The cast of Shrinking shares more than just scenes and scripts—they have formed a tight-knit chosen family who genuinely care for one another. This connection extends off-screen, as demonstrated by Jessica Williams surprising Harrison Ford with a thoughtful, personal gift ahead of Shrinking’s third season. Their genuine rapport exemplifies the close relationships that have flourished among these actors over the show’s run.
Jessica Williams’ Thoughtful Gesture to Harrison Ford
In a recent conversation before the premiere of Shrinking Season 3, Jessica Williams opened up about the gift she gave to Harrison Ford, who plays Paul on the show. Understanding Ford’s fondness for crossword puzzles, Williams, who also enjoys them, presented him with a book of New York Times Monday crosswords, a compilation of easier puzzles they both appreciate.
“Yeah, I’ve got a little cool thing. He likes doing the crosswords, and I love doing the New York Times crosswords. And I gifted him a book of Mondays. So there’s compilations of the easy crosswords, and I got him the Mondays, because we both like the easy crosswords. So I got him a New York Times Monday compilation, and he did not know that was a thing, and he really liked it.”
The gift surprised Ford as he was unaware such collections existed, making the gesture all the more special. The focus on “Mondays” reflects their shared enjoyment of the simpler puzzles before the difficulty intensifies later in the week.
The Anticipation and Surprise Behind the Gift
Williams was so enthusiastic about giving this gift that she wanted to share the news with Ford before it arrived, but he preferred to remain in the dark to keep the surprise intact. She recalled this moment with fondness, highlighting the playful dynamic between them:

“The other funny thing was, I was so excited that I got him that, I was like, ‘Can I tell you the gift I got you?’ Because I was like, waiting for it to be delivered. I was like, ‘Can I tell you?’ And he was like, ‘No, no, don’t tell me.’ So he, like, still played into it. It was like, ‘No, I want to be surprised,’ which was really nice.”
This interaction underlines the warmth and mutual respect shared between the two actors, further enriching their off-screen friendship.
Mutual Admiration Reflected On and Off Screen
Throughout Shrinking’s ongoing success, Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams have shown consistent admiration for each other. Their support goes beyond rehearsals and takes on a personal tone. For example, after both received Emmy nominations last year, they exchanged heartfelt congratulations through text messages. Ford has even likened Williams to Yoda, adding a touch of playful reverence to their relationship.
Williams, in turn, praised Ford’s performance in the emotionally charged Season 2 finale, highlighting how his presence helped her through that intense scene. Their real-life connection enhances their characters’ dynamic, where Paul and Gaby provide each other unwavering support both professionally and personally.
Exploring the Evolving Relationship Between Paul and Gaby in Season 3
Jessica Williams shared insight into how the relationship between her character Gaby and Ford’s Paul deepens this season, uncovering emotional layers seldom seen in typical television dynamics. She described their on-screen interaction as tender and meaningful, grounded in a surrogate father-mentor bond that adds depth to their storylines:
“It was an honor to do. I love all the Paul and Gaby stuff this season. It’s really tender. And there’s such a surrogate – he has the surrogate father/mentor relationship with Jimmy and Gaby, and so it’s really nice that he has to show up for her. I don’t think you really see that dynamic on screen a lot. And Harrison is just one of the greatest actors of all time. And so to be able to do that in the same room with him, I’m blessed, I’m really blessed, and I love it. It was a joy to do that.”
This deep emotional connection not only enriches the narrative but also allows both actors to showcase their talents in profound ways, contributing to Shrinking’s critical acclaim and audience appeal.
Anticipation Builds for Shrinking’s Third Season
Fans of Shrinking are eagerly awaiting the Season 3 premiere, set to air on Apple TV+ on January 28, followed by weekly episodes each Wednesday. The continued development of Paul and Gaby’s relationship promises heartfelt moments and a showcase of exceptional acting from Williams and Ford. Their real bond is expected to translate into powerful performances that resonate strongly with viewers.
For those who subscribe to Apple TV+, the series is part of a compelling lineup that includes acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, available for $12.99 per month with a 7-day free trial. Shrinking’s blend of humor, emotion, and authentic relationships continues to stand out in the streaming landscape.
Why This Harrison Ford Shrinking Gift Matters
The thoughtful crossword puzzle book Williams gave Ford exemplifies the genuine camaraderie behind the scenes of Shrinking. This simple yet meaningful gift showcases the ease and affection in their relationship, mirroring the warmth fans see on screen. It also illustrates how small acts of kindness can strengthen bonds, especially in an industry often marked by hectic schedules and intense pressure.
Their connection is a reminder of the human stories fueling great storytelling, and it raises anticipation for more moments of friendship and tenderness in the upcoming episodes. With Season 3 poised to delve deeper into these relationships, viewers can look forward to experiencing not only entertaining plotlines but also the authentic emotions shared by this remarkable cast.
