Watch Shrink

Shrink was a dark comedy television series that premiered on the streaming service Seeso in 2017. Created by Tim Baltz and Ted Tremper, the show followed the life of David Tracey, a newly licensed psychotherapist who sets up his own practice in Chicago. David Tracey, played by Tim Baltz, is a recent graduate of the therapist program at Loyola University, and a compulsive overthinker who has trouble forming genuine connections with others. Despite his lack of experience, he is determined to make a name for himself in the world of therapy, and sets up his own practice in a dingy, run-down office space.

The show does an excellent job of exploring the life of a therapist, including the pressure, the ethical dilemmas, and the hilarious moments that can happen when trying to help others. David is constantly trying to balance his personal life, including his rocky relationship with his girlfriend Jenna, played by Sue Gillan, and his professional life, where he struggles to attract clients and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

As the show progresses, David's life slowly spirals out of control as he finds himself giving questionable advice to his patients, becoming too emotionally involved in their personal lives, and getting caught up in a tangled web of lies. However, despite his many missteps, David remains a likable character, and his earnest desire to help others shines through, even when he is making mistakes.

One of the show's strengths is its use of a talented ensemble cast, who each bring their own unique style to the show. Alongside Tim Baltz and Sue Gillan, the show features a range of hilarious and eccentric characters, including David's best friend Ben, played by Ted Tremper, who works as a window cleaner and has a habit of getting into ridiculous situations, and David's landlord Julius, played by Hugo Armstrong, who constantly belittles David and has a penchant for interrupting his therapy sessions.

The show also features a range of guest stars, including Mary Holland, who plays a client struggling with anxiety, and Kumail Nanjiani, who plays a successful tech entrepreneur with a secret to hide.

Another unique aspect of Shrink is its use of clever editing and visual gags to enhance the humorous moments in the show. For example, David's therapy sessions with his clients are often interspersed with surreal dream sequences and absurd cutaways that provide a welcome respite from the heavy subject matter.

The show is not afraid to tackle difficult topics, including mental illness, addiction, and relationships, but it manages to do so with sensitivity and humor. The characters are complex and flawed, and their struggles feel real and relatable, even when they are being played for laughs. The show's writers, including Tim Baltz and Ted Tremper, bring a unique voice to the world of comedy, and their smart, quirky writing helps to make Shrink a standout series.

Overall, Shrink is a must-watch for fans of dark comedy who are looking for something unique and fresh. The show's exploration of the world of therapy is both poignant and hilarious, and the talented ensemble cast makes every episode a joy to watch. The show's cancellation after just one season was a disappointment for many fans, but the legacy of Shrink lives on as a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of the human psyche.

Shrink is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on March 16, 2017.

Where to Watch Shrink