The world of entertainment is currently serving a heavy dose of nostalgia and raw emotion, whether you are watching from your sofa or sitting in a plush theater seat. Over in the streaming world, the Apple TV+ hit Shrinking is gearing up for a second season that promises to dive even deeper into the messy reality of grief. Meanwhile, the city of Hamburg is positioning itself as the European capital of movie-to-musical adaptations, with three massive productions set to take the stage in 2026.
Jimmy’s Unorthodox Methods Return
In the newly released trailer for Shrinking Season 2, we find Jason Segel’s character, Jimmy, still struggling to keep his head above water. For those who need a refresher, Jimmy is a grieving therapist who decided to throw the professional rulebook out the window, opting instead to tell his clients exactly what’s on his mind. It’s a risky move that has brought tumultuous changes to his life and the lives of those around him.
The upcoming episodes suggest that Jimmy hasn’t quite moved past his feelings regarding Grace, his incarcerated patient played by Heidi Gardner, or his own personal loss. His daughter, Alice, is definitely noticing that things aren’t “business as usual.” I mean, when you start waking up screaming in the middle of the night, people are going to ask questions. It’s a tough look, but in this day and age, who is actually okay?
New Faces and Hidden Roles
Fans can also expect to see more of Sean’s internal struggles and the evolving, often grumpy, mentorship between Paul (Harrison Ford) and Jimmy. The cast remains stellar, featuring Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, and Luke Tennie. There is also a lot of buzz surrounding Brett Goldstein. The Ted Lasso star, who co-created the show, is finally stepping in front of the camera for a guest role. He joked previously that he’d only do it if the part was “sexy,” but all jokes aside, he’s joining because of the genuine chemistry with this cast.
Hamburg’s Musical Takeover
While Jimmy navigates his mental health in California, Hamburg is preparing for a massive cultural shift on stage. It is no secret that producers lately prefer the “safe bet” of a known movie title over an original script. This trend is hitting Germany hard in 2026, with three major films being reborn as musicals. Leading the charge is the German-language premiere of Back to the Future, set to open at the Stage Operettenhaus on March 22.
The production is a direct transfer of the London and Broadway hits, featuring the iconic music of Alan Silvestri. Bob Gale, who co-wrote the original 1985 film, handled the book for the musical, ensuring that the soul of Marty McFly and Doc Brown remains intact.
From Time Machines to Red Velvet
The cast has been deep in rehearsals for over a week now. Raphael Groß, fresh off his run in & Julia, takes on the role of Marty, while the versatile Jan Kersjes—a local favorite known for roles in Hamilton and The Lion King—steps into the lab coat of Doc Brown. Audiences can expect a ten-piece live orchestra bringing hits like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” to life, alongside the inevitable pyrotechnics required to get a DeLorean up to 88 miles per hour.
But the spectacle doesn’t end there. Later in the year, the Theater am Großmarkt will swap out its current resident for something a bit more scandalous. After a decade-long run, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will take its final bow on July 26, 2026. Taking its place is the juggernaut Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
This jukebox musical is a sensory overload, having already scooped up ten Tony Awards. The theater will be transformed with red velvet, the iconic windmill, and even a blue elephant. It’s an immersive experience where the actors perform right among the guests. Between the raw therapy of Shrinking and the high-energy glitz of Hamburg’s new shows, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where we look back at old favorites to find something brand new.
