“Shrinking” is a series as funny and heartwarming as it is a reminder about the various challenges life throws at us. This is no surprise to people who follow the work of series creator, Bill Lawrence. Several of his other creations including “Scrubs” and “Ted Lasso” also showcase the ups and downs of life combined with smart humor and a sense of heart. But there’s another recurring element to Lawrence’s programs that long time fans may know quite well, Michael J. Fox, and he’ll be making a return to acting in “Shrinking“ season 3.
Lawrence and Fox first worked together on the four seasons of “Spin City.” It was during his run on the show when Fox made his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis public. While his illness stopped him from being able to dedicate himself to acting full time, he did pop back up for a guest spot on the aforementioned “Scrubs” as well as an episode of Lawrence’s “Clone High.” Fox would appear on other programs too like “Rescue Me” and “Boston Legal.”
Parkinson’s plays a large role in “Shrinking,” with lead Harrison Ford‘s character being diagnosed during the first season. Fox’s character in “Scrubs” struggled with terrible OCD, his “Boston Legal” character was terminally ill, and on the short lived “The Michael J. Fox Show,” his character also had Parkinson’s. So, his appearing on this show makes a lot of sense.
One can’t help but admire Fox’s strength, dedication, and courage to keep putting himself out there. It’s not an exaggeration to say that he represents some of the best of what we’re capable of as people, whether it be in offering hope, or positivity. Any chance we get to see him on screen is a blessing and we look forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the next season of “Shrinking.”
The first two seasons are available to stream on Apple TV+.
