Production on Shrinking season 3 is underway at Apple TV+, with a much-anticipated reunion as Emmy-winning Candice Bergen will share the screen with Harrison Ford for the first time in over five decades, adding new excitement to the hit series. The Harrison Ford reunion with Candice Bergen in Shrinking season 3 marks a significant moment for both actors, as they last worked together in 1970’s Getting Straight, and will now appear as part of a star-studded line-up including Michael J. Fox.
Shrinking Season 3 Builds on Its Powerful Cast
Shrinking has been praised for its balance of humor and emotional depth, weaving comedic moments seamlessly alongside honest portrayals of grief and life changes. The show stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a therapist who engages deeply in his clients’ lives, leading to unconventional therapy and personal challenges. Harrison Ford returns for season 3 as Paul, who has become a fan favorite for his portrayal of a therapist managing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, while Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, and Luke Tennie round out the main cast.
The ensemble’s strength has driven the series’ critical acclaim, with stories exploring Jimmy’s struggle after his wife’s passing, Liz facing an empty nest, and Paul coping with his illness. Viewers have been drawn to the show‘s nuanced characters and authentic handling of life’s hardships, setting high expectations for season 3’s continuation of heartfelt storytelling.
Getting Straight: The First Ford-Bergen Collaboration
Harrison Ford is celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, but his path to stardom included early roles such as his appearance in the 1970 film Getting Straight. This movie featured Elliot Gould in the lead as Harry Bailey, navigating both social activism and academic pressure on a 1960s college campus. Candice Bergen played Jan, Harry’s politically passionate girlfriend, while Ford appeared as Jake, a fellow graduate student. Although smaller than his future iconic roles, Ford’s performance in this film stands out as one of his first noteworthy screen credits. The shared experience on this set marks the foundations of the Ford-Bergen dynamic, now revived 55 years later in Shrinking.
Bergen’s impressive career spans five Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe wins, making her appearance in Shrinking especially notable. The anticipation for her role is high among fans who recognize her enduring impact on television and film.
Reuniting Two Legends—What to Expect in Shrinking
Shrinking’s third season will mark the first on-screen reunion between Ford and Bergen in decades, a fact confirmed by series co-creator Bill Lawrence. Bergen’s addition not only fuels nostalgia but also signals more memorable performances, as both stars continue to demonstrate their prowess in evolving roles. Lawrence confirmed that Bergen’s scenes will include interactions with Ford’s character Paul, although details about her specific role remain under wraps.
Audiences familiar with Bergen’s vast experience and Ford’s storied career anticipate dynamic additions to the narrative, especially given the series’ reputation for deep character work that explores complex themes like grief, personal growth, and family relationships.
Michael J. Fox Joins the Cast for a Star-Studded Lineup
In a further boost to enthusiasm for Shrinking season 3, it has been revealed that Michael J. Fox will also guest star, joining Ford and Bergen in several scenes. While the specifics of Fox and Bergen’s characters are yet to be disclosed, their involvement is confirmed by Bill Lawrence, who expressed his admiration for Fox, stating,
“He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever met.”
—Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator
Lawrence also shared his excitement about having all three legends together, recalling,
“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
These revelations, admitted in a Variety interview, generated buzz about the possibilities for dynamic scenes as the actors bring their distinct talents and backgrounds to the show.
Shrinking Blends Laughter and Real Life
Season 3 is set to continue the show’s tradition of blending sharp comedy with honest portrayals of human experience. As Jimmy, played by Jason Segel, pushes boundaries in helping his clients, audiences follow a therapist tackling both his profession and private struggles. Ford’s Paul continues to provide grounding wisdom while facing his own health challenges, with Jessica Williams as Gaby and Christa Miller as Liz adding further emotional layers.
Bergen’s role—which remains under wraps—promises to fit into the show’s exploration of the interconnectedness between personal pain and relationships. Fans are speculating if she might play a new patient, a professional acquaintance, or perhaps someone connected to Paul’s journey with Parkinson’s. The prospect of Ford, Bergen, and Fox sharing scenes brings together generations of television and film history.
Shrinking Season 3 Set to Elevate Streaming Comedy
Shrinking stands out as one of the best-reviewed comedies on streaming, praised for characters with rich backgrounds and stories that resonate with audiences. The complexity of Jimmy’s life, his unconventional approach as a father, friend, and therapist, and the deep bonds with his colleagues such as Michael Urie’s Brian and Luke Tennie’s Sean keep the narrative energetic and relatable.
The show’s creators maintain a consistent focus on authenticity, delivering a story that is both moving and consistently funny. Shrinking’s third season, with its impressive cast and highly anticipated reunions, is poised to enhance its reputation further—especially with the Harrison Ford reunion with Candice Bergen in Shrinking season 3 serving as a highlight. As production continues, viewers look forward to seeing how Liz, Paul, and Jimmy’s lives are changed by new arrivals and storylines.
What This Reunion Means for Fans and Television
The reunion of Ford and Bergen in Shrinking is more than just an on-screen event; it is a celebration of two enduring talents whose careers helped shape American film and television. Their appearance together, after 55 years since Getting Straight, offers a rare moment for fans of classic and contemporary entertainment alike. Along with Michael J. Fox’s guest role, Shrinking promises to serve not only laughter and heartfelt drama, but historic moments that bridge generations of Hollywood storytelling.
With Shrinking’s new season on the horizon, the addition of long-admired figures and an ensemble cast set to deliver both humor and heart, the series is certain to be at the center of the streaming conversation when it returns.
