Michael J. Fox’s TV Return in ‘Shrinking’ Is a Must-Watch

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Michael J. Fox is a beloved actor in Canada and around the world. He first gained widespread recognition playing the role of Alex P. Keaton on the TV show Family Ties, where he portrayed a conservative teenager with free-spirited parents. However, he became a true star thanks to his iconic role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films. In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a life-altering event. Despite this, he continued to act for many years, initially keeping his condition private, as he shared in his documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.

It’s been tough watching Michael J. Fox’s health decline, and naturally his acting work has become less frequent. But I was so thrilled to hear he’s coming back to TV in 2026! It’s been five years since his last role, and he’s joining what I think is one of the most genuinely lovely comedy-dramas out there right now: Apple TV+’s Shrinking. It’s just really wonderful to see him back.

Who Michael J. Fox Plays in ‘Shrinking’


Image via Apple TV

The trailer for the upcoming third season shows Michael J. Fox acting alongside Harrison Ford, who plays a therapist named Paul living with Parkinson’s disease. In the first episode, titled “My Bad,” their characters meet at a clinic and exchange brief conversation while waiting for their appointments. Fox’s character, Jerry, asks Paul what brings him in, and Paul reveals his Parkinson’s diagnosis before playfully asking the same of Jerry. Jerry responds with a simple, “Just a haircut,” a line that showcases both the show’s clever writing and Fox’s continued talent for comedic timing and subtle performance, even with limited dialogue.

The scene opens with Jerry playfully teasing Paul about his clumsiness, joking that Paul falls so often he could be a stuntman. Paul, who had mentioned he was having a rough day, clearly appreciates the lightheartedness. The scene ends with a funny twist: Paul is called into the doctor’s office, and Jerry, annoyed, loudly complains that he was there first, even though no one is around to hear him.

Though Michael J. Fox appears only occasionally in the series, his character consistently stands out with his witty humor and optimistic outlook, even when facing difficulties. Those around him say the role closely mirrors Fox himself, who approaches his Parkinson’s diagnosis and other challenges with remarkable strength. Jason Segel, the star and co-creator of Shrinking, described Fox’s work as a true example of art in an interview with TV Insider. Harrison Ford also lauded Fox’s performance, emphasizing how inspiring it was to have him on the show.

Jason Segel praised the show’s honesty in portraying personal struggles on camera, calling it a remarkably brave and extreme example of everyday self-reflection. The storyline involving the character Paul was developed with help from Nick Fox and Bill Lawrence, and is inspired by Brett Goldstein’s father, who lives with Parkinson’s disease. Goldstein, who hinted at Fox’s involvement last summer, is a co-creator and executive producer, and also plays Louis in Season 2 – the man responsible for the car accident that took Jimmy’s wife, Tia (Lilan Bowden).

Harrison Ford’s character in Shrinking consistently delivers some of the show’s most hilarious lines, and he performs them with his classic charm. He has fantastic comedic chemistry with Jason Segel’s character, Paul, sharing a similar dry and sarcastic wit. The two actors play off each other perfectly, and it’s hard not to be reminded of their iconic partnership in films and television from the ’80s and ’90s.

Why Michael J. Fox’s ‘Shrinking’ Role Is So Important


Image via Apple TV

From the team behind Ted Lasso comes Shrinking, a comedy that also tackles serious issues like grief, loss, and the process of healing. This makes sense, as the show centers around therapists who are navigating their own personal struggles while helping their patients. The second season particularly focuses on Paul and his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He’s now openly facing the illness, and his friends are there to support him as his condition progresses. He’s even found love and remarried his doctor, finding joy despite the challenges. Jason Segel’s performance in the role earned him his first ever Emmy nomination.

Michael J. Fox’s return to acting is significant because it shines a light on Parkinson’s disease and offers hope to those living with it, including his character on the show. As a longtime supporter of Parkinson’s research, having a well-known actor like him portray someone with the condition on a popular series will greatly increase awareness. Fox stopped acting in 2020 due to memory and speech difficulties, common challenges with Parkinson’s, making this return a major milestone in his personal journey and a source of encouragement for others. This show was a particularly fitting choice for him, given its focus on the disease.

In the show, Fox uses a scene to help people understand Parkinson’s better. Jerry shares with Paul that he recently experienced hallucinations, something he didn’t realize was a symptom of the disease – he jokingly describes seeing himself with Halle Berry. Later, he hallucinates his mother. A key moment occurs when Jerry defiantly says, “Fk Parkinson’s,” a statement Paul echoes, reclaiming some agency over his condition.

The most memorable moment happens at the end of the first episode. After his wedding, Paul finds Jerry in his kitchen, casually eating cake. Paul is shocked and asks what Jerry is doing there, but Jerry simply replies that he loves cake. Then, Julie enters, and Paul suddenly understands: he was hallucinating. This scene shows how quickly his illness is getting worse, and Jerry is there to help him cope and feel reassured. Julie’s understanding expression and sigh reveal that she recognizes the seriousness of the situation – things are progressing more rapidly than they expected.

An Act of Bravery, Purpose, and Deeper Meaning


Image via Apple TV

Michael J. Fox and Bill Lawrence have a long-standing relationship. Lawrence created the hit show Spin City, which starred Fox until his Parkinson’s symptoms made continuing difficult, leading to Charlie Sheen taking over the lead role. Fox also made a guest appearance on another Lawrence series, Scrubs. Lawrence has often acknowledged Fox’s influence, especially regarding the depiction of Parkinson’s disease on his show Shrinking – a topic Lawrence is personally familiar with, as his own father has the disease. He considers Fox his first mentor and admires Fox’s positive attitude and tireless work ethic, hoping to reflect that spirit in Shrinking. Now, a year and a half later, they are excited to have Fox appear on the show itself.

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It’s truly inspiring that Michael J. Fox continues to act and raise awareness about his illness. He’s joined by others, like Eric Dane, who recently shared his own ALS diagnosis and spoke about it on Brilliant Minds. Both actors demonstrate that a diagnosis doesn’t have to limit your life or career, or prevent you from pursuing your passions. While facing ALS is incredibly challenging, their stories show that with a positive mindset, strong support, and determination, it’s possible to keep living a full life.

Michael J. Fox hasn’t been acting as often lately, and that’s likely to continue. However, appearing in a show like Shrinking, especially to address the Parkinson’s disease he lives with, is a courageous and insightful move that adds authenticity to the series. While not playing himself, Fox portrays a character who is further along in his Parkinson’s journey than the main character, Paul. He offers Paul hope and perspective, demonstrating that even as the disease progresses, there’s still reason to remain optimistic. As Ford explained, the show’s commitment to truthfully portraying this experience is what connects them all. Ford also emphasized that Fox’s ability to share what living with Parkinson’s is truly like is a valuable contribution to the show and its audience.

The already fantastic cast of Shrinking just got even better with the addition of Michael J. Fox for Season 3. It’s wonderful to see him acting again after his role in The Good Fight in 2020. While he previously voiced a character named after himself in Zootopia 2, this role in Shrinking feels particularly significant – not only for Fox, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, but also for anyone else affected by it. Shrinking is a funny and touching show, and Fox is a perfect fit. He brings both entertainment and important awareness to Paul’s story, highlighting the realities of the disease in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without him.

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2026-01-29 02:04