The Shrink Next Door

Inspired by the true story of Marty and the therapist who turned his life around...then took it over. When he first meets Dr. Ike, Marty just wants to get better at boundaries. Over 30 years, he'll learn all about them—and what happens when they get crossed.

The Shrink Next Door (2021) is an American limited series created by Georgia Pritchett for Apple TV. Adapted from a hit podcast about a real case, it follows wealthy, neurotic heir Marty Markowitz (Will Ferrell) as he seeks help with boundaries from charming psychiatrist Dr. Isaac Ike Herschkopf (Paul Rudd). Across eight episodes spanning decades, the story tracks how a therapy relationship slides into total control over Marty's finances, home and choices, while his wife Phyllis Shapiro (Kathryn Hahn) becomes entangled in the arrangement. Each episode peels back another layer of exploitation, built from quiet, uncomfortable conversations and escalating small betrayals. The result is a darkly comic, slow-burn unease, with a sharp eye on vulnerability and predatory charisma. Fans of Dirty John, Inventing Anna and Hannibal will find resonance in its true crime grounding and the chilling ordinariness of its manipulator. Set largely among wealthy Manhattan and Hamptons circles, the series balances satirical wit with genuine dread, leaving viewers unsettled by how plausible the deception feels.

Critics and audiences find it a chilling, impeccably acted psychological drama with strong lead performances, though the mixed audience reception suggests uneven appeal.

• Dirty Johnshared dark comedic true crime tone and manipulative mentor dynamic
• Hannibalshared psychological manipulation and charismatic predator theme between trusted professional and vulnerable client
• Inventing Annashared true story adaptation of a con artist exploiting a wealthy target with dark comedy

Created by

Georgia Pritchett

Release Date

2021-11-11

Episode runtime

42 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (159)

What is The Shrink Next Door about?

A wealthy but vulnerable man's therapy with a charming psychiatrist slowly becomes a decades-long takeover of his life.

What is The Shrink Next Door like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Shrink Next Door as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Shrink Next Door violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Shrink Next Door.

What did critics think of The Shrink Next Door?

Critics and audiences find it a chilling, impeccably acted psychological drama with strong lead performances, though the mixed audience reception suggests uneven appeal.

Which shows are like The Shrink Next Door?

Shows with a similar feel include Dirty John, Hannibal, and Inventing Anna.

How long is The Shrink Next Door?

The Shrink Next Door: 1 season, 8 episodes.

Is The Shrink Next Door still running?

No, The Shrink Next Door has ended.

Where can I watch The Shrink Next Door?

In United States, The Shrink Next Door streams on Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel.