@nicolemichele5 Published Feb. 25, 2026, 9:45 a.m. ET Where to Stream: Shrinking Powered by Reelgood More On: Shrinking If You Need Me, I’m Playing Jason Segel’s “Nightswimming” Cover From ‘Shrinking’ On Repeat ‘Shrinking’s Michael Urie Breaks Down Iconic ‘Les Mis’ Duet With Jason Segel, Dubs Harrison Ford The Scene Stealer: “That Should Be His Emmy Clip” ‘Shrinking’s Ted McGinley Shares The Secret To Perfecting Stoned Derek: “This Was The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Had To Play As An Actor. Honestly.” Ted McGinley Says Working With Michael J. Fox on ‘Shrinking’ Was “Incredibly Special” When the end credits roll on Shrinking Season 3, Episode 5 you’ll be gasping, hooting, hollering, and then — if you’re like me — straight-up sobbing over one of the most perfect needle drops in television history. (No, I’m not being dramatic!)
If there’s one thing we know to be true in this unpredictable world, it’s that Shrinking‘s soundtrack will always slap. Since the hit Apple TV comedy premiered back in January 2023, it’s amassed a long list of iconic needle drops, but I’m here to report that the “Hold Your Horsies” end credits song is an absolute all-timer. In order to fully appreciate the musical marvel, however, I need to set the scene…
Earlier in the episode, Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Brian (Michael Urie) perform a flawless rendition of “The Confrontation” from Les Mis while driving Paul (Harrison Ford) to the airport. Why? His daughter Meg (Lily Rabe) is in town, and she and Jimmy spend some quality time together searching through Paul’s storage unit. As the two catch up on life and love, Jimmy admits he’s struggling to take the next step with his new crush Sofi (Cobie Smulders).
“I wish I could just have one easy romantic moment — one uncomplicated kiss to help me get over the hump, make me feel hopeful again,” he tells Meg. “Maybe “Nightswimming” by R.E.M. is playing in the background. For some reason, I’m the one singing it… I’ve thought about the moment. I’ve only just now set it to music.”
After Jimmy’s confession, Meg tells him she thinks everything’s going to work out. And later, with less than minutes left in the episode, a piano softly begins to play “Nightswimming” and Meg unexpectedly knocks on Jimmy’s back door. He lets her in, she makes a short and sweet speech, then pulls Jimmy in for a kiss. *SCREAMS* Caught completely off-guard, Jimmy takes a moment to process, says to hell with their brother/sister dynamic, and passionately kisses Meg back right as the “Nightswimming” vocals kick in to reveal that JASON SEGEL IS SINGING. *SCREAMS MORE* And just like that, the Shrinking end credits wrecked me once again!
The scene itself is a ridiculously romantic moment with deep meaning behind it. Meg is genuinely trying to help Jimmy get over the hump while simultaneously pushing forward amidst her own relationship complications. While the two may feel more like siblings at times, there’s been an undeniable spark and ease between them since they met. As they process their love for Paul and grief and fear over the future, it’s incredibly human for them to come together in a moment of passion (though not an uncomplicated one!) in hopes of feeling hopeful again. That alone would have made an incredible episode end. But set it to Jimmy’s dream soundtrack, and have Segel cover the song after Jimmy’s hilarious meta comment? I’m a puddle!
I’ve always adored and admired the way Shrinking not only incorporates music, but the cast’s musical talents — from Paul and Gaby’s (Jessica Williams) iconic carpool karaoke scene in Season 1 to the hilarious Les Mis performance in Season 3. We’ve also been lucky enough to get a taste of Segel’s soulful voice and piano skills throughout the series, and we’ll thankfully get more this season. But hearing him cover “Nightswimming” for the first time? That was a soul-piercing, full body chills experience. That moved me to my core. Tears involuntarily welled. My heart swelled like the damn Grinch. I felt that shit in my bones! Jason Segel, sir, you are a gift. And I thank you for baring your soul for this show.
We’re only five episodes into Season 3, but the Shrinking soundtrack is well on its way to dominating my Spotify Wrapped. What fresh delights and sobs will future needle drops bring? No spoilers, but believe me when I say, buckle up!
New episodes of Shrinking premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV.
