One of the must-watch dramedies on Apple TV+, Shrinking, returned for its sophomore season in October 2024 and is stirring up all the emotions. After all, it's a series that focuses on mental health and a group of counseling professionals navigating various life changes.
Co-created by Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein, and Bill Lawrence, Shrinking stars Jason Segel as therapist Jimmy Laird, who, after losing his wife, chooses to break the traditional boundaries of therapy. While Jimmy plays the key role, Shrinking is joined by other acclaimed actors from the industry, including Ted McGinley as Derek.
McGinley is seen playing the role of Liz's (Christa Miller) lighthearted husband, Derek, who has been a part of the show since its inception. However, in Shrinking Season 1, Derek doesn't appear as much as other characters, and viewers only see him when Liz needs someone to calm her down and crack a joke.
Read more to know about the character and the actor's career.
Exploring Ted McGinley's character Derek in Shrinking
Fans will remember Ted McGineley's Derek in Shrinking Season 1 for his jokes and calm demeanor. As Liz's retired husband, Derek is mostly around her in the background and appears when she needs his help.
However, in the ongoing season 2, Derek appears more than in the first season, and his presence significantly advances the narrative. This shift has allowed his storyline as Derek to be more than just Liz's husband.
One of the key moments highlighting Derek's meaningful presence is how he helps Gaby (Jessica Williams) with her love life. In simple terms, Derek plays a matchmaker between Gaby and his friend, wanting the best for her.
Derek met Gaby through Liz in the first season, and the two have developed a friendly bond since then. In Shrinking Season 2, viewers can notice how Derek influences other characters and is an active member of the group.
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Not only this, but he's also a highly supportive husband who never questions his wife taking the lead. While Liz often highlights her overly eager side, her husband is a relaxed and thoughtful man.
When Gaby experienced a messy love life and chose to give up, Derek didn't let her. He stepped in to give her all the necessary advice and even tried to connect her with one of his friends, Derrick.
Shrinking Season 2 has impressively shed light on the other side of Derek, and now he's considered among the crucial figures in the show. Other actors working alongside Ted McGinley include Harrison Ford, Wendie Malick, and Heidi Gardner.
Where have we seen Ted McGinley before Shrinking: Exploring the actor's notable projects
Ted McGinley's acting career spans years, as the actor has played numerous roles in various genres. The American actor, whose roots lie in California, is best recognized for his role as Jefferson D'Arcy in Fox's popular sitcom Married... With Children, which ran for eleven triumphant seasons from 1987 to 1997.
Other projects in which McGinley has worked include:
The actor talked about his experience working in Married... With Children in a March interview with Fox News. When asked about catching up with his co-stars, Ted McGinley said:
"If we run into each other, we're very friendly with each other, but I think mostly because I had young kids and a wife. I went on to work in New York... I just keep going forward."
He added:
"But, for example, if Ed O'Neill and I were to run into each other having coffee early in the morning, we would have an amazing time. Or a beer late at night. It would be fun. Same with Amanda. I have run into Amanda. You know, it's just a very unique time."
The actor turned 66 this year in May and remains an active artist in the entertainment industry. Fans will see more of McGinley's Derek in Shrinking Season 2, as the latest chapter has just finished its first five episodes and will run until December 2024.
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