Allen is one of the kings of sitcoms in Hollywood, but after leading two of television’s most successful sitcoms—Home Improvement (1991-1999) and Last Man Standing (2011-2021)—he truly wasn’t sure if he really wanted to do another series. But when he was proposed Shifting Gears, and saw that the set was designed after his own North Hollywood garage, he admitted it was “what I always wanted” from a show.
“I love the sitcom format because of my stand-up,” he explained. “I get to be in a live audience situation. When they said, ‘What would you do if you did another one?’ I said, ‘If a guy had just lost his wife and he’s still able to be funny and [work on] a relationship with an older daughter … and I’d like to build hot rods!’ Kat Dennings said, ‘[Some people] get into a relationship because [their] parents don’t like it. Your parents tell you not to do something, so you do it.’ My daughters are not like that. I mean, we’ve had our problems, of course.”
Kat Dennings Says ‘Shifting Gears’ Has Been “A New Experience”
Dennings has also spoken recently of how much she’s enjoying her part in the series. She was interviewed on the Not Gonna Lie podcast, saying she was excited about playing a mother for the first time in her career, even though she joked she’s still “12.” Dennings stated it was the chance to try something new that drew her to the series, as well as getting to act with Allen, adding that he’s always “very present” and “really feeling these things.”
“In the first episode, we both get emotional and it was real. It’s incredible to deal with him and the kids. I mean, everybody is really amazing. That just makes the funny parts even funnier and such a relief to do. It’s just been a very good, organic-feeling show to me. Which is new, it’s a new experience for me.”
What is ‘Shifting Gears’ About?
The show sees Allen play Matt Parker, who runs a car restoration shop and has been widowed for a short period of time. His life is turned upside down when his estranged daughter, Riley (Dennings) rocks up with her two kids — Carter and Georgia — in tow. The new normal forces Matt to try and confront past grievances he may have had, while trying to reconnect with his family. Maxwell Simkins plays Carter, Riley’s teenage son. He is socially awkward, dependent on technology and a source of a lot of the generational clash humor on display. Barrett Margolis plays Georgia, Riley’s younger daughter. She brings youthful energy to the household and often serves as a bridge between her mother and grandfather. Seann William Scott and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell play Gabriel and Stitch, two family friends who work at the auto shop alongside Matt, and provide a lot of the comic relief.
Where Do I Know Tim Allen From?
Allen made his name as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor in the long-running sitcom Home Improvement, which aired between 1991 and 1999 on ABC. It made him a household name and led to two massive breakout movie roles for the comedian. Allen also returned to sitcoms between 2011 and 2021, when he played Mike Baxter, a conservative outdoor goods store exec and family man on Last Man Standing for both FOX and ABC.
The first major movie role for Allen was Scott Calvin in Disney’s The Santa Clause. Allen played a miserly, career-driven divorcée who neglected his son, before being given the chance to become Santa Claus and redeem himself. He would then reprise the role in two sequels and Disney+’s The Santa Clauses series. Allen is also the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s legendary Toy Story franchise. Allen has voiced the Space Ranger from 1995 through to today, with Toy Story 5 due for release in 2026.
Shifting Gears is streaming now on Hulu. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of Season 2.
