Michael J. Fox Shrinking season 3 experience has become a focal point ahead of the new episodes, as Fox shared how much co-star Harrison Ford supported him on set. The highly anticipated Apple TV dramedy, created by Bill Lawrence along with Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein, is returning for its third installment in early 2026, following a strong showing with seven Emmy nominations for the 2025 awards, including one for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Shrinking stands out among recent sitcoms like Ted Lasso for its complex exploration of personal struggles. Ford’s character, therapist Paul Rhodes, continues to face the challenges of Parkinson’s disease—a storyline that mirrors some of Fox’s personal experiences. The show’s handling of this neurodegenerative disorder, impacting both brain and body movement, remains a central narrative element as the series moves into its third season.
Fox Discusses His Meaningful Connection with the Cast
During an appearance at the
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s Gala,”
hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the new guest star spoke about working alongside Harrison Ford and the supportive atmosphere on set.
“[He’s] so brilliant and so fun to work with. [He’s] so protective of me and wanted me to have a great experience,”
—Michael J. Fox, Guest Star.
Fox further expressed his admiration for Ford’s subtle performance skills:
“It was amazing. Harrison is so good… I should say he’s an underrated actor because everybody knows how great he is, but the subtlety of his work,”
—Michael J. Fox, Guest Star.
While the specifics of Fox’s character have not been fully disclosed, it is known that he is playing a role with Parkinson’s disease in a three-episode guest appearance, as he previously confirmed in a PEOPLE interview published in October.
Michael J. Fox, who was first announced as a guest for Shrinking season 3 in May, has lived with Parkinson’s since 1991. He and creator Bill Lawrence have a history of collaboration, dating back to the ABC sitcom Spin City in the 1990s. Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 2020, Fox found himself inspired to return by the storyline involving Ford’s Paul Rhodes.
A Supportive Environment On Set
Michael J. Fox described what filming Shrinking season 3 was like for him:
“It was the first time ever I get to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about I am too tired or coughing or anything,”
—Michael J. Fox, Guest Star.
He elaborated on the process:
“I just do it. It was really good, because for the moments when I say, ‘I’m not going to be able to do this,’ then I say, ‘Well, I’ll just deal with how I can’t do it in the scene.’ And you get through it,”
—Michael J. Fox, Guest Star.
The empathy and support Fox describes echo through the production, as Shrinking’s creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein both have personal ties to Parkinson’s within their families. This shared understanding has contributed to the authenticity of the series’ representation of living with the disease.
Lawrence emphasized the importance of this accurate portrayal:
“I will tell you this: what we really care about, Brett and me, both with our family connections to Parkinson’s, is an accurate and inspiring representation of what people that have to deal with that s— go through, and what it means moving forward,”
—Bill Lawrence, Co-creator.
The season 2 finale ended with Ford’s character, Paul Rhodes, making the difficult choice to stop a now-ineffective medication, setting up significant narrative developments for the upcoming season.
New Additions and Ongoing Stories in Season 3
Shrinking season 3 will not only continue exploring the journey of Paul Rhodes but will also introduce new faces. Candice Bergen, known for Murphy Brown and with five Emmy Awards to her name, will appear in a yet-undisclosed role. Jeff Daniels is set to join as Jimmy’s—played by Jason Segel—father, adding another layer to the ensemble’s dynamics. The new season will comprise 11 episodes, promising a deeper dive into the lives of core and new characters like Jimmy and Sean, portrayed by Luke Tennie.
Shrinking’s focus on nuanced, human stories alongside its talented cast, including Ford, Fox, Bergen, Daniels, and Goldstein, is expected to continue captivating audiences. The involvement of high-profile actors and the careful storytelling shaped by Lawrence’s and Goldstein’s personal connections to Parkinson’s reinforce the show’s impact and intention.
Looking Ahead to the Shrinking Season 3 Premiere
Shrinking season 3 is set to launch on Apple TV on January 28, 2026, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday through April 8. The anticipation around Michael J. Fox Shrinking season 3 guest arc, Ford’s emotionally charged storyline, and the arrival of new stars like Candice Bergen and Jeff Daniels signals a compelling season to come. For viewers and families affected by Parkinson’s disease, the continued focus on authentic and motivating representation is likely to resonate powerfully, while fans of the series can expect more heartfelt performances and meaningful storytelling as the show returns.
