The third season of Shrinking debuts on Apple TV+ and arrives having already made history. The series, created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, continues to expand its emotional universe after a second season that delved into grief, the ethical boundaries of therapy, and the real-life consequences of trying to help when you're not ready to do so.
Before the premiere on January 28th, the cast talked to The Latin Times and gave us a sneak peek at how the new season takes their characters to a more mature stage, marked by parenthood, emotional responsibility, and the impact of time, both physical and emotional. But it also allowed them to work with legends (besides their leader Harrison Ford, whom they are obviously smitten with). The new season also features Michael J. Fox, Jeff Daniels, and Candice Bergen.
The atmosphere on set when they were filming their scenes took on an almost reverential tone. Many of the actors went just to watch them work, even if they weren't filming any scenes themselves.
This season finds the psychologists and their close friends in an introspective process, dealing with, among other things, the progression of Paul's (Ford) Parkinson's disease, the effects of Jimmy's (Segel) grief, Brian's (Michael Urie) fatherhood, Liz and Derek's (Christa Miller and Ted McGinty) marriage crisis, and Liz's (Jessica Williams) relationship.
The actors themselves explain what the experience was like, in some cases with some spoilers:
Brian, fatherhood, and no longer being the kid in the group
Brian, played by Michael Urie, has been from the beginning the most impulsive and emotionally unstable character in the group of friends and therapists surrounding Jimmy. Married to Charlie, Brian has often served as comic relief, but also as a reflection of adult insecurity.
In the third season, his arc changes radically as he faces fatherhood.
"Well, yes. Brian is in season three, he has his own problems and he's becoming a father... He has to stop being the baby. Now he has to have the baby," says Urie and explains that Brian's growth no longer happens by accident, but by his own choice.
" He is growing and changing, and he's finally getting to put others before himself, with intention and not just on accident," he adds.
The series also addresses queer parenthood without turning it into an identity conflict.
"From a queer perspective, Brian's problem isn't that he's gay... His problems are human problems," celebrates Urie.
Derek, the supporting character who ended up being essential
Derek, played by Ted McGinley, is Liz's husband and one of the characters who unexpectedly grew the most in popularity with the audience. Initially peripheral, Derek became a key emotional figure within the group, especially after the events of the second season.
" This season you found out that Derek matters to all of these other characters... And I was so honored by that," says McGinley and acknowledges that the audience's affection directly influenced the evolution of the character.
" People are really responding to this Derek... The writers went with it and they've given Derek many more layers," he added.
Gabby, brutal honesty, and the privilege of seeing two legends together
Gabby, played by Jessica Williams, is the group's most direct therapist and often the voice that says what no one else dares. Professionally brilliant and emotionally chaotic, her role within the circle is that of the uncomfortable truth.
Williams fondly recalls sharing the set with Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford, whose presence permeates the season.
" I would wrap and I would stay to watch him and Harrison act together... I'm watching these two legends work together and do a show about Parkinson's," she recalls.
For the actress, those moments redefine the value of the profession: "It's about stopping and... smelling the roses... watch this, you're a part of this."
Sean, a living example that change is possible
Sean, played by Luke Tennie, is the patient who accompanies the viewer the longest. A former soldier with severe PTSD, his arc is the most transformative in the series.
"He's the client (of the psychologist group) we follow the most... the main example of what it's like when you commit to making a change," he reflects.
The contrast with his past is radical.
"If you remember where he started... Now look at him. He's someone who's teaching other people how to handle violence responsibly," Tennie said. Within the group, Sean serves as a constant reminder that therapy can work, even if the process is long and painful.
Liz, control, motherhood, and music as a backbone
Liz, played by Christa Miller, is a neighbor, friend, professional busybody, and one of the most polarizing figures in the group. Married to Derek, Liz often imposes her opinions without considering the consequences, although her intentions almost always stem from caring.
" I think Liz's intentions are good... She wants the baby to be happy. She wants the baby to sleep," Miller said.
In addition to acting, Miller is the series' music supervisor, a key role for its emotional identity.
"The music is fantastic. This season we have a couple songs... written for the show," she revealed.
When choosing a song to define the season, she doesn't hesitate: "It would definitely be the song in the finale, Brandi Carlile's song, You Without Me ."
A season about growing up, caring, and letting yourself be helped.
With a third season that delves deeper into parenthood, aging, illness, and love in all its forms, Shrinking solidifies its place as one of the most honest series on television today. While awaiting an official premiere date in 2026, the series promises to continue challenging, healing, and supporting viewers with humor, humanity, and a cast that understands exactly what story it's telling.
And fill keep telling it, since Apple TV has renewed the series for season 4.
