Apple TV+’s acclaimed series Shrinking has secured top-tier talent for its third season, as Candice Bergen is set to appear alongside Michael J. Fox, who guest stars on Shrinking season 3, and series regular Harrison Ford. The news was revealed by co-creator Bill Lawrence at Austin’s ATX TV Festival, where he also reminisced about his previous collaborations with Fox and expressed excitement for the upcoming episodes.
Bill Lawrence Discloses Star-Studded Casting During ATX TV Festival
At the Bill Lawrence and Friends panel, held at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Bill Lawrence surprised attendees by announcing that Candice Bergen would join an already impressive cast for Shrinking Season 3. Bergen, well-known for her iconic role on Murphy Brown, will act opposite series star Harrison Ford and newly announced guest Michael J. Fox. This revelation marked an exciting development for fans and was made in the presence of cast and industry peers.
Lawrence revisited his longtime professional relationship with Michael J. Fox, reflecting on their working history, particularly on the sitcom Spin City. Candice Bergen’s exact role in Shrinking has not been detailed, but her inclusion comes as the production for Season 3 continues, broadening the series’ impressive roster of talent. Alongside Bergen and Fox, new recurring actors for this season include Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez.
Michael J. Fox’s Ongoing Impact on Bill Lawrence’s Career
During the discussion, Lawrence spoke about the deep influence Michael J. Fox has had on his career, especially their time on Spin City. He described Fox as a mentor and a source of inspiration, underscoring how significant it was to reunite on set recently with Fox, Harrison Ford, and Candice Bergen.
He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever met,
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
He’s one of my mentors. And man, what an inspiring dude, the way he’s living his life. So to get to have him back, working with him… I didn’t expect to have career highlights at this point in my career and I was on set about 10 days ago watching Harrison Ford and Mike Fox and Candice Bergen — oh a spoiler!
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
In recalling his early experiences as a young showrunner, Lawrence revealed the nerves he felt working with Fox. On Spin City, Fox delivered lines written by Lawrence during one memorable scene, which tested Lawrence’s confidence as a writer and Fox’s comedic instincts.
I was lucky enough to had a mentor, and I created ‘Spin City’ when I was 25 years old,
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
Lawrence recounted how Fox challenged a particular joke, insisting it wouldn’t land with the live studio audience. Eventually, Fox performed the contentious line, and as anticipated, it fell flat, leading to a memorable exchange.
Lawrence explained that this moment, handled with humor and warmth, became a pivotal lesson in humility and resilience in the comedic writing process.
There’s two lessons. One is he, by the way, had a smile on his face. So he was letting me know that it was okay, and it gave me so much confidence,
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
But he was also letting me know that those of us that write don’t have to have that kind of egg on our face, if it goes south. So one of the things that we always tell everybody, is you do something silly and big and bold and go for it, and if it doesn’t work, I promise it won’t be on the show. I hope you guys like seeing Mike on TV again. He’s my hero.
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
Shrinking Season 3 Cast Expands With Major Guest Stars
The arrival of Candice Bergen, coupled with Michael J. Fox’s guest appearance, marks a new milestone for Shrinking. Bergen’s recent credits include roles on And Just Like Us and The Conners, demonstrating her continued presence in television. Meanwhile, Shrinking‘s cast already features well-known performers such as Jason Segel, who portrays therapist Jimmy, Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley.
The show’s narrative follows Jimmy as he navigates grief following the loss of his wife, choosing to take unconventional approaches with his patients, friends, and family. The dynamic cast and fresh guest additions are expected to further enrich the show’s blend of humor and emotional storytelling.
Joining Fox and Bergen as new faces in Season 3 are Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez, expanding the range of stories and personalities represented on the series as it continues production.
Creative Collaborators and Ongoing Projects
The ATX TV Festival event brought together key figures from Bill Lawrence’s various productions, including Zach Braff from Scrubs, Brett Goldstein from both Shrinking and Ted Lasso, Josh Hopkins from Cougar Town and Shrinking, and Phil Dunster from Ted Lasso. The event also highlighted the camaraderie among castmates, with Braff sharing insights on their enduring friendships, which contribute to the organic and supportive environment behind the scenes.
People think this is like a lie, and we tell people we all really hang out. Donald and I are legitimately best friends. He’s staying in my apartment as we speak in New York. We’re all really, really close and and so when this, when it came up that ABC, Disney, wanted to do it. It just felt like a great the right time. And the idea of going and laughing all day long with this group of people that I love so much again this time felt like a really good time.
-Zach Braff, Actor/Director
Braff is involved in directing an episode for an upcoming Lawrence-helmed HBO project featuring Steve Carell, Dunster, Charly Clive, and John C. McGinley, underscoring Lawrence’s ongoing connections with a wide network of notable actors.
Ted Lasso’s Future and Industry Reflections
Questions about a revival for the popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso were met with careful responses. Lawrence deferred commentary to creator and star Jason Sudeikis, underscoring Sudeikis’s creative leadership, while Brett Goldstein humorously referenced the secrecy around the production’s developments.
He is Ted Lasso, but he’s also the voice the show,
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
And more than a creative partner, I was kind of riding on his coattails on that one.
-Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
Unlike Bill, who breaks embargoes, I’m not allowed to say anything, because Apple has a sniper on the roof driving an eye on me right now. All I can say is, it is delightful to be back in the right through with everyone.
-Brett Goldstein, Actor/Writer
Anticipation Grows for Shrinking Season 3
With the addition of Candice Bergen and Michael J. Fox, along with other new cast members, Shrinking Season 3 is poised to engage viewers with its evolving stories and emotional complexity. The strong ensemble, guided by seasoned figures like Bill Lawrence and supported by creative talents such as Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel, positions the Apple TV+ series for continued critical and popular success.
The impact of Michael J. Fox guest stars on Shrinking season 3 extends beyond casting headlines, reflecting the series’ dedication to blending humor, experience, and heartfelt moments. As filming continues and details about new characters emerge, anticipation builds for how these industry legends will further define the show’s legacy.
