Why Jason Segel’s Shrinking Is the Best Possible Replacement for How I Met Your Mother

Over a decade has passed since the beloved series How I Met Your Mother concluded, and while it remains a unique entity in television history, Jason Segel’s new show, Shrinking, is emerging as a compelling alternative for fans. Segel, who played the lovable Marshall Eriksen throughout all nine seasons of HIMYM until its ending in 2014, has since explored various television roles, including significant parts in Dispatches from Elsewhere and Winning Time. However, his most notable comeback in a lead role is in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking.

In this drama-comedy, Segel inhabits the character of Jimmy, a therapist grappling with the profound sadness following his wife’s unexpected passing. While the premise may seem overly somber, the show’s supporting cast injects humor and light-heartedness, striking a balance that keeps the story engaging without overshadowing its profound themes. Shrinking shares multiple resonant themes that fans of How I Met Your Mother may appreciate, especially those looking to move on from the show’s contentious finale.

Similarities Between Shrinking and How I Met Your Mother

Unexpected Commonalities Between the Two Series

While How I Met Your Mother is centered around the charming Ted, played by Josh Radnor, Shrinking showcases Segel in the lead role, backed by an exceptional ensemble cast. The series takes full advantage of its supporting actors, many of whom have established themselves as notable guest stars. Despite its relatively brief run, Shrinking has already welcomed talent such as Wendie Malick, Lily Rabe, Kelly Bishop, and co-creator Brett Goldstein, with Harrison Ford effectively complementing Segel’s character.

Excitingly, Shrinking has been renewed for a third season.

Beyond the cast dynamics, Shrinking presents a narrative thread reminiscent of How I Met Your Mother, delivered through a more somber perspective. While the characters of HIMYM, including Marshall, navigate various life challenges, the central plot is shaped by the death of Ted’s wife, which was pivotal to the character’s development. In contrast, Jimmy’s journey in Shrinking directly stemmed from the traumatic loss of his wife, introducing darker themes of grief. The streaming format of Shrinking allows for an in-depth exploration of these heavy topics, while still honing in on the nuances of relationships and loss.

How I Met Your Mother Nearly Found a Fitting Successor

The Brief Existence of HIMYM’s Official Spinoff

The cast of How I Met Your Father posing together on a couch

Before the inception of Shrinking on Apple TV+, HIMYM fans were introduced to How I Met Your Father, an ambitious spinoff that aimed to fill the gap left by the original series. Released in 2022 on Hulu, this sitcom followed Hilary Duff’s character, Sophie, as she recounts her own journey toward meeting the father of her child, echoing the HIMYM formula. Notably, How I Met Your Father existed within the same universe as HIMYM, featuring cameos from original stars like Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris.

Despite initial enthusiasm, Hulu abruptly canceled How I Met Your Father after just two seasons. While fans hoped for the series to capture more elements reminiscent of its predecessor, the show struggled to establish a lasting connection with audiences, leaving them yearning for a worthy replacement. Thankfully, shows like Shrinking offer a fresh take while still embodying aspects of what made HIMYM so beloved.

Added Appeal for HIMYM Fans in Shrinking Season 2

A Familiar Face from HIMYM Joins Season 2

Cobie Smulders and Jason Segel in Shrinking season 2

If Jason Segel and the rest of Shrinking’s ensemble won’t entice you, fans of How I Met Your Mother will appreciate a special reunion in Season 2, which features a guest appearance from Cobie Smulders in episode 10. This moment brings Segel and Smulders back together a decade after their founding sitcom’s nuanced conclusion. Their delightfully awkward interaction holds the potential for future collaborations, much to the excitement of audiences who adored their dynamic in the original series.

Should Smulders’ character reprise her role in Season 3, it’s plausible to see a budding romance between her and Jimmy, sparked by their undeniable chemistry. Such a twist would be fascinating for seasoned HIMYM fans, particularly given the varied relationships explored in the original series, including the intriguing dynamic between Marshall and Robin that stayed unresolved. Overall, any opportunity for Segel and Smulders to collaborate again is a welcome prospect, enhancing the likelihood of more HIMYM alumni joining the Shrinking cast.

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