Tim Allen is back. Again. Honestly, it feels like the guy just doesn’t know how to stay away from a workshop or a multicam stage. This time around, Tim Allen’s new sitcom is called Shifting Gears, and if you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, you aren’t alone. It’s got the cars. It’s got the grumbling. It’s got the "get off my lawn" energy that has defined his career from Home Improvement through Last Man Standing.
But here is the thing: this isn't just a carbon copy of Mike Baxter.
The show premiered on ABC in early 2025, and as we move through 2026, it has actually carved out a weirdly specific niche for itself. It’s a show about restoration—not just of the vintage Pontiac GTOs in the shop, but of a pretty broken family dynamic. Allen plays Matt Parker, a widower who runs a classic car restoration business. His world gets upended when his estranged daughter, Riley (played by Kat Dennings), shows up on his doorstep with two kids and a divorce in progress.
It’s messy. It’s loud. And surprisingly, it actually has some teeth.
The Cast Dynamic: Why Shifting Gears Isn't Just "Last Man Standing 2.0"
A lot of people assumed this would be a one-man show. It isn't. The secret sauce of Shifting Gears is definitely Kat Dennings. If you remember her from 2 Broke Girls, you know she has this sharp, sardonic bite that can cut through even the thickest "dad energy."
In the show, Riley isn't just a daughter who needs help; she’s a woman who spent fifteen years trying to be the exact opposite of her father. She ran away at eighteen, married a musician, and basically gave Matt the "double bird" on her way out. Now she's back because she's broke, and the friction between them is the primary engine of the plot.
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The rest of the shop crew fills out the space:
- Seann William Scott plays Gabriel, a family friend and mechanic who is basically the "lovable but slightly dim" foil to Matt’s gruffness.
- Daryl "Chill" Mitchell is Stitch, a former Marine and fellow mechanic who keeps Matt in check with some old-school wisdom.
- Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis play the grandkids, Carter and Georgia, who represent the "Gen Alpha" confusion that Matt has to navigate.
What Actually Happens in Tim Allen’s New Sitcom Called Shifting Gears?
The premise is straightforward but effective. Matt is mourning his wife, who was apparently the only person capable of mediating between him and Riley. Without her, the two of them are like "tornadoes forming a hurricane," as one character puts it.
Most episodes follow a familiar rhythm: Matt tries to impose his rigid, "classic" way of doing things—whether it's fixing a carburetor or raising kids—and Riley pushes back with a more modern, albeit chaotic, perspective.
We see Matt ranting about "accommodations" for his grandson’s anxiety and complaining about how the world has gone soft. But the show does something smart: it doesn't always let him win. Riley is a formidable sparring partner. She calls him out on his stubbornness, and usually, by the end of the half-hour, they both have to "shift gears" (pun absolutely intended) to make the living situation work.
Realism vs. Sitcom Logic
Look, this is a traditional multicam sitcom. It has a live studio audience. It has a laugh track. Characters pause for three seconds after a punchline so the viewers at home can catch up. If you're looking for The Bear levels of gritty realism, you’re in the wrong place.
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However, the emotional core is surprisingly real. The grief over the late mother/wife isn't just a background detail; it’s a constant weight. In the first season, there's a heavy focus on the fact that Riley and Matt haven't spoken in over a decade. That kind of damage doesn't go away with one heart-to-heart in a garage. It takes work.
Ratings, Renewals, and the 2026 Status
When the show first dropped, it was a massive hit for ABC. The premiere apparently pulled in nearly 17 million multi-platform viewers in its first week. That’s huge for a broadcast sitcom in the streaming era.
As of early 2026, the show is currently in its second season. It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride—ratings dipped slightly as the "newness" wore off—but ABC has kept it on Wednesday nights, often paired with other heavy hitters like the Abbott Elementary or the Scrubs reboot.
What to Expect in Season 2
If you’re catching up now, the second season has introduced some new layers:
- New Romance: Matt is actually starting to date. He’s been linked with Eve Drake (played by Jenna Elfman), the dance studio owner across the street. It’s awkward, and Riley has plenty of opinions about it.
- The "Will They, Won't They": There’s a definite spark between Riley and Gabriel (Seann William Scott). In the first season finale, they almost had a moment, but it’s been a slow burn ever since.
- Guest Stars: We’ve seen appearances from folks like Jim Rash and even some Last Man Standing alumni in cameo roles.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Honestly, it depends on what you want out of your TV. If you like Tim Allen's brand of comedy—the "common sense" guy struggling with a changing world—you’ll love this. It’s comfortable. It’s like a warm blanket made of flannel and motor oil.
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If you find his political rants or his "manly man" persona grating, Kat Dennings is there to provide the balance. She represents the audience members who think Matt is being ridiculous. That push-and-pull is what makes the show more than just a vanity project.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to dive into the world of Matt Parker and his shop, here is the best way to do it:
- Watch in Order: Unlike some sitcoms where you can jump in anywhere, the relationship growth between Matt and Riley in Season 1 is actually important. Start with the pilot, "Restoration."
- Check Hulu: If you miss the Wednesday night broadcast on ABC, episodes hit Hulu the next day.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: There are several nods to Home Improvement and Last Man Standing hidden in the background of the auto shop. Keep an eye on the tool labels and the posters on the walls.
Whether you're here for the vintage cars or the family drama, Tim Allen’s new sitcom is called Shifting Gears, and it's proving that the "classic" sitcom format still has plenty of gas in the tank. It isn't reinventing the wheel, but it’s certainly giving it a nice new coat of paint.
To stay updated on the latest episode schedules or casting news for the remainder of Season 2, you can follow the official ABC press site or check the show's social media pages for weekly teasers.