Michael J. Fox is set to make a heartwarming return to the small screen, guest-starring in the long-anticipated third season of Shrinking. This development is particularly poignant as it reunites him with Bill Lawrence, the co-creator of the series, who also played a pivotal role in Spin City, where Fox enjoyed a prominent run before his Parkinson’s diagnosis led him to prioritize other endeavors.
The series Shrinking artfully intertwines elements of comedy and drama, chronicling the unconventional path of therapist Jimmy, played by Jason Segel. As Jimmy ventures beyond traditional therapy norms by openly divulging his thoughts to his clients, he inadvertently triggers a host of transformative—and often chaotic—events that impact both his clients and his own life. Joining Segel in this unique exploration is none other than Harrison Ford, who embodies Dr. Paul Rhoades, a fellow therapist at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center, navigating his own set of challenges.
Although specifics about Fox’s character remain undisclosed, rumors swirl about a possible alignment with Ford’s role, particularly as it has emerged that Ford’s character is also dealing with Parkinson’s disease. This comeback is significant for Fox, who has largely stepped back from acting, last appearing as the beloved Louis Canning on The Good Fight in 2020.
Adding to the excitement of the upcoming season, acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels will also be joining the cast in a guest appearance as Jimmy’s father. The core ensemble features a stellar lineup that includes Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley, ensuring a strong supporting cast that enhances the dynamics of the series.
Dedicated fans, such as Alex Maidy, have praised Shrinking for its insightful handling of emotional and mental health themes. Maidy likens the show to Ted Lasso, noting the latter’s focus on positivity through sports, while Shrinking takes a more direct approach to explore the realities faced by mental health professionals and their personal struggles. He lauds the series as one of the best of the year, highlighting the impressive performances by both Segel and Ford, and noting that the cast is uniformly strong. Ultimately, he asserts that the characters resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting life’s complexities through a humorous lens. For an in-depth read on his views regarding the prior season, check out his complete review here.
