Jason Segel remains in awe of his Shrinking costar Harrison Ford as the show prepares for its Season 2 premiere.
“It’s a dream come true,” Segel, 44, told Us Weekly exclusively during the Rhett & Link’s Wonderhole premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 14. Segel, who has been deeply impressed by Ford’s performance and presence on set, reflects on the collaboration as a highlight of his career. Ford, 82, continues to inspire Segel with his legendary talent and dedication.
After teaming up with Harrison Ford in 2023 for Season 1 of Shrinking, Jason Segel felt he had reached a significant milestone in his acting career. “The thing about working with somebody like Harrison Ford is that if you have any part of your brain that doubts your success or feels things haven’t gone as planned, that voice disappears when you find yourself acting across from him,” Segel explained. “You instantly realize, ‘Oh, my gosh, it all worked out OK, didn’t it?’” For Segel, working with Ford confirmed that his career was on the right track and validated his achievements.
In Shrinking, Jason Segel stars as Jimmy Laird, a grieving psychiatrist who, at his breaking point, begins to give his patients blunt advice and express his true thoughts. Harrison Ford plays Dr. Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist and Jimmy’s colleague, who serves as one of his key sounding boards. Their dynamic is central to the show’s exploration of personal and professional struggles. Season 2 of Shrinking is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, October 16.
Jason Segel has gleaned valuable lessons about his career and life from his friendship with Harrison Ford. Reflecting on their time working together, Segel shared with Us Weekly, “I think that what I have taken from Harrison about longevity is to show up prepared.
Give it everything you’ve got and don’t take any of it for granted.” He admired Ford’s enduring presence in the industry, noting, “Guys who have been around that long have just watched people come and go, and I think that being consistent, caring, and respecting everybody around you goes a long way.” Segel’s experience with Ford has reinforced the importance of dedication and respect in sustaining a long-lasting career.
While working alongside Harrison Ford has been a career highlight for Jason Segel, he revealed to Us Weekly that there’s another iconic figure he dreams of collaborating with: Big Bird!
“I worked with all the Muppets, but he’s on the Sesame Street side,” Segel said with a smile, adding, “I love kids’ stuff.” Segel’s enthusiasm for children’s entertainment is evident, and working with the beloved Sesame Street character would be a dream come true for him.
The comedian teased, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I have maintained a sense of childlike wonder, and the Muppets, Sesame Street, all of those were a big inspiration to me.” Segel enthusiastically urged Us Weekly to “put the word out” about his desire for a potential collaboration with Big Bird, emphasizing his enduring love for children’s entertainment and the impact it has had on him.
In addition to discussing his own projects, Jason Segel expressed his admiration for Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the YouTube hosts who are launching their first scripted series, Rhett & Link’s Wonderhole. The show is set to premiere on Friday, August 23. Segel praised McLaughlin and Neal for their creative work, highlighting his enthusiasm for their new venture and the impact they’ve made in the world of digital entertainment.
“I watch them every morning,” Segel said of Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal’s Good Mythical Morning. “It started a while ago when I realized I wanted to begin my day with something other than news. I wanted to start on a positive note.”
Segel recounted how he had previously gone through “every episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” before discovering Good Mythical Morning. “That’s how I start my day every day now,” he added, highlighting how the show has become a cherished part of his daily routine.