🚗 The Sitcom Renaissance: Can Tim Allen Do It Again?
Let’s be real for a second—traditional multi-cam sitcoms are like classic muscle cars. Some people think they’re relics of the past, while others believe there’s nothing better than the roar of a live audience and a well-timed punchline. When Tim Allen returned to ABC with Shifting Gears in early 2025, it felt like a nostalgia-fueled victory lap. He traded the tool belt of Home Improvement and the outdoor gear of Last Man Standing for a classic car restoration shop, and fans flocked to their screens.
But in the modern era of “peak TV,” a strong start doesn’t always guarantee a long finish. As we cruise through the end of 2025 and look toward 2026, the million-dollar question on every fan’s mind is: Is Shifting Gears getting a Season 3? We’ve seen the ratings fluctuate, the cast express their hopes, and the network keep its cards close to its chest. It’s time to pop the hood and see if this show has enough gas left in the tank for another round.
📊 The Numbers Game: Deciphering the Ratings Roadblock
In the world of network television, ratings are the oxygen that keeps a show alive. Shifting Gears didn’t just walk onto the scene; it exploded.
The Record-Breaking Pilot
The series premiere on January 8, 2025, was a monster hit. It pulled in nearly 17 million multi-platform viewers in its first week. To put that in perspective, it was ABC’s biggest new series launch since The Conners back in 2018. If those numbers had stayed consistent, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation—Season 3 would be a done deal.
H3: The “Bubble” Reality
However, as the first season progressed and Season 2 kicked off in October 2025, we noticed some “engine sputter.”
-
The Drop-Off: The Live+Same Day viewers dipped from that initial 6.1 million high to around 3.6 to 4.2 million for Season 2.
-
The Delayed Viewing Savior: While the live numbers dipped, the “delayed viewing” on Hulu and Disney+ has remained solid. ABC executives are currently weighing whether those streaming numbers are enough to offset the cost of a high-profile cast that includes Tim Allen, Kat Dennings, and Seann William Scott.
🔧 Plot Mechanics: Where Season 2 Left Us
Season 2 wasn’t just about car repairs; it was about emotional restoration. We saw Matt Parker (Allen) finally acknowledging his feelings for Eve (played by the legendary Nancy Travis), and Riley (Dennings) struggling to find her footing after her divorce.
The Nostalgia Fuel: A Home Improvement Reunion
One of the highlights of Season 2 was the massive reunion event. Seeing Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning share the screen with Allen again was like a warm hug for Gen X and Millennial viewers. It was a brilliant move by showrunners Julie Thacker Scully and Mike Scully to remind us why we love Tim Allen’s brand of comedy.
H4: The Cliffhangers and Unresolved Arcs
With Season 2 wrapping its production with a 13-episode order, the writers have left several threads hanging. Will Riley and Gabe finally commit? Will Matt ever truly let go of the past? These are the questions that Season 3 needs to answer. A show ending on a cliffhanger is always a gamble—it either forces the network’s hand to renew it or leaves fans frustrated forever.
🎭 The Cast’s Perspective: “On Pins and Needles”
If you think the fans are anxious, imagine being the actors. Kat Dennings has been quite vocal about her love for the project but also her “negative” realistic outlook on the industry.
-
The Father-Daughter Dynamic: The chemistry between Dennings and Allen is the heart of the show. Their “sharp and acerbic” banter (as Allen describes it) gives the show a modern edge that differentiates it from his previous sitcoms.
-
Seann William Scott’s Role: Adding Stifler himself to a Tim Allen show seemed like a wild choice, but Scott’s portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted shop hand has provided some of the show’s biggest laughs. The cast clearly wants to keep the party going.
🕵️ Prediction: Will ABC Push the “Renew” Button?
So, what’s the verdict? As of late December 2025, ABC has not officially confirmed Season 3. But don’t let that scare you just yet.
The Lack of Comedy Competition
One of the biggest points in favor of Shifting Gears is that ABC is currently “sitcom-light.” With The Conners ending its legendary run, the network only has Abbott Elementary as a certified veteran hit. Canceling their only other established multi-cam comedy would leave a massive hole in their Wednesday night lineup.
H3: The Mid-Season Return
The show is currently on a winter hiatus and is set to return on January 7, 2026, with the episode “Dog.” The ratings for these remaining Season 2 episodes will be the final deciding factor. If the audience shows up for the “back five” episodes, expect an announcement for Season 3 by the Spring Upfronts.
💡 Conclusion
While Shifting Gears is currently sitting “on the bubble,” its chances for a Season 3 renewal are better than you might think. Between the massive streaming numbers on Disney+ and the star power of Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, ABC has a lot to lose by cutting this show short. It’s a series that celebrates second chances—both for its characters and for the classic sitcom format itself. We’re betting that Matt Parker’s shop will keep its doors open for at least one more year. Until then, keep your eyes on the road and your DVRs set!
❓ 5 Unique FAQs After The Conclusion
Q1: When will we officially know if Shifting Gears is renewed?
A1: Typically, ABC makes its final renewal and cancellation decisions in April or May ahead of the network Upfronts. However, if the ratings for the January 2026 episodes are strong, we could see an early announcement.
Q2: How many episodes are in Shifting Gears Season 2?
A2: ABC initially ordered 10 episodes but increased the order to 13 episodes in September 2025. This is often seen as a sign of network confidence.
Q3: Is the show filmed in front of a real audience?
A3: Yes! Unlike many modern “single-camera” comedies, Shifting Gears is a classic multi-camera sitcom filmed at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank with a live studio audience.
Q4: Can I watch the Home Improvement reunion episode if I missed it?
A4: Absolutely. The Season 2 premiere, titled “Secret,” features the big reunion and is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Q5: Who are the new guest stars joining in 2026?
A5: Recent reports have confirmed that Tuc Watkins, Jim Rash, and Luke Macfarlane (playing Riley’s brother, Sam) will appear in the upcoming January episodes.
