The latest episode of Shrinking just dropped a major bombshell that nobody saw coming. Season 3 has been building up emotional moments for weeks, but Episode 5 titled “Hold Your Horsies” took a sharp turn into romantic chaos. Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Meg (Lily Rabe) shared a kiss that completely changes the dynamics of the show, leaving viewers wondering if this is the start of something new or a huge mistake waiting to happen.
The episode that premiered on February 25, 2026 on Apple TV+ brings together grief, transition, and unexpected attraction in a way that only this show can pull off. With Paul (Harrison Ford) planning his retirement and moving to Connecticut, Jimmy finds himself connecting with Paul’s daughter in ways that feel anything but family-like .
The Storage Unit Scene That Changed Everything
What starts as a simple favor turns into the emotional centerpiece of the episode. Paul asks Jimmy to help Meg go through his storage unit to find old family photos and patient records. The task seems straightforward enough, but the time spent together reveals something deeper .
Inside the dusty storage space filled with Paul’s life memories, Jimmy and Meg start talking about their complicated relationships with the man they both love. Meg realizes something striking during their conversation. Jimmy actually knows more about her father than she does. He can look at old items and tell stories, connecting dots from Paul’s past that Meg never even knew existed .
Their bond forms over shared frustration and admiration for Paul. Meg even refers to Jimmy as her adopted brother during their talk, making the later kiss even more complicated . The warm, reflective moment feels safe and sibling-like at first, which is exactly why what happens next catches everyone off guard.
Jimmy Opens Up About Love
During their storage unit conversation, Jimmy shares something personal with Meg. After his disastrous date in the previous episode, he admits he just wants one easy romantic moment. One uncomplicated kiss that could reset his system and make him feel hopeful about love again .
He even mentions picturing R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming” playing in the background while it happens, but with him singing the song. This small detail becomes important later when the episode ends with Jason Segel’s cover of “Nightswimming” playing as the credits roll .
Jimmy is not chasing grand romance here. He is chasing reassurance. He wants to feel desirable without the weight of grief constantly attached to him. His confession reveals how much he is struggling with Alice (Lukita Maxwell) leaving for college and Paul preparing to step away from the practice .
Meg’s Reveal About Paul
The storage unit conversation takes another turn when Meg shares why she is really in town. She reveals that she asked Paul to move to Connecticut with her, and shockingly, he agreed .
This news hits Jimmy like a soft punch. He is already facing his daughter leaving for school, and now his mentor and father figure is relocating his entire life. The stability Jimmy has been clinging to starts crumbling from two directions at once .
Meg also hints that she is dealing with her own marital troubles, though the episode keeps those details vague for now. Two people feeling unmoored, connecting over shared vulnerability in a storage unit filled with memories. The setup feels emotionally logical even if the outcome proves ethically chaotic .
The Kiss That Changes Everything
Later that night, Meg shows up at Jimmy’s house. She wants to thank him properly for helping her, especially since Paul will never actually say thank you himself .
She leans in and kisses him.
Jimmy pulls back briefly and says, “That didn’t feel like a brother-sister kiss.” Meg responds simply, “We’re not related, Jimmy.” He pauses and says, “Right…” before leaning back in for another kiss .
The moment is passionate but also tense. As a viewer, the feeling is less excitement and more dread about what this means for everyone involved. Meg is married. She is Paul’s daughter. Jimmy is not just crossing a romantic boundary, he is stepping into a minefield that touches his mentor, his workplace, and an already fragile family dynamic .
What the Creators Say About the Kiss
Bill Lawrence, the co-creator of Shrinking, admitted he was surprised by how the scene turned out. He originally envisioned the moment as more of a goof, but the performances changed everything .
“I thought it was shockingly sexy when I thought it was just going to be a goof,” Lawrence explained. “And I was like, ‘Oh s—t.’ But that’s one of the things that happens with writers sometimes, is actors and actresses play things with a weight that you didn’t necessarily see coming, and then you’re like, ‘Oh, I guess we could write about that if we want” .
Lawrence also shared his concerns about making the relationship too claustrophobic. Having Paul serve as Jimmy’s actual father-in-law would certainly complicate things. But he trusts that Lily Rabe’s talent makes the situation believable, no matter how messy it gets .
Is Meg Jimmy’s Next Love Interest?
The show deliberately leaves this question unanswered for now. Episode 5 plants the seed but does not water it. Jimmy wished for one easy romantic kiss to reset his system. Instead, he gets one layered with grief, timing issues, and the awkward reality that she is Paul’s daughter .
Several factors make this situation incredibly complicated.
Meg is currently married, though her mention of marital troubles suggests that relationship may be ending soon. She is also Paul’s daughter, making any involvement with Jimmy deeply personal for his mentor. Jimmy works for Paul and looks up to him as a father figure. Getting involved with his daughter crosses multiple lines .
The show excels at making viewers understand why characters make bad decisions without pretending those decisions are good ones. Jimmy and Meg connected over genuine vulnerability. They both feel unmoored. They both love Paul in complicated ways. That emotional proximity does not automatically translate into a healthy romantic relationship .
What Happens Next for the Group
While Jimmy stumbles into romantic ambiguity, other characters face their own turning points. Gaby (Jessica Williams) confronts her fear of commitment when Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr.) surprises her with a potential space for her trauma center. His use of the word “we” sends her spiraling, forcing her to examine whether she is hesitating out of wisdom or fear .
Sean (Luke Tennie) finally steps outside his rigid routine. With encouragement from Marisol (Isabella Gomez) and a honest conversation with Alice, he attends the warehouse party and allows himself to enjoy the night. His growth remains subtle but meaningful .
Alice herself works through feeling boring and scared about college. Gaby steps in as her new counselor and encourages her to find herself, reminding her that every version of herself is okay.
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How to Watch Shrinking Season 3
Shrinking Season 3 continues releasing new episodes every Wednesday exclusively on Apple TV+ .
The full episode schedule includes:
- Episode 1: “My Bad” — January 28, 2026
- Episode 2: “Happiness Mission” — February 4, 2026
- Episode 3: “D-Day” — February 11, 2026
- Episode 4: “The Field” — February 18, 2026
- Episode 5: “Hold Your Horsies” — February 25, 2026
- Episode 6 — March 4, 2026
- Episode 7 — March 11, 2026
- Episode 8 — March 18, 2026
- Episode 9 — March 25, 2026
- Episode 10 — April 1, 2026
- Episode 11 — April 8, 2026
The show is available for subscribers worldwide, including viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India. Apple TV+ offers a one-week free trial, with monthly subscriptions costing $12.99 after that .
With the show already renewed for a fourth season, the fallout from this kiss could stretch well beyond the current episodes. For now, viewers will have to wait until March 4, 2026 for Episode 6 to see how Jimmy and Meg navigate the aftermath of that storage unit moment .
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