Shrinking Season 3 Ending EXPLAINED: How Does Jimmy Get Closure; Will Harrison Ford's Paul Return?

Co-created

by Bill Lawrence, star Jason Segel and actor Brett Goldstein, Shrinking has evolved into a poignant drama about grief, death, community, and moving on. While it is still a comedy with a stellar cast, the Apple TV series brings all the characters to an extremely good place in the Season 3 finale titled And That's Our Time. What happens to Jimmy Laird (Segel) when all of the key people in his life, including co-worker/mentor Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford) and daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell), move on to the next stage of their lives? We find out in an almost-perfect episode that could even work as a series finale. Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead!

Jimmy and Alice

After the sudden death of Tia (Lilan Bowden) in a car accident, her husband Jimmy and Alice have struggled. But in the Season 3 finale, they have arrived at a good place and are even friends with the drunk driver Louis (Goldstein) who killed her. Alice is going to college at Wesleyan on the East Coast, ironically close to Paul (Ford), who has moved with wife Julie (Wendie Malick) to be closer to his daughter Meg (Lily Rabe) as his Parkinson's worsens. Alice is happy to go out to college early for soccer pre-season training, but she's worried about leaving her father alone, especially after his ugly fight with Paul.

In the wonderfully written third season finale, co-written by Lawrence, Goldstein and Neil Goldman, no matter how much Jimmy tries to assure Alice and anyone else who will listen that he's fine, he's not actually fine. He sabotaged his chance at a new relationship with Sofi (Cobie Smulders) because he's afraid of love again. Additionally, a visit from his distant father (Jeff Daniels) has brought up feelings of being neglected again. Still, Jimmy mends Alice's and her best friend Summer's (Rachel Stubington) relationship before she heads off to college, even though he is still not talking to Paul and has regrets.

What's happening with the rest of the Shrinking gang?

Even though Jimmy apologises to Paul over the phone, he is feeling more lonely now that Sean (Luke Tennie) is moving into a new apartment and looking at a new job in a restaurant. His neighbours Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley), who are about to become grandparents, are off to Barcelona, Spain, on a couples trip with Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr) and Gaby (Jessica Williams). Gaby, having overcome her fear of commitment, proposes to Derrick first in front of their friends and family and looks ahead to the future as she plans to open her trauma center. Finally, Jimmy's best friend Brian (Michael Urie) is moving to Tennessee with his husband Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) and their baby girl.

Jimmy and Paul

The season ends with the conversation fans have been waiting for a long time. Paul comes back to town briefly to give Jimmy the closure and talking-to that he desperately needs. It turns out that he has made breakfast plans for Jimmy. But it's not Paul who will be sitting down for breakfast; it will be Sofi (Cobie Smulders). Paul gives Jimmy some tough advice, saying that he has to let go of his past and stop letting his scars hold him back.

When Jimmy points out that he is covered in scars, Paul replies, "What a shame to be 42 years of age and not completely covered in scars. They’re the evidence of a life fully lived." Jimmy says that he doesn't want to be a burden to Paul. But Paul tells him the words he's been waiting for: You're more of a son to me. Paul reminds Jimmy that he's strong and doesn't need anyone else. But he will always be around if he needs him. The cherry on the cake is that Paul finally tells Jimmy that he loves him. Cue the waterworks! The show ends with Paul giving Jimmy the courage to go pursue a relationship with Sofi and the duo begins their breakfast "date."

What to expect in Shrinking Season 4?

Lawrence has revealed that the next season is going to begin with a bit of a time jump. The current cast will reprise their roles. However, the story will be very different than the past three seasons, according to the co-creator. The show is currently in the writing stage and will return to Apple TV in 2027.