‘The king is back’: Fans react as Michael J Fox returns to the screen after five years with Shrinking season 3

Michael J. Fox is making a highly anticipated return to the screen with Shrinking season 3, marking his first acting role in five years. The beloved actor’s comeback has generated widespread excitement among fans, many of whom see the moment as a powerful and emotional milestone. His appearance is set to add even more significance to the next chapter of the hit Apple TV+ series.



Michael J. Fox stepped away from acting in 2020, citing challenges with his speech that arose from his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he has publicly shared for years, began to affect his ability to perform at the level he desired, prompting him to take a break from his career and focus on his health. Despite these challenges, Fox has remained active in advocacy and public life, making his upcoming return in Shrinking season 3 all the more significant.



The exact details of Michael J. Fox’s role in Shrinking season 3 have yet to be officially revealed, but the recently released trailer offers an intriguing glimpse. In one scene, he appears in what looks like a doctor’s office, sitting beside Harrison Ford’s character, Paul. Paul candidly admits that he is there for Parkinson’s treatment, while Fox’s character injects a moment of levity by joking that he’s there for “a haircut.” The brief interaction not only showcases Fox’s trademark humor but also hints at the heartfelt and nuanced dynamics he is likely to bring to the show.



Shrinking, created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, centers on a grieving therapist (Segel) who begins speaking his mind to his clients, ignoring conventional rules and ethics. His candid approach leads to dramatic changes in both his clients’ lives and his own journey of self-discovery. The show stars Jason Segel alongside Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley. Returning guest stars include Brett Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, and Cobie Smulders, with Jeff Daniels joining the cast for this season. Shrinking season 3 will premiere on Apple TV+ on January 28.