Interview: Ted McGinley on Playing the Most Normal Character on ‘Shrinking’

In the popular Apple TV+ series Shrinking, which has already been renewed for a second season, Ted McGinley plays Derek, the much-maligned husband of Liz (Christa Miller), who is overly involved in the lives of her neighbors Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Alice (Lukita Maxwell).  

Awards Radar had the chance to speak with McGinley, a veteran of series like Happy Days, The Love Boat, and Married… with Children, who isn’t so concerned about everyone being mean to Derek:

“He’s not really a punching bag, because he is more than capable of defending himself. You notice, everyone on this show has some pretty serious issues they’re dealing with. Derek is the one guy whose ship just floats along the top of the sea and navigates the waters. He’s probably the most normal character on the show. He’s pretty grounded. Whatever happens, Derek allows to happen.”

When asked if he could preview anything about season two, his response indicated his blissful ignorance:

“I can’t because I don’t know anything. I’m just hoping Derek’s there. I don’t have any clue. I have zero insight, which makes it fun. I like the way Derek lives and just walks through scenes, and it will be interesting to know if they keep it that way or if he’s slightly more substantial. Who knows? That’s the fun part. I don’t really want to know. I love being surprised…everything is just so interesting and different, in that it actually lives in that moment. It’s what this show has captured.”

Watch the full conversation below.

Season one of Shrinking is streaming on Apple TV+.