Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears unveils a first look at the highly anticipated new comedy series as it gears up for a 2025 premiere on ABC. The sitcom centers around Matt (Allen), a widowed owner of a car restoration shop, and his attempts at reconnecting with his estranged daughter (Kat Dennings), who, along with her two teenage children, moves into Matt’s home. Shifting Gears marks Allen’s return to ABC after the long-running success of Last Man Standing.
Shifting Gears has now revealed its first image (via TVLine), showcasing Allen standing side-by-side with co-star Dennings, both wearing a slight smile. The series will premiere on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8/7c. Shifting Gears’ cast is rounded out by Seann William Scott (American Pie) as Gabriel, a family friend who works at the shop, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (NCIS: New Orleans) as Stitch, a former Marine mechanic. Michelle Nader, a frequent collaborator of Dennings’ from 2 Broke Girls and Dollface, is showrunner. Check out the image below:
What The First Look Image Means For Shifting Gears
How Tim Allen’s New Series Previews Both Heart And Humor
The image from Shifting Gears offers a glimpse into the tone and style of Allen’s latest project, which builds on his reputation for playing a stubborn, blue-collar everyman with a dry sense of humor. Known for his paternal roles in the sitcoms Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, Allen’s character Matt seems poised to follow a familiar formula, navigating the ups and downs of family life with reluctant affection and boyish charm. This initial image hints at the close and comedic dynamic likely to play out between Allen and Dennings, as the father-daughter duo navigate re-establishing themselves as a family unit.
The sitcom appears to capture Allen’s comedic strengths while allowing Dennings, also known for her dry wit and charm, to add her own unique flair that she’s similarly brought to the MCU as Darcy Lewis. With a supporting cast that brings a range of comedic and dramatic experience, Shifting Gears could strike a balance between the nostalgia of Allen’s older sitcom and a fresh appeal for new audiences.
Our Take On The First Look Image Of Shifting Gears
Allen And Dennings Show Promise As A Comedic Duo
The first look at Shifting Gears suggests Allen is leaning into what he does best: portraying relatable, down-to-earth characters in family-driven stories. The on-screen pairing with Dennings promises a new dynamic that blends Allen’s established comedic style with Dennings’ sharp, modern tongue. This mix of old-school charm and fresh talent could make Shifting Gears a worthwhile addition to Allen’s portfolio, bringing both humor and heart to ABC’s primetime lineup.
