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Shrinking’s Jason Segel to star in yet another Apple TV project

Apple confirmed today that it has acquired the global rights to “Sponsor,” a psychological thriller starring Jason Segel (Freaks and Geeks, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and directed by James Ponsoldt. Here’s what to expect.

More Segel, please

As reported by Deadline, the original idea for “Sponsor” was co-written by Jason Segel and James Ponsoldt, both of whom also work on Apple’s Shrinking. Segel plays Jimmy Laird on the series, while Ponsoldt has directed multiple episodes. The two also serve as executive producers.

Here’s Apple’s official synopsis, which, without giving too much away, might sound vaguely familiar depending on your Apple TV diet:

“In ‘Sponsor,’ Peter (Segel) makes a big mistake when he gets behind the wheel after partying too hard. A terrible accident leaves him with a choice: prison or a recovery program. Convinced he doesn’t have a drinking problem, he begrudgingly shows up to his first meeting and searches for a sponsor. In walks no-nonsense, charismatic yet enigmatic Jerry. Peter is convinced Jerry is the answer to his prayers.”

Apple hasn’t provided any details about the film’s release timeline, but since it appears to be in the very early stages of production, it’s safe to say the premiere is still some time away.

The good news for Segel fans is that while “Sponsor” does not have a premiere date in sight, Apple recently confirmed that Shrinking will return for its third season on January 28, 2026.

Watch Shrinking on Apple TV.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Severance, The StudioThe Morning ShowShrinking and Silo.

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Avatar for Marcus Mendes Marcus Mendes

Marcus Mendes is a Brazilian tech podcaster and journalist who has been closely following Apple since the mid-2000s.

He began covering Apple news in Brazilian media in 2012 and later broadened his focus to the wider tech industry, hosting a daily podcast for seven years.