CBS is gearing up for the premiere of a new sitcom starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, and fans won’t have to wait long. The show, titled Shifting Gears, will debut on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8/7c. The series will air in the 8 p.m. timeslot, serving as the lead-in to the midseason return of Abbott Elementary. While the network hasn’t released a trailer yet, they’ve shared several exciting first-look photos, giving fans a glimpse of the chemistry between Allen and Dennings ahead of the show’s premiere.
In Shifting Gears, Tim Allen plays Matt, a stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. According to the official synopsis, Matt’s life takes a turn when his estranged daughter, Riley (played by Kat Dennings), and her kids move into his home, leading to some “real restoration” both in the garage and in their family dynamic.
A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Allen and Dennings, the show also stars Seann William Scott (American Pie) as Gabriel, a family friend who works at Matt’s shop, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (NCIS: New Orleans) as Stitch, a former Marine who works as a mechanic. Riley’s children (and Matt’s grandchildren) are played by Maxwell Simkins (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers) and newcomer Barrett Margolis.
Behind the Scenes
The series is being helmed by Mike and Julie Thacker Scully, who are serving as writers and executive producers. Michelle Nader, who previously worked with Dennings on 2 Broke Girls and Dollface, will be the showrunner. Tim Allen will also executive produce, alongside pilot director John Pasquin and Last Man Standing executive producers Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, and Rick Messina.
Two Sitcom Legends Together Again
Shifting Gears brings together two sitcom veterans in Tim Allen and Kat Dennings. Allen is best known for his roles as Tim Taylor on Home Improvement and Mike Baxter on Last Man Standing, while also recently starring in The Santa Clauses, a Disney+ comedy series based on his iconic Santa Clause movie trilogy.
Kat Dennings, who is widely recognized for her portrayal of Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has a long history in television as well. She starred for six seasons on 2 Broke Girls, also on CBS, and began her career with a role on Raising Dad (2001-2002). She’s also reprised her role as Darcy for the animated series What If…? on Disney+.
Fans of both actors are eagerly anticipating the premiere of Shifting Gears next January, as the show promises a blend of family dynamics, humor, and heart—along with some good old-fashioned car restoration.
