that,” Williams laughed, jokingly adding that fans should let Bill Lawrence know she wanted that musical moment to continue.
Shrinking Season 2 has not only expanded on the emotional depth of its characters but also delivered plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Critics have praised the show for becoming an ensemble piece, with the characters surrounding Jimmy taking center stage. As Williams pointed out, while Jimmy’s emotional turmoil was a significant focus of the first season, Season 2 has shifted towards exploring the friendships and dynamics among the group of therapists and their extended “family.”
Fans are also treated to more of Gaby’s hilarious and brutally honest friendship with Liz (Christa Miller), Jimmy’s sharp-tongued neighbor. Their banter, particularly a scene involving the erotic power of pine-scented air fresheners, perfectly encapsulates the quirky and unfiltered humor that has made Shrinking a beloved comfort show for many.