‘Shrinking,’ ‘Dead to Me’ and More Emmy-Nominated Comedies Trade in Laughter for Loss
variety.comSharareh Drury From a widowed therapist getting patients off the couch in “Shrinking” to a chef going all-in on his work after a family death in “The Bear,” to unlikely friendships helping people heal in “Dead to Me” and “Only Murders in the Building,” grief and loss loom over most of this season’s Emmycomedy contenders.
Grieving’s painful process takes center stage in Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.” Jason Segel, known for comedic roles in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “How I Met Your Mother,” takes on a darker, yet still humorous role as Jimmy Laird, a psychiatrist mourning the death of his wife.
In an unconventional move for himself and his patients, as well as an attempt to move forward, Jimmy breaks through the monotony of his work by experiencing life with those seeking his help. “He’s building this literal and surrogate family around himself, who are all trying to pull themselves out of grief,” Segel previously told Variety.
The first-time Emmy nominee, who also served as co-creator, executive producer and writer, adds that what Jimmy realizes in the series as he comes to terms with loss is a meaningful takeaway he’s discovered in his own life. “In my life, it has been about is finding like-minded people who make you feel not so isolated and your unique struggles.
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