You can watch Shrinking through free ad-supported streaming, rental purchase, or a cable bundle that includes Apple TV+
Shrinking, the comedy-drama starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, is exclusive to Apple TV+, but that does not mean you need to pay for Apple's subscription service directly. The show is available through HULU with ads at no additional cost if you already subscribe to Hulu. You can also rent or buy individual episodes and seasons through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (the app, not the service), Google Play, or Vudu. Some cable packages bundle Apple TV+ at no extra charge, which is another route if you already pay for cable television.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu with ads includes Shrinking at no extra cost beyond the standard Hulu subscription, which starts at $7.99 per month.
- You can rent or buy episodes and seasons on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu without a subscription to any streaming service.
- Some cable providers bundle Apple TV+ into their packages at no additional monthly charge, so check your current bill or contact your provider.
- Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $3.99 per episode, while season purchases cost between $14.99 and $19.99 depending on the platform.
Watching through Hulu with ads
If you already pay for Hulu, Shrinking is included in the standard plan with advertisements. The monthly cost for Hulu with ads is $7.99. You do not need to upgrade to Hulu Premium or add any extra tier — the show appears in your library once you log in. All three seasons are available to stream on demand.
The ad-supported version plays commercials during episodes, typically 30 to 60 seconds per break. If you want to watch without ads, Hulu Premium costs $14.99 per month, but that is a separate upgrade from the base plan. Many households already have Hulu through a Disney Bundle (which also includes Disney+ and ESPN+), so check your current subscriptions before signing up for anything new.
Renting or buying episodes and seasons
You can rent individual episodes for $2.99 to $3.99 each on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Rentals typically last 48 hours from the time you start watching. This option works if you want to watch one or two episodes without committing to a full subscription or purchase.
Buying a full season costs between $14.99 and $19.99 depending on the platform and whether the season is on sale. Once purchased, the episodes are yours to watch as many times as you want, though they remain tied to the account you bought them on. Prices can vary slightly between platforms, so compare before you buy. Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV often run sales on older seasons, so checking back in a week or two might save you money.
Cable bundles that include Apple TV+
Several cable providers include Apple TV+ at no extra monthly charge as part of their television packages. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and some AT&T TV plans offer this bundle. If you already subscribe to cable television, log into the Apple TV app with your cable provider credentials to see whether Apple TV+ is included in your package.
Contact your cable provider directly if you are unsure whether your plan includes Apple TV+. They can confirm in one call and walk you through signing in. This is the cheapest route if you already pay for cable, since you are not adding a new monthly charge.
Comparing the cost of each option
| Option | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu with ads | $7.99/month | All three seasons, ads during episodes |
| Hulu Premium | $14.99/month | All three seasons, no ads |
| Rent one episode | $2.99–$3.99 | One episode, 48-hour window |
| Buy one season | $14.99–$19.99 | Full season, keep forever |
| Cable bundle | Included | All three seasons if your plan includes Apple TV+ |
If you plan to watch all three seasons, Hulu with ads is the most affordable option at $7.99 per month. You can cancel after one month if you only want to watch once. Buying a single season makes sense if you want to own it outright and do not have a Hulu subscription. Renting individual episodes is best for sampling the show before committing to anything.
Where to find Shrinking on each platform
On Hulu, search for "Shrinking" in the search bar at the top of the app or website. The show appears under the Comedy section as well. All episodes are listed in order by season, and you can start from the beginning or jump to any episode you have already seen.
On Amazon Prime Video, search for the title and select the rental or purchase option from the product page. You will see the price for each episode and season clearly marked. Google Play and Vudu work the same way — search, select your option, and complete the purchase or rental through your account. Apple TV (the app) displays rentals and purchases under the Movies or TV Shows section once you search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Shrinking for free without ads?
No. The only free option is Hulu with ads, which plays commercials during episodes. If you want to watch without ads, you need a Hulu Premium subscription at $14.99 per month, a cable bundle that includes Apple TV+, or you can buy individual episodes or seasons.
Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to buy or rent episodes?
No. You can rent or buy through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or Vudu without subscribing to Apple TV+. You just need an account on whichever platform you choose and a payment method on file.
How long does a rental last?
Rentals typically last 48 hours from the moment you start watching the episode. After that time, the rental expires and you can no longer access it. If you want to watch again, you need to rent it a second time.
Can I watch Shrinking on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu all have mobile apps for iOS and Android. read the app, sign in with your account, and stream on any device. Rentals and purchases follow you across devices tied to the same account.
Is Shrinking available in all countries?
Shrinking is available in the United States through Hulu, rental, and purchase options. Availability outside the US varies by country and platform. Check your local Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV app to see what is available in your region.