Candice Bergen has been confirmed to join the third season of Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” which is currently in production and features Michael J. Fox guest starring on Shrinking Season 3 alongside series regulars such as Harrison Ford. Co-creator Bill Lawrence announced Bergen’s involvement at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, igniting excitement for the show’s expanding cast.
New Faces Bring Fresh Energy to ‘Shrinking’
At the Paramount Theatre during the “Bill Lawrence and Friends” panel, Bill Lawrence revealed that Candice Bergen, best known for her work on “Murphy Brown,” is set to appear in “Shrinking” Season 3. Bergen will join the ensemble that already includes Harrison Ford and the previously announced guest star Michael J. Fox. The show is known for its heartfelt storytelling and dynamic cast, and Bergen’s addition is expected to amplify the drama and humor.
The latest casting announcement came while Lawrence reminisced about past collaborations with Michael J. Fox, who was the lead in “Spin City,” the very first sitcom Lawrence co-created. This nostalgic connection has reignited interest among longtime television fans, as Lawrence and Fox reunite on screen.
Insights and Stories from Bill Lawrence on Collaborating with Michael J. Fox
Reflecting on his relationship with Fox, Lawrence praised the actor’s enduring influence on both his personal and professional life:
“He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever met,”
—Bill Lawrence, co-creator
“He’s one of my mentors. And man, what an inspiring dude, the way he’s living his life. So to get to have him back, working with him… 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
Lawrence recounted anecdotes from their shared history, including the challenges of writing and producing a network comedy with such an established star. He discussed Fox’s exit from “Spin City” after the fourth season due to the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms, a significant event that impacted both show and creator.
Lawrence described overcoming anxiety when working with a mentor as prominent as Fox, especially during live tapings in New York, where Fox’s comedic instincts would sometimes challenge the writing:
“I was lucky enough to had a mentor, and I created ‘Spin City’ when I was 25 years old,”
—Bill Lawrence, co-creator
Lawrence shared an incident involving a joke written for “Spin City” that didn’t land with the audience, emphasizing how Fox used humor and kindness to help Lawrence build confidence as a young writer and producer. Fox’s supportive approach influenced the creative culture that Lawrence continues to foster across his shows.
“There’s two lessons. One is he, by the way, had a smile on his face. So he was letting me know that it was okay, and it gave me so much confidence,”
—Bill Lawrence, co-creator
“But he was also letting me know that those of us that write don’t have to have that kind of egg on our face, if it goes south. So one of the things that we always tell everybody, is you do something silly and big and bold and go for it, and if it doesn’t work, I promise it won’t be on the show. I hope you guys like seeing Mike on TV again. He’s my hero.”
—Bill Lawrence, co-creator
Expansion of the Cast and Upcoming Roles
While Bill Lawrence did not disclose details regarding Candice Bergen’s character, her arrival on the ensemble—which includes Harrison Ford, Jason Segel (who portrays therapist Jimmy), Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley—demonstrates the show’s evolving narrative landscape. The addition of Bergen comes as “Shrinking” continues to gain momentum, with multiple acclaimed actors joining for the third season.
Michael J. Fox’s return to a Bill Lawrence show, after memorable roles on “Spin City” and a two-episode arc as a brilliant but obsessive doctor on “Scrubs,” is expected to inject further depth and emotion into this season. Also joining in Season 3 are Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez, continuing the show’s reputation for attracting well-known actors for impactful storylines.
Bergen’s recent television appearances, including guest spots on “And Just Like Us” and “The Conners,” highlight her continued relevance and appeal in contemporary TV. This casting news has sparked conversations among viewers eager to see how she interacts with established characters and the evolving comedic drama at the core of “Shrinking.”
Creative Team and Loyal Ensemble Drive Anticipation
Bill Lawrence, joined by co-creators Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel, has developed “Shrinking” into a vehicle blending heartfelt exploration of grief, transformation, and comedic relief. Jimmy, played by Segel, navigates the complexities of loss and healing, backed by a supporting cast that now includes celebrated names from tags such as Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, and Candice Bergen.
The show‘s tight-knit creative approach is mirrored across Lawrence’s productions, such as “Scrubs” and “Ted Lasso.” At the Austin panel, Zach Braff discussed the ongoing camaraderie among the cast of “Scrubs” and their prospective reunion at ABC, demonstrating the loyalty and friendship that underpin Lawrence’s work:
“People think this is like a lie, and we tell people we all really hang out. Donald and I are legitimately best friends. He’s staying in my apartment as we speak in New York. We’re all really, really close and and so when this, when it came up that ABC, Disney, wanted to do it. It just felt like a great the right time. And the idea of going and laughing all day long with this group of people that I love so much again this time felt like a really good time.”
—Zach Braff, actor
This kind of supportive and creative environment is evident in “Shrinking,” where the convergence of talent not only brings excitement for viewers but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere praised by cast members such as Brett Goldstein and Phil Dunster, both of whom have worked with Lawrence on other projects.
Looking Forward: What Candice Bergen and Michael J. Fox Add to the Series
The casting of Candice Bergen, who previously played iconic roles like Murphy Brown, promises to bring a blend of nostalgia and gravitas to “Shrinking” Season 3. Michael J. Fox’s guest role is likewise highly anticipated, with his history of nuanced performances and personal resilience offering deeper emotional layers to the show’s narrative.
Brett Goldstein’s lighthearted response to the news—
“Unlike Bill, who breaks embargoes, I’m not allowed to say anything, because Apple has a sniper on the roof driving an eye on me right now. All I can say is, it is delightful to be back in the right through with everyone.”
—Brett Goldstein, actor—emphasized the high level of secrecy and excitement surrounding the series‘ developments.
As “Shrinking” proceeds with its third season production, fans look forward to seeing how the infusion of veteran talent—including Bergen and Fox—shapes the direction of the show. With a strong foundation built on personal connections, creative vision, and new storylines, the series is poised to continue captivating audiences and drawing acclaim for its ensemble performances and honest depiction of personal growth.
Adding Candice Bergen and Michael J. Fox to the cast signals Apple TV+’s commitment to star-driven programming, and viewers will be closely watching to see how these acclaimed actors influence the evolving storylines when “Shrinking” returns.
