Apple TV’s Shrinking Season 3 Returns With Star Power

For fans of heartfelt comedy with a dash of real-life grit, Apple TV’s Shrinking has returned for its much-anticipated third season, and it’s clear the show isn’t holding back. Premiering on January 28, 2026, with new episodes set to drop every Wednesday, this season promises even more laughter, tears, and the kind of emotional resonance that’s made the series a sleeper hit among Apple’s growing roster of originals. And with a fourth season already confirmed before the third even aired, it’s safe to say that Shrinking has found its stride—and its audience.

The show’s core remains as strong as ever: Jason Segel leads as Jimmy Laird, a therapist still navigating the aftershocks of his wife’s death. According to Screen Rant, Segel’s Jimmy has come a long way since season one, finally making amends with his daughter Alice (played by Lukita Maxwell) and even finding the strength to forgive the drunk driver responsible for his wife’s passing. The journey of personal growth—sometimes messy, often hilarious—continues to be the show’s beating heart.

But Shrinking isn’t just about Jimmy. The ensemble cast, including heavyweights like Harrison Ford (as the cranky, wise mentor Paul Rhoades), Jessica Williams (as the vibrant Dr. Gaby Channing), Christa Miller (as the ever-involved neighbor Liz), Ted McGinley (as the pure-hearted Derek), Michael Urie (as Jimmy’s best friend Brian), and Luke Tennie (as the resilient veteran Sean), brings a richness that elevates every episode. This season also welcomes a slate of guest stars—Michael J. Fox, Jeff Bridges, Candice Bergen, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez—adding new energy and intrigue to the mix, as reported by Screen Rant and The Wrap.

What’s remarkable about Shrinking is how deeply the actors connect with their characters—and, in some cases, how those characters have changed their real lives. Luke Tennie, who plays Sean, a veteran grappling with PTSD, shared in an interview with For The Win that taking on the role inspired him to pursue martial arts. “Thanks to Sean, I started interest in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai... those are some martial arts, and I be doing them, which would make me at least a novice. Don’t come up and try to fight me. Okay, I’m not good, but I am a martial artist. So I’m very grateful to Sean for bringing that into my life, because I really enjoy that kind of training.”

The show’s emotional honesty is no accident. Jessica Williams, who plays Gaby, revealed on the Kyle Meredith With... podcast that she asks for her heavier scenes to be shot first thing in the day so she can stay “emotionally loaded.” She likened it to a big presentation at work: “You don’t want to have to rev back up after joking around all morning.” That approach pays off, as Gaby’s moments of vulnerability land with a palpable authenticity.

Michael Urie, meanwhile, spoke candidly about his character Brian’s evolution. “He thought everything always went his way,” Urie said. “And over three seasons, he’s learning—very publicly—that that’s not how life works.” It’s that slow unlearning, the steady dismantling of certainty, that gives the show its sneaky emotional heft.

Ted McGinley, whose Derek has grown from a peripheral neighbor to a fan favorite, described the character as “pure” and “completely non-judgmental.” In his words: “My favorite thing about Derek is he’s a completely non-judgmental person, and that when he joins in, he’s all in. I’m probably a little—I’m definitely—more judgmental, and I’m also probably a little more hesitant to go all in. I’m just so honored to get the chance to play a character like Derek, because he is, he’s just so pure. He’s a very pure human being.” McGinley also noted that, in season three, viewers get to see what’s beneath Derek’s calm exterior: “Derek’s kind of an iceberg. You see what’s on top, but there’s a whole foundation under there.”

Christa Miller’s journey is just as compelling. Not only does she play Liz, the nosy-yet-nurturing neighbor who took over caring for Alice after Tia’s death, but she also serves as the show’s music supervisor. Miller credits Shrinking with reigniting her passion for acting. “It made me inspired about acting in a way I haven’t been for a while. I was a mom and I had kids, and I was doing that, and the show brought back my love of acting and my love of being able to try different things... it gives me the confidence that there’s a lot of other things that I can do.” She also joked about the challenge of balancing both roles: “I’m in Liz before we shoot because I’m working on the music, and I’m still in Liz after we wrap because I’m finishing the episodes. So no, I don’t really get to put her away.”

Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Paul Rhoades, Jimmy’s mentor, remains a highlight. The character’s Parkinson’s disease, introduced in season one, continues to shape his storyline. Season two saw Paul confronting the reality that his medications were losing effectiveness, a thread that resonates with viewers familiar with the challenges of chronic illness. This season, Paul’s journey is set to intersect with new faces—Michael J. Fox, himself an advocate for Parkinson’s research, joins as Gerry, a man Paul meets at the doctor’s office.

Behind the scenes, co-creator Bill Lawrence is juggling more than just Shrinking. With projects like a Scrubs reboot and the continuation of Ted Lasso on his plate, Lawrence’s ability to keep Shrinking fresh and relevant is impressive. The show’s renewal for a fourth season, announced even before the third premiered, speaks to its growing reputation as both a critical and audience favorite.

This season, viewers can expect 11 episodes, each blending humor and heartbreak in the show’s signature style. Episode titles like “My Bad,” “Happiness Mission,” and “Depression Diet” hint at the emotional rollercoaster ahead. New episodes air every Wednesday at midnight Pacific Time, giving fans a midweek boost of catharsis and comedy.

Ultimately, Shrinking season three continues to deliver on its promise: a series that’s not afraid to sprint headfirst into the messiness of life, arms open, no helmet. With a cast and crew that pour their hearts into every scene, it’s no wonder the show has struck such a chord. Whether you’re tuning in for the laughs, the tears, or just to see what wild guest star pops up next, Shrinking is proof that television can still surprise, delight, and maybe even help us grow—one session at a time.