Michael J. Fox has opened up about his experiences while filming Shrinking season 3, highlighting the support he received from co-star Harrison Ford on set. The new season of the Apple TV series, which was created by Bill Lawrence along with Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein, is highly anticipated ahead of its release next year, especially following multiple Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series for 2025. The focus keyword, Michael J. Fox Shrinking season 3, is at the heart of Fox’s recent comments and the show’s direction.
Behind the Scenes with Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox
Shrinking stands out among television comedies, taking inspiration from Lawrence’s earlier hit Ted Lasso by delivering stories with depth and humor. The series continues to follow the character Paul Rhodes (played by Harrison Ford) and his frank depiction of living with Parkinson’s disease—an ongoing storyline from earlier seasons that takes center stage again in the third installment.
In an interview conducted at the A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s Gala—an event hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research—Fox spoke about how meaningful it was to work with Ford during his guest stint on Shrinking.
“[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 said. The actor’s remarks highlighted not just the talent, but also the camaraderie and supportiveness present on set.
Fox elaborated on Ford’s skills and reputation, adding,
“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 explained. While the exact nature of Fox’s character hasn’t been disclosed, he did confirm that he would be featured in a three-episode arc as a character living with Parkinson’s disease, as reported in an earlier interview with PEOPLE magazine.
Michael J. Fox’s Return to Television and Renewed Purpose
Fox was officially introduced as a guest star for Shrinking season 3 in May, marking a significant return since his retirement from acting in 2020, after a Parkinson’s diagnosis which he has managed since 1991. His connection to the creative team runs deep, with Bill Lawrence previously working with Fox on the sitcom Spin City in the mid-1990s. The impact of Shrinking’s storyline, especially Ford’s portrayal of Paul, was a key reason Fox felt inspired to contribute to the series.
Discussing his experience on set, Fox shared,
“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 told PEOPLE. He added another perspective, saying,
“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 stated. These candid reflections offer insight into Fox’s determination and resilience, even as he navigates the realities of Parkinson’s.
The Drama’s Broader Impact and Real-World Ties
The season 2 finale of Shrinking saw Ford’s character Paul Rhodes announcing a critical decision to stop his Parkinson’s medication, signaling new territory for his personal story. This narrative arc carries personal weight for the show’s creators as well; both Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein have family connections to Parkinson’s, which shapes their approach to portraying the disease accurately and with empathy. Lawrence emphasized this goal, saying,
“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 told Deadline.
Expanding Cast and What Fans Can Expect
Michael J. Fox is one of several noteworthy additions to the ensemble for Shrinking season 3. The upcoming season will also see Candice Bergen, renowned for her work on Murphy Brown and a five-time Emmy winner, join in a new, undisclosed role. Additionally, two-time Emmy winner Jeff Daniels appears as Jimmy’s (Jason Segel’s character) father. Regular cast members such as Jason Segel as Jimmy and Luke Tennie as Sean will return, contributing to an expanded dynamic within the 11-episode season.
The third season of Shrinking is slated to premiere on Apple TV on January 28, 2026, with episodes released each Wednesday through April 8. Anticipation is strong following the series’ critical acclaim and the meaningful storylines that have resonated with viewers and those affected by Parkinson’s alike.
By casting Michael J. Fox in a role that mirrors his own experiences, Shrinking continues its mission to present authentic, multidimensional representations of living with chronic illness. The involvement of renowned talents and a dedicated creative team suggests season 3 will bring both heartfelt performances and important perspectives to audiences worldwide.
