Michael Urie on 'Shrinking' S3: Brian Learns to Put Others First

The Younger and Ugly Betty alum discusses his character's journey to fatherhood in the Apple TV+ comedy.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:43am

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Michael Urie, who plays Brian in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking, says his character is learning to put others before himself as he navigates first-time fatherhood with his husband Charlie. Urie explains that while Charlie is ready to be a dad, Brian struggles with the transition, but ultimately starts to embrace his flaws and become a better person and parent. The actor also discusses the role of their friend Liz, played by Christa Miller, in helping Brian and Charlie, as well as the influence of other father figures like Jimmy and Derek.

Why it matters

Shrinking explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth, as characters like Brian navigate major life changes. Urie's insights into his character's journey provide a deeper understanding of the show's themes and the evolution of its ensemble cast.

The details

Urie explains that while his character Brian initially thought he had all the answers, he has grown to embrace his flaws and try to become a better person and father. The birth of Brian and his husband Charlie's daughter Sutton is at the center of their world this season, with their friend Liz serving as a loving but overbearing parenting mentor. Brian also looks to other father figures like his best friend Jimmy and Liz's husband Derek for guidance on how to be a good dad, even though he grew up in a very straight environment.

  • Shrinking Season 3 is currently airing on Apple TV+.

The players

Michael Urie

The actor who plays the role of Brian in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking.

Christa Miller

The actress who plays the role of Liz, Brian and Charlie's loving but overbearing friend, in Shrinking.

Ted McGinley

The actor who plays the role of Derek, Liz's husband, who serves as a parenting role model for Brian and Charlie.

Jason Segel

The actor who plays the role of Jimmy, Brian's best friend, who helps him navigate fatherhood.

Devin Kawaoka

The actor who plays the role of Charlie, Brian's husband, who is ready to become a father.

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What they’re saying

“Charlie [Devin Kawaoka] is ready. Brian will never be ready. Charlie is sort of born to be a dad and what I love about this season so much is that Brian's not ready and he's not prepared and he's certainly not equipped, but he, finally, I think, in the season, starts to learn how to put others before himself.”

— Michael Urie, Actor

“Brian is equal parts afraid of and obsessed with Liz. He needs Liz. She needs him, too. She certainly needs this outlet.”

— Michael Urie, Actor

“Jimmy, I think, is someone that will always isolate and explain a problem of Brian's, a flaw of Brian's, in a way that Brian can actually hear, and Derek is, in a lot of ways, the comforting and affectionate father that Brian never had.”

— Michael Urie, Actor

What’s next

Shrinking Season 3 is currently airing on Apple TV+, with new episodes premiering weekly.

The takeaway

Shrinking explores the personal growth and relationship dynamics of its ensemble cast, with Michael Urie's character Brian learning to put others first as he navigates the challenges of becoming a first-time father.