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Nov 17, 2023

6 Ways To Relive Apple TV’s ‘Shrinking’ In Pasadena

Pasadena's iconic Colorado Street Bridge is illuminated by the city's' famous

Pasadena's iconic Colorado Street Bridge is illuminated by the city's' famous sunset glow.

Apple TV's "Shrinking" is as cozy, sunny and charming as the city it's set in – Pasadena, California – creating a comfy space to talk about the heavier topics, such as grief, dysfunction, and racial optics.

Chances are, you’ve seen Pasadena appear in popular films and television, but often playing the role of someplace else. The Huntington's bucolic gardens won the role for heaven in "The Good Place." Pasadena was Hill Valley for "Back to the Future," where the Gamble House played Doc Brown's home. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena filled the role of the Stafford Hotel in the 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap."

In Shrinking, starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, Pasadena gets cast for a recurring role to play itself – in all its lush, pretty and bucolic charm. If you’re a Shrinking fan, plan your visit to Pasadena and live out your favorite scenes. If you haven't seen it yet, no worries – we left out the spoilers.

Castle Green features prominently in "Shrinking" airing now on Apple TV.

Throughout the series, Harrison Ford and Lukita Maxwell's characters meet on a beautiful park bench to talk about navigating relationships through complicated situations. So, grab a cream fedora and head to Pasadena's Central Park, where you can sit on that exact bench with the The Castle Green—a national historic landmark—as a backdrop. Hopefully, you’ll uncover some easy solutions to some sticky life problems, narrated in the voice of Harrison Ford.

In episode two, "Fortress of Solitude," Jason Segel's character brings a patient to this beloved coffee shop in Old Pasadena. The Copa Vida barista plays a role in addressing the joys and annoyances of small talk. To recreate this moment for yourself, schedule Copa Vida in for a coffee break and give the barista your best small talk one-liners.

Eaton Canyon is home to miles of public hiking trails.

It's not a trip to Pasadena without sporting some athletic gear for a hike. We haven't figured out exactly where the sweet hiking spot is in episode three, but we do know that Eaton Canyon is our top contender. The 190-acre zoological and geological nature preserve at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains is a popular spot for hiking, so you’ll be able to say hello to other hikers along the way.

An interior shot of the Gamble House in Pasadena.

The burg of Pasadena is synonymous with Arts and Crafts architecture and the Craftsman home in "Shrinking" spotlights the pristine neighborhoods and coveted curb appeal. You can find it in the Historic Highlands district, but these private homes are best observed from a distance. To check out a Craftsman home up close, visit the Gamble House. Pasadena Heritage also hosts an annual Spring Home Tour and The Women's Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association hosts an annual Holiday Look In Home Tour. The Pasadena Showcase House of Design hosts spring tours annually to fundraise for arts programs. Bring a coffee mug and stand outside of these demonstration homes to really feel like a part of the neighborhood.

Ice House Comedy Club is one of the oldest comedy clubs in the country.

This one isn't in the series, but the oldest comedy club in the nation is worth the stop when you’re in Pasadena. After trying the 15 minutes of sadness trick, let the comedians at the legendary Ice House Comedy gift you the medicine of laughter. Co-creator of "Shrinking" Brett Goldstein has performed at at the historic venue twice since it reopened February 2023, so keep your eyes peeled for future appearances.

The Rose Bowl Stadium is perhaps Pasadena's signature attraction. Tours are available even when ... [+] games aren't taking place.

Jason Segel's character attempts to commit a minor crime at The Rose Bowl Stadium – don't try to recreate this one for yourself. The Rose Bowl Stadium is a national treasure, and you can count on the neighborhood watch and experienced security to protect this Historic Landmark and community gem. Visitors can enjoy the Rose Bowl Stadium via the 3.1-mile Rose Bowl Loop, perfect for walking, running, and bicycling. The sunsets are picturesque, and the locals are friendly. To experience the inside of the stadium and the field, take a public tour on the last Friday of every month.