As wonderful as Paul (Harrison Ford) and the rest of Shrinking‘s characters are, Derek (Ted McGinley) is the best character in the Apple TV+ series. McGinley was not a series regular in Shrinking season 1, but was promoted for season 2. As the husband of Liz (Christa Miller), Derek initially plays more of a supporting role, and primarily appears to add further comedy. Throughout season 1, Derek gradually becomes more of a fixture in the social dynamics among Shrinking‘s cast of characters.
By the end of Shrinking season 1, Derek manages to become an usher at Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie’s (Devin Kawaoka) wedding and loves every minute of it. Derek gets a more substantial role in season 2, especially now that he is retired and has an abundance of free time on his hands. His increased presence in the series creates new challenges, particularly concerning his marriage with Liz, but Derek still remains Shrinking‘s best character.
Derek Is Shrinking’s Unsung Hero & Best Character
He Is Equally Funny And Lovable
McGinley’s depiction of the calm and level-headed Derek has garnered acclaim in reviews of Shrinking and has endeared him to general audiences. He is a welcome and refreshing juxtaposition from Shrinking‘s many high-strung characters. Derek is able to remain easygoing, cool, and collected while other characters spin out of control. He is a supportive husband and friend while also being unafraid to pursue his niche interests and to freely demonstrate his various quirks.
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While Ford and Jason Segel arguably receive the most recognition for their portrayals of Paul and Jimmy, McGinley deserves just as much recognition for his performance as Derek. The character’s reaction to Shrinking season 2’s Liz twist further cements Derek as one of the show’s best characters, as the normally easygoing character is devastated, but does not let what happened destroy his life. Derek instead uses it as an opportunity to grow as a person and to strengthen aspects of his marriage with Liz that he had been overlooking for too long.
Ted McGinley Never Thought He’d Play A Guy Like Derek
The Role Means A Great Deal To Him
Part of what makes Derek Shrinking‘s best character is also rooted in how much the character means to McGinley. While speaking with People, McGinley revealed that he is “shocked by” the overwhelmingly positive reception to Derek, which makes him “teary-eyed every single time.” He describes playing Derek as “the sweetest spot [I’ve] ever been” in and that “Derek represents light at the end of the tunnel and a warm blanket when you’re on a raft in the middle of a cold.”
Shrinking
would not be nearly as funny or heartwarming if it did not feature the delightful Derek.
Derek comes across as an incredibly genuine, kind, and grateful person. This persona feels even more authentic when knowing that this is the attitude McGinley has in real life about playing the character and about what it means to him in his career. Getting teary-eyed in real life when people say kind things about him playing Derek matches well with Derek getting teary-eyed when his relationship with Liz returns to normal in season 2. Shrinking would not be nearly as funny or heartwarming if it did not feature the delightful Derek.
Source: People
9/10
Shrinking
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
- Release Date
- January 26, 2023
- Cast
- Jason Segel , Luke Tennie , Michael Urie , Lukita Maxwell , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Ted McGinley , Heidi Gardner , Devin Kawaoka , Lilan Bowden , Kimberly Condict , Lily Rabe , Tilky Jones , Rachel Stubington , Wendie Malick , Sawyer Jones , Mike C. Nelson , Matt Knudsen , Kenajuan Bentley , Adam Foster Ballard
- Seasons
- 2
- Directors
- Bill Lawrence
- Showrunner
- Bill Lawrence