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The Shrink Next Door debuted on Apple TV+ in November 2021. The series is based on a podcast of the same name and tells the true story of Martin “Marty” Markowitz and his psychiatrist Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf. Over the course of 30 years, Herschkopf scammed Markowitz out of millions of dollars, inspired his estrangement from his friends and family, and took control of his family estate in the Hamptons. 

Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd play the fictionalized versions of Markowitz and Herschkopf, respectively. But many fans are curious about what put a stop to the real Herschkopf’s relationship with Markowitz. Ironically, it was routine surgery. 

Will Ferrell as Marty Markowitz with Paul Rudd as Ike Herschkopf standing behind him in 'The Shrink Next Door'
Will Ferrell & Paul Rudd | Apple TV+

Apple TV+ series ‘The Shrink Next Door’ is based on a true story 

Markowitz first met Herschkopf in 1981 when he sought mental health treatment. At the time, he was grieving his parents and overwhelmed about running his family’s fabric business. When Herschkopf realized how much money Markowitz had, he started taking advantage of his mental state. 

For nearly 30 years, Herschkopf bled money from Markowitz’s family trust, business, and personal accounts. He prevented him from having relationships with almost everyone, including his sister. It wasn’t until 2010 that Markowitz questioned his relationship with Herschkopf. 

How did Marty Markowitz break ties with Ike Herschkopf? 

According to The Shrink Next Door podcast, Markowitz’s relationship with Herschkopf lasted until 2010, when Markowitz underwent hernia surgery. When Herschkopf didn’t bother to check in post-op, Markowitz began questioning their friendship. 

“I knew that he knew that he was the only person in my life,” Markowitz explained to journalist and The Shrink Next Door creator Joe Nocera. “All of these frustrations, all of these issues, all of this anger came bursting out of me.”

So, Markowitz cut ties with the toxic doctor by writing a letter informing him he no longer wanted to be his patient. Unsurprisingly, Herschkopf told Markowitz he was making the wrong decision, but Markowitz stayed strong and cut the psychiatrist off completely. 

Where are Marty Markowitz and Ike Herschkopf today? 

After Markowitz cut Herschkopf out of his life, he reconnected with his sister, Phyllis Shapiro, after 27 years. Kathryn Hahn plays her in the Apple TV+ version of Markowitz’s story. 

According to Forward, Markowitz filed a complaint with the New York State Department of Health in 2012. It took them seven years to examine them. Eventually, after a two-year investigation, Herschkopf lost his license to practice medicine. In Nov. 2021, Herschkopf told the New York Times he planned to appeal the health department’s ruling.

How to watch Paul Rudd, Will Ferrell, and Kathryn Hahn in ‘The Shrink Next Door’ 

The Shrink Next Door debuted on Apple TV+ with three episodes on Nov. 12, 2021. So far, six episodes have aired: 

  • “The Consultation” — Nov. 12, 2021
  • “The Ceremony” — Nov. 12, 2021
  • “The Treatment” — Nov. 12, 2021
  • “The Foundation” — Nov. 19, 2021
  • “The Family Tree” — Nov. 25, 2021
  • “Confess” — Dec. 3, 2021
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There will be eight episodes of The Shrink Next Door total. The final two episodes will air: 

  • “Rags to Beaches” — Dec. 10, 2021
  • “Betrayal and Freedom” — Dec. 17, 2021 

See how the rest of Markowitz’s story unfolds in the fictionalized version. New episodes of The Shrink Next Door drop Fridays on Apple TV+. 

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