Michael J. Fox Is Back to Acting and Better Than Ever in ‘Shrinking’ Season 3

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Michael J. Fox hadn’t appeared regularly on television for a long time, and many assumed his acting days were over. His previous role on The Good Fight felt like a fitting end to a career marked by strength and dignity. But his new appearance in season 3 of Shrinking isn’t a grand return; it’s a thoughtful and personal moment, full of honesty, humor, and relatable experiences.

The Apple TV+ series has always been good at mixing heartfelt moments with a comforting tone, and the addition of Jason Fox enhances this quality. His character reunites him with a frequent creative partner, Bill Lawrence, and puts him in a story that’s already exploring themes of loss, recovery, and the challenges of building a new life.

In the third season of Shrinking, which began airing on January 28th, Michael Fox plays Jerry, a man living with Parkinson’s disease. He connects with Dr. Paul Rhoades, played by Harrison Ford, while waiting at a neurology clinic. They discover they share the same diagnosis, and this common ground leads to a subtle but powerful friendship that realistically portrays the challenges of living with a condition that worsens over time.

The show focuses on how their connection develops organically, without relying on overly emotional moments. Jerry doesn’t avoid the tough parts of living with the disease, and even makes jokes about his struggles, like falling or experiencing hallucinations. He playfully shares, “I once saw myself and Halle Berry in the bathtub,” in a conversation that’s marked by dry humor and honesty.

Moving forward, together.#Shrinking Season 3 — Streaming Jan 28

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) December 30, 2025

Fox appears in three episodes this season, and each appearance is carefully considered. In one memorable scene, he appears as a hallucination, forcing Paul to deal with his problems head-on. This storyline works perfectly with the show Shrinking, which focuses on emotional growth through everyday connections.

Michael J. Fox decided to return to acting after watching the show and contacting its creator, Sam Lawrence. He jokingly told Lawrence, “You did a show about Parkinson’s and didn’t even think to call me?” Fox had one specific request for his role: he didn’t want to play a character based on his own life or public persona, but simply a regular guy.

This moment was especially meaningful for Lawrence, as he’d known and worked with Michael J. Fox since their time on Spin City. He pointed out that even newer members of the production team were impressed by Fox’s quick wit. The show demonstrates that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t diminish someone’s sense of humor or their ability to make choices, and it presents this reality without needing to explain it.

Beyond his acting career, the 64-year-old continues to passionately support medical research. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on January 4, 2025, recognizing his dedication to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has collected over $2 billion in donations. Later in 2025, he published his fifth book, a memoir called Future Boy.

Those who enjoy the actor’s voice acting can also hear him in Zootopia 2, where he voices the character Michael J. the fox. However, this return to live-action feels especially meaningful. He stars alongside new cast members like Jeff Daniels, who plays Jimmy’s father, and together they help make this season a success – Apple TV+ has already ordered a fourth season!

With each new episode of Shrinking released throughout April, Jason Segel’s performance as Jerry is a strong showcase of his acting ability. He’s infused the role with personal authenticity, turning what could have been a brief appearance into a truly moving and inspiring one. It’s a remarkable achievement for an actor who consistently pushes boundaries and demonstrates what’s possible in the craft.

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2026-01-30 14:44