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Brett Goldstein is making waves on the Warner Bros. lot this month. As filming wraps up for “Shrinking” Season 3, he is also deeply involved in the writers’ room for the eagerly awaited return of “Ted Lasso.” While he can’t share too much about these exciting projects just yet, fans are buzzing with anticipation.

In the final season of “Shrinking,” Goldstein played a pivotal role as Louis, the man whose tragic actions led to the drunk driving death of Tia, the wife of Jimmy (portrayed by Jason Segel) and mother to Alice (played by Lukita Maxwell). Notably, Goldstein changed his signature dark beard for this character, but upon visiting the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, he showcased his familiar bushy face once again. While Goldstein serves as an executive producer and writer on “Shrinking,” fans are curious if this means he will not return to the screen.

“Does Louis develop a beard?” Goldstein playfully teases. “Or has he gone? Who knows, exactly?” This playful ambiguity keeps audiences speculating about his character’s fate in the upcoming season.

What we do know about the new season of “Shrinking” is thrilling: the legendary Michael J. Fox will be guest-starring, alongside Jeff Daniels, who will portray Jimmy’s father. Additionally, Candice Bergen is also set to make an appearance, adding even more star power to this beloved series.

“Being on set when Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox are filming a scene, you’re like, ‘Am I tripping?’” Goldstein reflects. “Am I back in my bedroom in the 80s?” This nostalgic moment speaks to the excitement and surreal nature of working alongside such iconic figures in Hollywood.

Regarding “Ted Lasso,” Goldstein states, “clearly, I can’t tell you a single thing about it, of course, but we are working on it, and it’s good.” He expresses his enthusiasm about reuniting with the entire cast, creating a palpable sense of camaraderie and creativity that fans will undoubtedly feel when the show returns.

More importantly, this means he can finally put an end to the ongoing speculation about whether “Ted Lasso” would ever make a comeback. “That’s such a relief,” he admits, highlighting the weight of that uncertainty on both the cast and the audience.

During his conversation with Variety’s Award Circuit Podcast, Goldstein also touched upon his Emmy-contending HBO Max standup special “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” and hinted at his ongoing work on his next comedy routine. This multifaceted approach showcases his dedication to both acting and standup comedy.

Goldstein’s recent special was aptly titled “The Second Best Night of Your Life” as a nod to “Sesame Street.” He recalls, “When I guest-starred on “Sesame Street,” it was one of the best days of my life. And I thought, well, then nothing matters now,” he adds, emphasizing the joy and influence of that experience on his career.

This marked the first time he filmed his standup, as Goldstein has traditionally avoided sharing his comedy online. “I believe in it so much as a live experience, as in, I know it works in the room because I’m there, and you feel it and they laugh,” he explains. “However, I’m uncertain if it translates well on screen, as it represents a very different method of presentation.” His thoughts on live versus recorded performances reflect a deep understanding of the art of comedy.

Goldstein describes the editing process for the special as particularly challenging. “It truly matters when you cut a shot; it affects the rhythm of the joke,” he notes. “After spending so long in the edit, you become so obsessed and detail-oriented that by the end, you’re left wondering, ‘Is this even funny? I hope it is funny.’ In contrast, during live performances, it’s a clear yes or no.” This insight showcases the complexities behind creating a successful standup special.

Goldstein recorded two shows for the special – an early show and a late show. He realized he had his work cut out for him during the early show when the audience didn’t respond with a big cheer at the start. “In a way, it was beneficial because it motivated me to think, ‘Right, you have to nail this, because they’re not going to be easy,’” he explains. “So for the first show, I was really locked in. Then, during the later show, the audience was much more receptive, which allowed me to be more relaxed, improvise a lot, and play around more, resulting in a sillier performance.”

He initially thought the second show would be the one featured in the special, but after reviewing the first show, he realized it was better suited for television. “You, the audience at home, aren’t present. So me messing around and being loose is less enjoyable since you weren’t there,” he explains. This reflects the unique challenges of creating content that resonates with both live and remote audiences.

Goldstein filmed the special in New Jersey, though Minneapolis was his initial preference. However, due to the planned February shoot, he was informed that the equipment would freeze in the extreme cold, making it impractical. “It was so cold we wouldn’t make it,” he quips, highlighting the unpredictability of production logistics.

Regarding the follow-up to “The Second Best Night of Your Life,” Goldstein has already conceptualized its structure. “I have many months to figure it out… but it’s one. I believe I came up with a concept that I think structurally could be very satisfying,” he reveals, indicating his commitment to evolving as a comedian and storyteller.

In addition to Goldstein’s insights, David Oyelowo shares his perspective on how his upcoming Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese” is unlike anything he has ever done before, hinting at exciting new directions in his career.

Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley, and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your ultimate source for lively discussions about the best in film and television. Each episode of “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, along with engaging discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines. Be sure to subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.