Apple TV+ has renewed its dramedy series, "Shrinking," for a fourth season, an announcement made prior to the premiere of its third season.
The upcoming third season delves into new storylines, including the progression of Paul's Parkinson's disease, featuring a guest appearance by Michael J. Fox, and further developments in Jimmy's personal life. The series has received multiple Emmy nominations for its initial two seasons, recognizing both the show and its cast.
Season Renewal and Upcoming Storylines
The renewal of "Shrinking" for a fourth season was confirmed ahead of the third season's debut. The third season continues from the second season finale, with plotlines addressing Jimmy (Jason Segel) having intervened to help Louis (Brett Goldstein), a character associated with his wife's death.
A significant storyline involves Paul (Harrison Ford) and his Parkinson's disease treatment. The season features Michael J. Fox in a guest role as Gerry, a patient with Parkinson's, appearing alongside Ford's character. Co-creator Jason Segel noted that Fox's guest role was inspired by him and marked his return to acting, with Fox portraying a character directly addressing Parkinson's on screen.
The season three premiere, a one-hour episode, explored themes of moving forward and facing the progression of time, including a wedding. The premiere concluded with Paul experiencing a hallucination of Gerry, which Segel stated connects to the season's themes of stepping into the unknown and characters navigating grief and new life stages. Segel also highlighted Harrison Ford's portrayal of aging and vulnerability within the series.
Future storylines for Jimmy will explore his dating life, with Cobie Smulders returning as a love interest, and introduce his father, portrayed by Jeff Daniels.
Cast and Creative Team
The core cast members for "Shrinking" include:
- Jason Segel (Jimmy)
- Harrison Ford (Paul)
- Christa Miller
- Jessica Williams
- Luke Tennie
- Michael Urie
- Lukita Maxwell
- Ted McGinley
Guest stars confirmed for the third season include:
- Brett Goldstein
- Michael J. Fox
- Damon Wayans Jr.
- Wendie Malick
- Cobie Smulders
- Jeff Daniels
- Candice Bergen
- Sherry Cola
- Isabella Gomez
"Shrinking" was co-created by Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein, and Bill Lawrence. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers include Neil Goldman, James Ponsoldt, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, Randall Winston, Rachna Fruchbom, Brian Gallivan, Ashley Nicole Black, and Bill Posley, alongside the co-creators.
Accolades
For its first two seasons, "Shrinking" received nine Emmy nominations. These nominations included a recognition for Best Comedy Series. Individual Emmy nominations were also received by Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, and Michael Urie for their performances in the series.