Jessica Williams is riding high as Shrinking racks up Emmy nods, and she has a lighthearted piece of advice for her 83-year-old costar Harrison Ford, who is nominated for the first time this year: pack a snack.
Williams, an Emmy veteran who has long been part of The Daily Show alumni orbit, stars as Gaby Evans, a warm and quick-witted therapist working with Jason Segel’s Jimmy and Harrison Ford’s Paul in the Apple TV+ comedy. She’s quick to praise the character she plays—Gaby’s openness and big heart keep her connected to every member of the ensemble, and Williams notes that the cast genuinely loves one another. That sense of found family, she says, is part of what makes Shrinking feel so alive on screen and why fans often wish they could hang out with the characters in real life.
The show itself is riding a wave this awards season, with Shrinking earning seven nominations. In addition to its Best Comedy Series nod, Jason Segel is recognized in the lead acting category, with Michael Urie in supporting, along with nominations for casting and sound mixing. Williams says the second season’s reception—people wanting to spend more time with these characters—has a lot to do with the crew’s palpable care and the chemistry on set. She’s especially excited for Ford’s first-ever Emmy nomination and looks forward to sharing the moment with Calista Flockhart.
In the interview, Williams also teases Season 3 guest stars including Candice Bergen, Jeff Daniels, and Michael J. Fox. Watching Fox and Ford together on set gave her chills, she recalls: Fox’s presence—funny, warm, and generous—adds another layer to Shrinking’s already rich tapestry of family-like dynamics. Williams also shared that she’s seen Fox’s requests on set trend toward sweetness—his preferred on-set treat is “sweets,” a small, endearing detail that fans might smile at.
As for personal plans, Williams will be taking her partner Andrew as her plus-one to the Emmys. After last year’s ceremony coincided with a writers’ strike, this year feels like a fresh, celebratory moment for the Shrinking team. Williams notes that the crew’s third season wrap coincided with their Emmy nomination announcement, giving the cast a chance to toast together and honor the people who make the show possible.
When it comes to choosing an Emmy submission, Williams submitted the Season 2 finale’s 10th episode, “Changing Patterns.” She cites several standout moments in that episode, including a sharp exchange with Ford in his office and a pivotal scene in the park negotiating a party with Lukita Maxwell’s Alice, plus a revealing moment where Gaby tells her mom she can’t live with her. Those scenes, she says, showcase Gaby’s range and her ability to stay present and connected with her fellow actors.
The Shrinking cast continues to build on its tight-knit relationships with guests who feel like part of the family, from Candice Bergen to Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox. Williams’s enthusiasm for the show—and for Ford’s milestone nomination—reflects a broader optimism about an awards season that highlights warmth, humor, and the power of ensemble storytelling.
Overall, Shrinking’s Emmy buzz reinforces the show’s theme of found family and the joy of collaboration. With a strong ensemble, anticipated guest appearances, and a growing fan base eager to see what comes next, Williams and the Shrinking team are poised to make a memorable run this awards season.