Jason Segel’s Shrinking Drops a Masterful How I Met Your Mother Easter Egg
Apple TV’s ‘Shrinking’ has become a standout for sharp writing and nostalgic nods, but in its latest season, the show delivers a truly nuanced reference tailor-made for fans of How I Met Your Mother and musical theater alike. The comedy-drama already had crossover appeal thanks to its lead, Jason Segel, and a past guest spot from Cobie Smulders, but episode 5 of the latest season takes things further with a memorable musical callback.
The Les Misérables Karaoke You Didn’t Know You Needed
In the episode titled ‘Hold Your Horsies’, viewers are treated to a car ride with Segel’s character, Jimmy, Brian (played by Michael Urie), and Harrison Ford’s Paul. Their mission? Pick up Paul’s daughter from the airport — but it’s what happens en route that steals the show. Jimmy and Brian break into an explosive rendition of ‘The Confrontation’ from Les Misérables, turning Ford’s confusion in the backseat into comedy gold. The moment isn’t just hilarious — it carries significant weight for fans in the know.
The Origin: From Sitcom Set to Signature Karaoke
For devoted fans of How I Met Your Mother, ‘The Confrontation’ duet holds legendary status. Segel and Neil Patrick Harris have a tradition of performing the number, which first hit pop culture consciousness during a televised appearance promoting their sitcom. Harris took Javert’s part, while Segel embodied Jean Valjean — a playful tradition revisited years later on ‘Inside The Actors Studio’. In Shrinking, Michael Urie slides into the role Harris once played, seamlessly continuing the tradition with Segel’s unmistakable presence as Valjean.
A Continuation of Segel’s Musical Legacy
Jason Segel’s love for musical numbers extends far beyond this one homage. In How I Met Your Mother, Segel composed and performed numerous tunes central to the show’s offbeat humor, from ‘You Just Got Slapped’ to ‘Cat Funeral’. ‘Shrinking’ recognizes this side of Segel, layering in another surprise: his soulful cover of R.E.M.’s ‘Nightswimming’. As Jimmy faces the romantic uncertainty of a new relationship, Segel’s voice delivers an emotional punch that accompanies a pivotal scene, culminating in a cathartic kiss as the credits roll. The cover is already available on mainstream streaming platforms like Spotify for fans looking to relive the moment.
Why These References Matter
The care and precision with which ‘Shrinking’ incorporates callbacks to How I Met Your Mother isn’t about simple fan service; it’s an intentional thread connecting Segel’s past and present roles. From shared cast cameos to mentions of Wesleyan University (the alma mater of HIMYM’s main trio), the series rewards longtime viewers with subtle, layered details. More than that, these references celebrate Segel’s unique brand of heartfelt comedy and musical mischief, making ‘Shrinking’ essential viewing not just for TV enthusiasts, but anyone who appreciates the overlap between narrative television and pop culture history.
Discover More Segel Moments and TV Music Highlights
The musical easter eggs in ‘Shrinking’ prove just how powerful callbacks and shared experiences between shows can be, especially when executed with authenticity. Fans of both series looking for deeper dives into TV’s musical moments will find plenty to appreciate as Segel continues to bridge comedy, drama, and music in ways only he can.
