Craving more emotionally healing shows to binge after ‘Shrinking?’ We’ve got you covered. Few series capture the messy beauty of human life quite like it, blending humor with deeply introspective storytelling.
Yet, these 10 shows navigate the same themes: life’s challenges, the search for self-discovery, and the complexities of modern relationships with that same balance of heart and wit.
10. Dying For Sex
Based loosely on the life of Molly Kochan, ‘Dying for Sex‘ dramatizes her experience with Stage IV breast cancer. Her diagnosis forces her to reassess everything, prompting her to leave her husband and embark on a journey of sexual and personal awakening. For the first time, Molly begins to explore her own desires.
The series offers an unapologetically refreshing take on finding life in the face of impending death, told through a distinct feminine lens. Michelle Williams stars as Molly, sharing remarkable chemistry with Jenny Slate, who plays her fiercely supportive best friend, Nikki.
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9. Trying
This British comedy series captures the chaotic mess of life with refreshing honesty. At its core, it’s about doing your best, even when nothing goes to plan, and that’s exactly what Nikki and Jason are trying to do. Unable to conceive naturally, they decide to pursue adoption.
But that journey comes with its own challenges, especially while navigating a circle of dysfunctional family and friends. ‘Trying‘ beautifully portrays the realities of modern parenthood, grounded in the sincerity and heart that make it all worthwhile.
8. Fleabag
Already regarded as a modern classic, ‘Fleabag‘ is one of the most candid explorations of self-discovery. After a personal tragedy, a young woman is forced to confront her grief while navigating the chaos of modern life…all while trying to keep a brave face.
With its razor-sharp wit, raw emotional storytelling, and some of the best fourth-wall breaks on screen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s ‘Fleabag‘ makes for the perfect next watch after ‘Shrinking.’
7. The Big C
This early-2010s drama may be more than a decade older than ‘Shrinking,’ but it offers a similarly refreshing take on dealing with heartbreak. Here, the story follows Cathy Jamison, a suburban mother and high school teacher, whose life is upended when she’s diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.
Determined to find humour and happiness, Cathy navigates a dysfunctional family, a demanding career, and the complex emotions that come with her diagnosis.
6. Go On
Matthew Perry returned to the sitcom scene in ‘Go On‘ as Ryan King, a sports talk radio host struggling to cope with his wife’s death. Instead of retreating into grief, he joins a support group.
What follows is an eclectic mix of personalities who become an unexpected source of comfort, highlighting the importance of friendship in the healing process. If you enjoyed Jimmy’s bonds with Gaby, Paul, Liz, Derek, and even Sean in ‘Shrinking,’ you’ll find similar heartwarming connections here.
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5. After Life
Just like Jimmy in ‘Shrinking‘ and many others on this list, Tony is struggling with the death of his wife and the overwhelming grief and depression that follow in ‘After Life.’ At his lowest point, he finds himself consumed by thoughts of self-harm.
That’s when he comes up with a plan: to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he wants, leading to some unexpected consequences. But beneath the dark humor, Tony begins a journey of self-discovery, confronting his inner demons while slowly learning to reconnect with others.
4. Tiny Beautiful Things
This criminally underrated, cozy miniseries is exactly what you need on your lowest days, when you feel lost and start questioning your relationships. When Clara Pierce reluctantly accepts an unpaid, anonymous advice column, she never expects it to genuinely help others.
As she navigates her own anxieties and personal struggles, Clara’s column takes on some of life’s heaviest topics with surprising warmth and charm. The series mirrors that same approach, exploring her life with emotional honesty while maintaining a comforting, lighthearted tone.
3. Kidding
If seeing Jim Carrey in the lead makes you expect another slapstick comedy, ‘Kidding‘ will come as a surprise. The series follows Jeff Pickles, a beloved children’s TV host struggling to cope with the death of his son.
What follows is a quiet unraveling and an attempt to rebuild as Jeff tries to navigate grief and find his way back to some sense of normalcy after a devastating loss. It’s not easy, but the show balances its heartbreak with moments of humor, striking that same delicate blend of comedy and emotional depth that defines Shrinking.
2. Ted Lasso
From the co-creator of ‘Shrinking‘ comes another award-winning series, ‘Ted Lasso.’ Set in the high-pressure world of sports—yes, an environment often defined by toxic conventions—it follows a peculiar football coach who leads with emotional honesty.
Much like ‘Shrinking,’ the show uses unconventional methods and relentless optimism to highlight the importance of mental health. In essence, ‘Ted Lasso‘ is quirky, heartfelt, and deeply human, showing people simply trying their best to navigate life.
1. Dead To Me
Looking for a story about deep female friendships, shared grief, a dash of quirky comedy, and a gripping mystery? ‘Dead to Me‘ should be your next watch. When recently widowed Jen joins a support group, she meets Judy, whose sunny disposition masks her own personal struggles.
The unlikely pair soon find comfort in each other as they navigate grief and personal growth, all while a dark secret surrounding Jen’s husband’s death begins to unravel. The show hooks you within the first 10 minutes and doesn’t let go, delivering a rollercoaster of emotional storytelling, heartfelt bonds, shocking twists, and perfectly hilarious turns of events.
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