The latest episode of Shrinking Season 3 arrived on Apple TV this week, and it delivered one of the most heartbreaking hours of the series so far. Episode 8, titled “Depression Diet,” deals with the aftermath of Maya’s death and shows Gaby (Jessica Williams) reaching a breaking point. The episode also gives fans a long-awaited date between Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Sofi, plus some big changes for Liz and the new parents Brian and Charlie.
Here is everything that happened in Shrinking Season 3 Episode 8 and when you can watch the next episode.
Gaby Struggles With Guilt After Losing a Patient
The episode opens at Maya’s funeral, where Gaby stands alone at a distance from the other mourners. She gets a call from Liz checking in, and Gaby shares the painful news about Maya’s toxicology report. The tests showed alcohol, Xanax, and OxyContin in her system, but no one knows if her death was accidental or intentional. That uncertainty eats away at Gaby throughout the hour.
Paul (Harrison Ford) calls a meeting with Gaby and Jimmy to help her process the loss. He shares that his old supervisor at Bellevue hospital used to gather the staff together whenever they lost a patient. Paul admits he didn’t like the practice back then, but he now understands the value of having a community to lean on during hard times. Jimmy tries to lighten the mood with jokes, but Gaby’s pain is too deep for humor.
Later, Gaby meets with Maya’s friends Mark and Donna, who first referred Maya to her. They drop a painful truth during the session. Maya’s aunt revealed at the funeral that Maya’s mother struggled with drug addiction and abandoned her when she was only 10 years old. Gaby had no idea about this childhood trauma because Maya never opened up about it in their sessions. When Mark and Donna ask to see a different therapist, it shatters Gaby’s confidence even more.
Gaby Tells Paul ‘F*** the Horse’ in Emotional Final Scene
Paul tries his best to reach Gaby throughout the episode. He shows up at her veterans group session at the MMA gym and talks about cumulative grief, explaining that sadness can sneak up on you even when you think you are okay. He reminds everyone to lean on their friends during tough times.
But by the end of the hour, Gaby has had enough. Paul finds her sitting alone in her dark office, clearly defeated. She tells him she is canceling all her patients for next week. Paul shares advice from his Bellevue mentor, saying the longer you wait to get back on the horse, the harder it becomes to ever get back on.
Gaby looks at him and says, “Well, f* the horse.”** She leaves Paul standing alone in her office, and the episode closes with a beautiful song by Mae Martin called “I Love You So Much” playing over the credits. Fans online are praising Jessica Williams for her powerful performance, with many calling her the MVP of Season 3.
Jimmy and Sofi Finally Go on a Date
While Gaby’s story takes a dark turn, Jimmy gets a chance at romance. Sofi invites him to her place for dinner, and this time it is meant to be a real first date without any interruptions. Sofi cooks coq au vin, and the evening starts off well.
But things get complicated when her ex-husband Nick shows up to pick up their son Tate. Nick decides to stay, and soon Jimmy finds himself caught in the middle of an argument between Sofi and Nick. The situation gets so tense that Jimmy ends up giving them impromptu couples therapy right there in the kitchen.
He tells them both they need to deal with their unresolved attachment issues and set clear boundaries. After Nick finally leaves with Tate, Sofi apologizes for ruining another date. She asks Jimmy if they can try again with less yelling. When he says yes, she kisses him, and it feels like a real step forward for their relationship.
Liz Steps Down as Sutton’s Nanny
The other big storyline involves Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka), who have been letting Ava live with them for weeks. Ava lost her job and has nowhere else to go. Liz finds out when she spots Ava’s purse and later discovers an Olive Garden uniform in the laundry.
Liz (Christa Miller) confronts Ava at the restaurant where she works. Ava pushes back hard, pointing out that Liz also barges into Brian and Charlie’s life and treats Sutton like her own child. The conversation forces Liz to look at her own behavior.
She goes back to Brian and Charlie’s house and tells them they need to stand up for themselves and take control of their own home. When they finally get angry and tell her to mind her own business, Liz smiles and says they are right. She announces she is quitting as their nanny. It is a big moment of growth for Liz, though she jokes she will still come over whenever she wants.
Derrick Asks Paul’s Permission to Propose
In a lighter subplot, Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr.) shares his plans with Jimmy and Paul. He was planning to propose to Gaby before Maya died, and he still wants to marry her. In a funny scene, Derrick asks Paul for permission, calling Gaby his co-worker.
Paul’s protective instincts kick in, and he agrees to help look out for Gaby. The moment shows how much Derrick has become part of the inner circle, and it gives viewers hope that Gaby might have some happiness waiting for her once she works through her grief.
When Does Shrinking Season 3 Episode 9 Release?
Shrinking Season 3 Episode 9 will release on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, on Apple TV.
New episodes arrive every Wednesday. Here is the full schedule for the rest of the season:
- Episode 9: March 25, 2026
- Episode 10: April 1, 2026
- Episode 11 (Season Finale): April 8, 2026
Viewers in the United States can watch new episodes on Apple TV starting at 12:01 a.m. PT / 3:01 a.m. ET on Wednesdays. For audiences in the United Kingdom, episodes arrive at 8:01 a.m. GMT. In Canada, the release time matches the U.S. at 12:01 a.m. PT / 3:01 a.m. ET. Viewers in Australia can watch new episodes at 7:01 p.m. AEDT on Wednesdays. In India, episodes become available at 12:31 p.m. IST on Wednesdays.
Apple TV costs $12.99 per month in the US, £8.99 per month in the UK, and CA$12.99 per month in Canada. The service offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Also Read:
What to Expect Next
With only three episodes left in Shrinking Season 3, fans are wondering if Gaby will return to work or take an extended break. Paul’s words about getting back on the horse hang in the air, but Gaby’s response makes it clear she is not ready yet.
Jimmy and Sofi’s relationship seems to be moving forward after that kiss. Liz is adjusting to life without nanny duties. And somewhere out there, Derrick still has that engagement ring waiting for the right moment.
The show has been renewed for a fourth season, so there is plenty more story to tell. But for now, viewers will have to wait until next Wednesday to see how the characters cope with everything that happened in “Depression Diet.”
For more entertainment news and streaming guides, keep reading VvipTimes for the latest updates on your favorite shows.
