The newly released Season 3 trailer for Apple TV+’s comedy series Shrinking offers viewers a meaningful glimpse of Michael J. Fox back on screen after stepping away from acting in 2020 due to speech challenges connected to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. In the preview, Fox appears in the waiting area of a medical facility seated near Dr. Paul Rhoades, portrayed by Harrison Ford. The brief exchange between the two characters uses restrained humor, with Fox’s unnamed character responding playfully when the topic of Parkinson’s comes up, leading to a shared moment of laughter that aligns with the show’s understated comedic style.
Within the world of Shrinking, Ford’s character has been living with Parkinson’s since the first season. The series has previously shown Paul attempting to minimize and conceal the progression of his condition before gradually confronting it more openly. Fox’s appearance adds an additional layer of resonance, especially given his real-life advocacy and lived experience. His casting, first announced in May, also represents a professional reunion with series co-creator Bill Lawrence. Fox famously led Lawrence’s ABC sitcom Spin City for four seasons before departing in 2000 due to Parkinson’s-related challenges, and later delivered a well-remembered guest arc on Scrubs, another Lawrence-created series.
“Shrinking” Season 3 Trailer Highlights Emotional Shifts and Familiar TV Reunions
Beyond Fox’s return, the Season 3 trailer continues to develop ongoing character arcs and notable reunions. Series co-creator and lead actor Jason Segel shares the screen once again with his How I Met Your Mother co-star Cobie Smulders, who plays Sofi, the new romantic interest of Segel’s character, Jimmy. Smulders first appeared briefly in Season 2, and the trailer shows her spending time at Jimmy’s home before leaving, prompting Liz, Derek, and Sean to tease him for not asking her out. The moment adds lightness while pushing Jimmy’s emotional journey forward.
The preview also touches on a more reflective storyline as Jimmy processes his feelings about his daughter Alice preparing to leave for college. This development suggests that Season 3 will continue blending humor with grounded, personal challenges. All details in the trailer and casting announcements come directly from Apple TV+ promotional materials and officially released information connected to the series, reinforcing Shrinking’s reputation for character-driven storytelling rooted in authenticity.
