Loved ‘Shrinking’ Season 3 Soundtrack? Here's your easy guide: From ‘The Rolling Stones’ to ‘Blur’
Apple TV's loaded January 2026 slate included one of its hit shows. 'Shrinking' Season 3 hit the streamer with an hour-long series opener, and generating the buzz apart from the storyline was the series of songs plugged in so far. Episode 1, 'My Bad,' throws light on the key characters going about their lives. Lukita Maxwell's Alice begins thinking of life in college, while Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) eagerly await the arrival of their adopted baby.
The first episode saw eight iconic hits that took fans on a trip down memory lane. From 'The Rolling Stones' to 'Staple Singers', the season's first chapter had it all. Ahead of the upcoming episode, here's a look at all the chartbusters in the opener. Some are all soul, and some bring in the energy.
'Holding Back the Years' — Simply Red
Written by Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss, Simply Red released 'Holding Back the Years' as the third single from their debut studio album, 'Picture Book'. The 1985 hit plays when Paul (Harrison Ford) and Julie (Wendie Malick) share a banter-filled flirty morning.
'Song 2' — Blur
Folk rock had a banger with Blur's 'Song 2'. Known for its pacy and catchy chorus, the chartbuster brings in the energy. It plays when Paul drives a sports car recklessly while Jimmy (Jason Segel) sits petrified. It ends with him mentioning that his wife died in a car accident.
'Smile' — Mark Scibilia
'Smile' isn't from the 90s, but the 2022 song has an upbeat and pop element in tune with how the show's characters, Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley) making fun of their neighbour, Pam (Miriam Flynn).
'Beast of Burden' — The Rolling Stones
'Shrinking' hit the jackpot with this number as Paul finally proposes to Julie, setting the tone for the new season.
'Every Morning' — Sugar Ray
The '99 alternative rock is about life and relationships, something that matches the chemistry between Paul and Julie during their impromptu wedding ceremony.
'I'll Take You There' — Staple Singers
1972, and some traditional gospel is all soul and optimism. The song plays right after the wedding reception.
'Livin' Thing' — Electric Light Orchestra
Gone are the days when post-wedding dances are for slow soundtracks. Electric Light Orchestra's 'Livin' Thing' is about the highs and lows of every relationship — something Paul, Julie, and the people at the wedding know about.
'Shrinking' is streaming on Apple TV+
