Apple TV+’s psychological drama miniseries The Shrink Next Door’s cast features a stellar array of recognizable comedic actors bringing humor to a dark premise. Based on the documentary podcast by the same name, the show’s twisted story is almost unbelievable. The cast, however, keeps the story relatable and keeps audiences rapt to the screen.
The Shrink Next Door tells the story of an everyday man seeking help for his depression. When he accepts the counseling of a seemingly genuine psychiatrist, he falls victim to the shrink’s increasing manipulation over his life. Despite his family’s warnings, the man lets his psychiatrist infiltrate his life for decades, ceding even his house and company to his therapist’s control.
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The Shrink Next Door isn’t Apple TV+’s first drama played by comedians, following in the footsteps of shows like The Morning Show, but it’s equally successful. These normally funny people masterfully balance the show's darkness with comedy, deftly turning the central troubling relationship into a thrilling story. Here’s a guide to the actors appearing in The Shrink Next Door and where audiences will have seen them before.
Paul Rudd As Dr. Isaac Herschkopf
Paul Rudd drives the show as the charismatic but controlling psychiatrist, Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf. Under the guise of genuine counseling, Dr. Ike manipulates his patient, Marty Markowitz, and exploits him for decades. Despite The Shrink Next Door being a thriller, Rudd’s irresistible charm has been primarily featured in comedies. Probably best known for the lead role of Scott Lang in Marvel’s Ant-Man, Rudd is recognizable from Wet Hot American Summer, The 40-Year Old Virgin, and his breakout role in Clueless. Fresh off of being named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, Rudd is starring in the upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife, followed by Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Will Ferrell As Martin Markowitz
Will Ferrell costars as Martin “Marty” Markowitz, a businessman seeking help for his depression. While he initially benefits from therapy, Marty succumbs to Dr. Ike’s malevolent influence, being persuaded into giving up his home, business, and more. Similar to Rudd, Ferrell is best known as a comedic actor, especially for his leading roles in the movies Elf, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy—which also featured The Shrink Next Door's Paul Rudd—and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, among many others. Getting his start as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, Ferrell also co-founded the comedy website Funny or Die. Ferrell is next slotted to produce and act in Spirited, a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol.
The Shrink Next Door Supporting Cast
Kathryn Hahn as Phyllis Markowitz – Marty’s younger sister, Phyllis, sees right through Dr. Ike’s deception, and fruitlessly tries to convince Marty away from his therapist’s control. Hahn is another successful comedian, critically adored for her portrayal of Agatha Harkness in Disney+’s WandaVision. Also featured in comedy series Parks and Recreation, and the films Private Life, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Hahn will reprise her role of Harkness in Disney+’s Agatha: House of Harkness.
Casey Wilson as Bonnie Herschkopf – Supportive and kind, Bonnie appears unassuming as Dr. Ike’s wife, neither advocating for nor questioning her husband’s behavior. As talented as she is funny, Wilson graced the screen in the shows Happy Endings and Saturday Night Live, as well as David Fincher's incredible Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike-driven thriller film Gone Girl. Wilson will next appear in the drama Shoot the Rooster.
Cornell Womack as Bruce - An employee at Marty’s textile company who gets concerned when Dr. Ike begins taking over the business. Womack has also appeared in the television show Rescue Me, the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and the crime series Better Call Saul.
Sarayu Rao as Miriam - Another patient of Dr. Ike's in The Shrink Next Door, and potentially one of his other victims. Rao's previous appearances include roles in To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and Fox’s Sons of Tuscon, as well as the upcoming drama series Expats.