Is The Shrink Next Door Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Aishwarya R | Updated Apr 18, 2023
The Shrink Next Door
"The Shrink Next Door" is a dark comedy-drama miniseries on Apple TV+ that centers around the relationship between patient Martin Markowitz and his therapist Dr. Isaac Herschkopf. The show stars Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd in the lead roles, and was created by Georgia Pritchett, known for her work on the hit series "Succession."
The story follows Marty, a busy New York fabric seller who seeks therapy from Dr. Herschkopf, who was recommended by Marty's sister Phyllis, played by Kathryn Hahn. As Dr. Herschkopf becomes increasingly involved in Marty's life, Marty becomes increasingly isolated from those around him, and soon finds himself bankrolling Dr. Herschkopf's lavish lifestyle.
The Shrink Next Door is based on a popular podcast of the same name from Wondery, which was created by Joe Nocera. The show explores the dark consequences of an abusive therapist-patient relationship, and the importance of seeking help when one is being taken advantage of.
Is The Shrink Next Door Based on a True Story?
Yes, "The Shrink Next Door" is based on a true story. The podcast and TV series are based on the real-life relationship between a patient named Martin Markowitz and his therapist, Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf. The events depicted in the show are based on the reporting of journalist Joe Nocera, who covered the story for Bloomberg Businessweek. The story became well-known after Nocera published an article about it in 2019, which later led to the creation of the podcast and TV series.
In 2019, the podcast "The Shrink Next Door" shed light on the manipulative practices of therapist Dr. Isaac Herschkopf. Several of Herschkopf's former patients came forward, including Judith, who alleged that he had urged her to cut ties with her mother and not attend her funeral.
Following the podcast's release, the New York Department of Health conducted a two-year investigation into Herschkopf's practices, resulting in the revocation of his medical license in April 2021. Herschkopf, who is 70 years old, was found guilty of 16 charges of professional misconduct, including fraudulent practice, moral unfitness, and negligence.
Despite the ruling, Herschkopf has indicated that he plans to appeal. The case underscores the importance of holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.
After severing ties with Dr. Herschkopf and reporting him for malpractice to the New York State Department in 2012, Martin Markowitz reconnected with his sister Phyllis, whom he had not spoken to for 27 years.
Now 79 years old, Markowitz has retired and closed his family business. He plans to travel the world with his girlfriend, as he recently revealed in an interview with Forward. Despite the trauma he endured during his long-term relationship with Herschkopf, Markowitz is focused on moving forward and living life on his own terms.
The Shrink Next Door Plot
"The Shrink Next Door" is a podcast and TV series that tells the story of a man named Martin "Marty" Markowitz and his long-term relationship with his therapist, Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf.
Marty is introduced as a successful businessman who lives in a beautiful home in the Hamptons. He has been seeing Dr. Herschkopf for therapy for over 30 years, and the two men have developed a close relationship over time. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their relationship is not what it seems.
Dr. Herschkopf begins to take control of many aspects of Marty's life, including his finances, his relationships, and even his own home. Marty's family and friends become increasingly concerned about his well-being, but he is unable to see what is happening. It is later revealed that Dr. Herschkopf has been manipulating Marty for years for his own personal gain, taking advantage of his patient's trust and vulnerability.
The story follows the aftermath of these events, as Marty tries to come to terms with what has happened to him and seek justice for the wrongs that were done to him. The podcast and TV series are based on the reporting of journalist Joe Nocera, who covered the real-life story of Martin Markowitz and Dr. Isaac Herschkopf for Bloomberg Businessweek.
The Shrink Next Door Ending Explained
The ending of "The Shrink Next Door" TV series and podcast concludes with Martin "Marty" Markowitz confronting his former therapist, Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf, about the harm he caused to his life over the course of their 30-year-long relationship.
In the final episode, Marty begins to realize the extent of the manipulation and control that Ike had over him, and he decides to take legal action against him. Ike's license to practice therapy is revoked, and he is forced to surrender his home and pay Marty restitution for the harm he caused him.
In the aftermath, Marty begins to rebuild his life and reconnects with his family and friends, who had been estranged from him due to Ike's influence. Marty also finds a new therapist who helps him work through the trauma of his experience.
Overall, the ending of "The Shrink Next Door" shows the consequences of an abusive therapist-patient relationship and the importance of seeking help when one is being taken advantage of. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the dangers of blindly trusting authority figures and the importance of staying vigilant about one's own well-being.
Is The Shrink next door based on a true story - FAQs
"The Shrink Next Door" is a dark comedy-drama miniseries on Apple TV+ that explores the abusive relationship between a therapist and his patient. The series is based on a podcast of the same name, which features interviews with former patients of the real-life therapist.
"The Shrink Next Door" stars Will Ferrell as Marty, a New York fabric seller who becomes involved with his therapist Dr. Isaac Herschkopf, played by Paul Rudd. The show also features Kathryn Hahn as Marty's sister Phyllis.
Yes, "The Shrink Next Door" is based on a true story. The show is adapted from a podcast by Joe Nocera, which features interviews with real-life patients of therapist Dr. Isaac Herschkopf. After the podcast was released, Herschkopf's medical license was revoked for professional misconduct.
The podcast "The Shrink Next Door" is a true-crime series that explores the manipulative practices of therapist Dr. Isaac Herschkopf, who formed an abusive relationship with several of his patients. The show features interviews with former patients, as well as with Herschkopf himself.
If you enjoy dark comedies and true crime stories, "The Shrink Next Door" is definitely worth watching. The series features excellent performances by its cast, particularly Ferrell and Rudd, and the story is both disturbing and fascinating. However, viewers should be aware that the show deals with serious themes and may not be appropriate for all audiences.