Ted McGinley and Damon Wayans Jr. in season 3 of “Shrinking”
Apple TV
With a stellar ensemble cast, Apple TV’s Shrinking series continues to capture the hearts and minds of its viewers from all walks of life. Centered around a group of friends, family and co-workers, as they navigate the highs-and-lows of life together, the 9-time Emmy-nominated comedy series has returned for its third season – with season four announced earlier this week.
Alongside co-stars Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Jessica Williams, Lukita Maxwell, Luke Tennie and Harrison Ford, you will find actor Ted McGinley, who continues to play the happy-go-lucky neighbor, Derek. What began as just a bit role in the pilot episode of Shrinking for this longtime actor, who is previously known for his acting work in such projects as the Revenge of the Nerds films, Married with Children and Hope & Faith, McGinley, 67, has gradually become a fan-favorite character on the Apple TV/Warner Bros. Television series, with his quick wit and compassionate charm around everything that is put in his path.
Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Damon Wayans Jr., Harrison Ford, Michael Urie and Wendie Malick in season three of “Shrinking”
Apple TV
While sitting down with McGinley for a new conversation, I expressed to him that he is (to many Shrinking fans) the subtle “glue” of this series and a secret weapon within this gifted cast of actors.
“You know, that just fills me up with so much love,” McGinley said.
Ted McGinley and Jason Segel in the pilot episode of “Shrinking”
Apple TV
While speaking about his Shrinking character’s evolution from a rather small, supporting character to now a pivotal and beloved presence on-screen, McGinley said, “When I started, I didn’t even know I’d be back the second week. I was literally doing a walk-on – just walking the dog. I had no idea – I had no background, nothing on him because he was so periphery, but [Shrinking co-creator] Bill Lawrence gave me a bit of advice. He said, ‘Listen – he’s going to say some stuff that may sound a little angry or whatever. Don’t do it angry – do it nice.’ And so, I took that and used it forever with Derek.”
He added: “I decided that Derek is the light in a room. So, if you need warmth – and he lives in the very first season that was so dark and there was so much hurt and anger and pain. If you see him, let him be light. Let him be warm. He’s a very reasonable guy.”
The California-born actor went on to tease that the Shrinking writers have given Derek an emotional story arc in the third season. “If Derek matters – but I watched how the other characters reacted to what happened to Derek, and it broke my heart,” McGinley said. “I was so honored by the fact that they would allow that to happen.”
Ted McGinley and Christa Miller in season three of “Shrinking”
Apple TV
Being a seasoned performer on-screen for several decades now, I was curious what it is about the Shrinking production, that he will lead with moving forward – knowing how a quality work environment can be.
Ted McGinley, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, Michael Urie, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Jason Segel and Harrison Ford for “Shrinking” season three.
Apple TV
McGinley joked, “Yeah, I kind of feel like everything’s downhill from here. This is a dream come true. Like this cast – come on! Are you kidding me? Then the writers are so smart, and it’s so wonderful to be able to trust that room and those people – and Bill’s guidance is insane. I think what I really have learned here is show up ultra-prepared and that they give you space to take big chances – and you can fail. It’s huge. It never happens because we are always on the clock. And so, because everyone’s so prepared, you’re not wasting time. We take shots – that doesn’t work? Let’s try it this way. It is so great to have that kind of freedom. What I’ve learned, for me, is that is what I need – like that’s who I am. I’m ashamed of it, but I need that kind of freedom.”
While concluding my conversation with McGinley, I asked him my signature interview question, wondering what he would say to his character Derek on Shrinking, if only he could.
Ted McGinley and Luke Tennie in season three of “Shrinking”
Apple TV
“I would say thank you. Thank you. You put light here that will never go away.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffconway/2026/01/28/shrinking-actor-ted-mcginley-discusses-his-great-character-evolution/
