After a six-year break from major television roles, Michael J. Fox has made a notable comeback with his appearance in the third season of the Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking. The 64-year-old actor reunites with showrunner Bill Lawrence, who previously collaborated with him on Spin City. Fox plays Jerry, a character living with Parkinson’s disease, the same condition Fox was diagnosed with in 1991.
In the new season, which began airing on January 28, Jerry forms a friendship with Dr. Paul Rhoades, played by Harrison Ford, a therapist also managing Parkinson’s. Their initial meeting occurs in a doctor’s waiting room, and the episode concludes with Paul hallucinating Jerry at his home following Paul’s marriage to Dr. Julie Baram, portrayed by Wendie Malick. This interaction prompts Paul to address his Parkinson’s diagnosis and treatment more openly. Fox is set to appear in two additional episodes this season.
Behind the Scenes: How Michael J. Fox Joined Shrinking
Fox’s involvement in Shrinking came after a conversation with Bill Lawrence, who co-created the series with Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein. The show explores the lives of three therapists: Jimmy (Jason Segel), dealing with grief over his late wife; Paul (Harrison Ford), adjusting to Parkinson’s disease; and Gaby (Jessica Williams), who faces challenging personal and career struggles.
Following Shrinking’s premiere in January 2023, Fox reached out to Lawrence. He recalled,
“I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’ And he said, ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ And I said, ‘I’d love to do it,’”
Michael J. Fox told PEOPLE last year.
“He said, ‘Let me think about it, see what I can do.’ He worked on it and came up with this concept. It’s really good.”
The actor also described returning to work on a TV set as a positive experience. He explained,
“It was the first time ever I got to show up on set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,”
adding,
“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.”
What Fans Can Expect from the New Season
Season 3 of Shrinking continues to delve into sensitive themes such as illness, grief, and personal growth through the perspectives of its complex characters. With Michael J. Fox’s TV return adding authenticity and depth, viewers will witness how Parkinson’s impacts both Jerry and Paul’s lives, enriching the storyline with emotional nuance. The series airs new episodes weekly on Apple TV+ every Wednesday through May 22.
