Shrinking Season 3: Your Guide to the Highly Anticipated Apple TV+ Return

Get ready for more laughs, heartfelt moments, and maybe a few rule-breaking therapy sessions! Apple Tv's critically acclaimed dramedy, "Shrinking," is officially back for its third season, bringing with it a familiar, stellar cast and some exciting new faces.

TL;DR

• "Shrinking" Season 3 premieres on Apple TV on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with a special one-hour episode.
• The entire main cast, including Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, returns, alongside new guest stars like Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels.
• This season's central theme is all about "moving forward," exploring new chapters for all your favorite characters.

Get Ready for More Therapy Sessions: When and Where to Watch Shrinking Season 3

Good news, "Shrinking" fans! We finally have a firm date for when Jimmy Laird and his unconventional therapy crew will return to our screens. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, because that's when the third season kicks off with a special one-hour premiere episode exclusively on Apple TV+.

After that exciting start, you won't have to wait too long for more. New episodes will drop weekly every Wednesday, keeping you hooked all the way through to the season finale on April 8, 2026. This third season promises a solid run with a total of 11 episodes, so there's plenty of "Shrinking" goodness to look forward to.

The Whole Gang's Back: Meet the Returning Cast of Shrinking Season 3

You’ll be happy to know that all your favorite characters are returning to navigate more life, love, and professional chaos. That’s right, the core ensemble is back to reprise their beloved roles, ready to continue their journeys of grief, forgiveness, and now, moving forward.

Here’s who you can expect to see:

• Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird: Our grieving therapist who started breaking all the rules and telling his clients exactly what he thought. He's still navigating fatherhood with Alice and trying to keep his own life together.
• Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades: Jimmy’s curmudgeonly yet lovable mentor, who is now facing his Parkinson’s diagnosis head-on.
• Christa Miller as Liz: Paul's neighbor and Jimmy's friend, now newly recommitted with Derek.
• Jessica Williams as Gaby: Jimmy's colleague and friend, happily loved-up with her boyfriend, Derrick.
• Luke Tennie as Sean: Jimmy's former patient, now working on building his own business and possibly a new romance.
• Michael Urie as Brian: Jimmy's best friend, who, along with Charlie, is embarking on a new parenting journey.
• Lukita Maxwell as Alice: Jimmy’s sharp-witted daughter, continuing to grow up and deal with the absence of her mother.
• Ted McGinley as Derek: Liz's husband, also newly recommitted to their relationship.

Familiar Faces Returning to the Fold

Beyond the main cast, several fan-favorite guest stars are also making a comeback, adding more layers to the already rich tapestry of characters:

• Brett Goldstein as Louis Winston: Co-creator Brett Goldstein returns to his intriguing role as the man responsible for Jimmy's wife's death, a character whose introduction in Season 2 "paid off quite handsomely," according to The A.V. Club.
• Damon Wayans Jr. as Derrick: Gaby's boyfriend, bringing his charm and humor back into the mix.
• Wendie Malick: Always a welcome presence, her role details often add a unique spark.
• Cobie Smulders: Jason Segel's former "How I Met Your Mother" co-star is back for more guest appearances.

Exciting New Additions: Fresh Faces Joining the Shrinking Universe

Season 3 isn't just about catching up with old friends; it's also about welcoming some incredible talent to the "Shrinking" family. Two of the most talked-about new guest stars are joining the ensemble, and their roles promise to add significant depth to the upcoming season.

First up, the legendary Michael J. Fox is joining the cast. While he won't be playing himself, he's taking on the role of a character living with Parkinson's disease. This is particularly poignant, as Fox is a real-life Parkinson's advocate, and co-creator Bill Lawrence has stated that his presence will offer "assistance" to Harrison Ford's character, Paul, as he continues to come to terms with his own diagnosis. This casting brings an authentic and powerful dimension to Paul’s storyline, promising some truly moving moments.

Also joining the therapy group (or maybe just the broader friend group!) is the brilliant Jeff Daniels, known for his work in "The Newsroom" and "Dumb and Dumber." He's set to play Jimmy's father, which means we can expect some potentially hilarious and definitely complicated family dynamics. Knowing Jimmy's own issues, meeting his dad is bound to be a wild ride.

Other new faces to look out for include Isabella Gomez ("One Day At A Time"), who might be a potential love interest for Sean, adding a new romantic twist to his burgeoning business ventures. And the iconic Candice Bergen is also slated to appear in an as-yet-undisclosed role, which is sure to be fantastic!

From Grief to Forgiveness, Now It's Time for Moving Forward: Season 3's Core Theme

If you've been following "Shrinking" from the start, you know it's a show that tackles heavy themes with a perfect blend of humor and heart. Each season has had a distinct emotional anchor:

• Season 1 dove deep into grief, exploring Jimmy's profound loss and how it affected every aspect of his life.
• Season 2 shifted its focus to forgiveness, with characters grappling with past hurts and trying to find a way to let go, notably with the introduction of Louis, the man who killed Jimmy's wife.

Now, co-creator Bill Lawrence has revealed the central theme for Season 3: "moving forward." This feels like a natural and much-needed progression for our beloved characters as they emerge from their past traumas and navigate new life stages.

This theme will manifest in several exciting storylines. We'll see Brian and Charlie embark on their parenting journey, welcoming a new baby into their lives. Paul will continue his battle with Parkinson's, learning to "come to terms with his diagnosis" with the help of new guest star Michael J. Fox. And Alice, Jimmy's daughter, will keep working on "growing up without the presence of a parent," a journey that continues to evolve. Each character, in their own unique way, will be exploring what it truly means to leave the past behind and step into an unknown but hopeful future.

"Moving forward" is the theme for Season 3.

— Bill Lawrence, Co-Creator of "Shrinking" (as told to Deadline)

A "Criminally Underrated" Hit: Why Fans and Critics Adore Shrinking

"Shrinking" has quickly carved out a special place in the hearts of viewers and critics alike. Since its debut in 2023, the show has earned significant praise for its brilliant writing, phenomenal performances, and its fresh, honest approach to mental health and human connection. It's not just a comedy; it's a dramedy that makes you laugh, cry, and think, often all at once.

The show boasts an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its consistent quality. Individual performances have also garnered major accolades, with Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and Michael Urie all receiving Emmy nominations for their work. Both Segel and Ford also picked up Golden Globe nods, and "Shrinking" itself was nominated for Best Comedy Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards.

Fans online have hailed the series as "criminally underrated" and one of the "best comedy dramas" out there. Many praise its "outstanding writing" and its ability to weave "heart wrenching subjects" into a feel-good narrative. One viewer enthused, "I was ABSOLUTELY HOOKED by the first episode!! You IMMEDIATELY become engaged within the first 5 minutes and then just CAN'T STOP WATCHING!!!" This show truly knows how to "rip your heart out and give it a warm hug as it places it back in," as another fan beautifully put it.

Critics have largely echoed this sentiment. The Guardian described Season 2 as "beautifully untaxing TV" in its four-star review, while The Telegraph, despite calling it "sickly sweet" at times, acknowledged its "tough love premise" and overall charm. It's a show that resonates because it’s real, relatable, and deeply human.

The Power Trio Behind the Series: Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein

"Shrinking" is the brainchild of a seriously talented team: Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein. These three titans of comedy have woven together a series that captures both the hilarity and heartbreak of life.

• Bill Lawrence: Known for creating beloved hits like "Scrubs" and co-developing "Ted Lasso," Lawrence brings his signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth to "Shrinking." He's a busy man, with an upcoming HBO comedy starring Steve Carrell and a second season of Apple TV's "Bad Monkey" on his plate, showing his continued impact on the TV landscape.
• Jason Segel: Not only does he lead the show as Jimmy, but Segel also co-created the series, adding his unique comedic voice and heartfelt performance. His previous writing credits include popular comedy films like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "The Five-Year Engagement."
• Brett Goldstein: Emmy-winning Goldstein, a fan favorite for his acting and writing work on "Ted Lasso," brings his brilliant comedic timing and dramatic sensibility to "Shrinking" both behind and in front of the camera (as Louis). "Shrinking" marks his latest collaboration with Apple, following the original film "All of You."

This dynamic trio, along with a robust team of executive producers including Neil Goldman, James Ponsoldt, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, and many others, ensure that "Shrinking" maintains its high quality and distinctive tone. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Warner Bros. Television, marking their third partnership with Bill Lawrence, following "Ted Lasso" and "Bad Monkey," showcasing a fruitful collaboration that keeps delivering hits.

FAQ: Your Quick Answers About Shrinking Season 3

When does Shrinking Season 3 premiere?

"Shrinking" Season 3 will premiere on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

How many episodes are in Shrinking Season 3?

The third season of "Shrinking" will consist of 11 episodes.

Where can I watch Shrinking Season 3?

"Shrinking" Season 3 is an Apple TV+ exclusive, meaning you'll need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch new episodes.

Who are the new guest stars in Shrinking Season 3?

New guest stars joining the cast for Season 3 include Michael J. Fox (playing a character with Parkinson's), Jeff Daniels (playing Jimmy's father), Isabella Gomez (as a potential love interest for Sean), and Candice Bergen (in an undisclosed role).

Sources

• Apple TV Sets ‘Shrinking’ Season 3 Premiere Date; Unveils First-Look Photos - TheWrap
• Shrinking Sets Season 3 Release Date On Apple TV — Plus, See First Photos - TVLine
• ‘Shrinking’ Sets Season 3 Release Date on Apple TV - Variety
• Apple TV reveals first look at 'criminally underrated' 11-part returning drama - Hello! Magazine
• Apple TV Sets ‘Shrinking’ Season 3 Premiere Date; Unveils First-Look Photos - Deadline
• Shrinking teases more romance and hijinks in season 3 first look - The A.V. Club
• Shrinking season 3 gets release date on Apple TV - 9to5Mac
• Harrison Ford’s ‘Shrinking’ set for January comeback on Apple TV: When and where to watch, cast, plotline and more - Live Mint
• Shrinking Season 3: Harrison Ford & Jason Segel Reunite on Apple TV+ - ScreenRant